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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.
The German manufacturer has unveiled two BlueTEC hybrid E-Class models at the Detroit motor show.
The Mercedes-Benz E300 diesel is claimed to achieve economy of 4.2L/100km and will be released mid-year in Europe. McCarthy says we are likely to get the car, but not this year.
The other is the E400 V6 petrol model with 6L/100km. It will be released in the US first in mid-year, but is unlikely to come down under, says McCarthy.
The E300 is powered by a 150kW/500Nm four-cylinder engine with an electric motor producing 20kW of power and 249Nm of torque.
The more powerful E400 produces 225kW and 379Nm, but McCarthy says the fuel economy advantage over the E250CDI does not warrant its inclusion in the Australian line-up.
Both models feature stop-start and a "sailing" function which switches off the combustion engine while cruising along the highway at a steady speed.
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