Auto show highlights crossover vehicles

DETROIT -- Automakers from around the world will try to catch the wave of rising sales of so-called crossover vehicles when the North American International Auto Show begins at Detroit's Cobo Center this week.

In addition to the usual luxury cars and far-out concept vehicles, the show will mark the debut of as many as a dozen crossovers built by brands ranging from Audi and Ford to Hyundai and Saturn.

Crossover is a catch-all term that applies to any vehicle that has the basic structure of a car but offers more space and utility than the common sedan or coupe. Crossovers frequently look like traditional truck-based SUVs, but they tend to get better fuel economy because of their lighter, less rugged structures.

For DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corp., the new vehicles represent a chance to gain sales at the expense of brands like Honda and Toyota, which have dominated crossover sales since they created the market with the CR-V and RAV 4 in the mid-1990s.

Ford will show its eagerly anticipated 2007 Edge and Lincoln Aviator midsize crossovers.

GM will introduce its new family of midsize crossovers with distinctly different looking models from its Buick, GMC, and Saturn brands. Saturn will call its crossover Outlook, with styling reminiscent of Volkswagen's Touareg. Jeep will probably show a production version of one of its two new compact crossovers.

The sporty Compass borrows its looks from the popular all-wheel-drive World Rally Car racing series. The more traditional-looking Jeep Patriot, which shares an engine and other major parts with the Compass, won't be shown in Detroit.

Both vehicles will be available with the same choice of all- or front-wheel-drive power trains as the Dodge Caliber, which makes its debut as a production vehicle at the show.