_0.jpg)
The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.
Cadillac failed to find a foothold in Australia but is still chasing fresh friends in the USA, and to that end will unveil the all-new compact ATS at the Detroit motor show.
The ATS is a potential rival to the BMW 3 Series and the seriousness of Cadillac's effort - in contrast to Australia, where the plug was pulled before the first cars arrived in 2008 - is reflected in the intensive testing the car has had at the Nurburgring course in Germany.
The rear-wheel drive ATS will be built in Detroit alongside Cadillac's most recent success, the mid-sized CTS that is built as a coupe, sedan and wagon including HSV-style V-Series performance models.
While the ATS headlines for General Motors at home, the Detroit show will also see Chevrolet presenting a sporty RS version of the Sonic that's sold in Australia as a Barina.
There will also be concept cars from GM's advanced styling studio in California, but they are secret until the show opens on Monday in the USA.
