Chrysler 700C minivan concept

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.

Chrysler claims credit for originally creating the class back in the 1980s, and this time around its thinking is reflected in a concept car called the  700C. 

It shares its nameline with the existing 300C and 200 passenger cars, but takes things to a whole new level. 

The 700C is a giant concept car with much more radical styling than  anything currently in the class - and since the 'giant egg' Toyota Tarago - with the focus on a wedgy look with more car-like design cues than most big boxes. 

It has electric sliding doors on both sides, big alloy wheels and a front-wheel drive mechanical package. 

But Chrysler says nothing about the 700C, not even including the concept in its opening-day press presentation. 

More information could emerge on the second day of the Detroit show, but right now its unveiling is so low-key - it was just wheeled onto the Chryler stand without any fanfare - that there is nothing in the official press package handed to journalists today.