Going global in New York

Comments at show point to the world market that US automakers must confront

By Royal Ford  |  April 15, 2007

NEW YORK -- At a press conference here during the 2007 New York International Auto Show, General Motors Corp. chairman Bob Lutz was clearly thinking internationally. Lutz peppered his remarks with the words "global" and "world."

Later, at lunch with journalists, Lutz said the press needs to stop looking at American auto builders as being focused solely on the US market. As he pointed out, General Motors sells more than half of what it builds overseas, and with the economies of China, India, and other countries expanding rapidly, overseas markets for domestic car companies are likely to grow.

But those markets are also likely to favor smaller cars with fit, finish, and pizzazz. Here in the United States, many consumers continue to be ready to pay more for big cars -- even those big cars that are of lesser quality.

With that in mind, here are some of my favorites from the New York auto show, which closes today, starting with three Chevrolet concept cars Lutz introduced as the "triplets."

Chevrolet has built a similar vehicle in its HHR, and Honda has, too, with the Element. And yet, with its big doors, easy entry, and utilitarian stance, I could easily see the Trax appealing to those of us of a certain age, as well as to younger buyers looking to find a different groove.

Like the other two triplets, this one comes out of GM's Korean design studio, but the Beat is not distinct enough from, say, Toyota's Matrix, to make it stand out in the crowd.

This is just an ugly version of the HHR. Forget triplets, just settle for twins and never let this thing point its blunt nose into the wind.

A beefier Honda Element. It sits low, has great access, and is far safer than the truck-based SUVs of old. And you can pack as many as seven folks aboard.

Coming in midsummer, with aftermarket relations likely to keep the price sky-high compared to "civilian" Zs. This will be a car for the performance artist.

Here's a company that had to build up rather than down as the crossover wave rolled ashore. Gone is the fish-mouth grille that people either loved or hated (I loved it, and was in the minority). Remaining are the aircraft-like slats that define the car's proboscis.

Give it just two doors, 330 horsepower, and -- as an option -- a six-speed manual transmission. This car will be the understatement of the 2008 model year.

This looks sedate in its regular form, but somewhat tougher as a WRX Sti with an air-sucking hood scoop. But have the bold edges that defined the previous version been smoothed out too much?

This is a car that needed its edges smoothed, and it has emerged a sleeker, better-looking vehicle. Toyota still calls it an SUV; I still call it a crossover.

I suppose I could ask why this latest Lexus is necessary, but that's a question you might ask about any vehicle. Does the world need another eight-passenger luxury box? Watch the summer traffic from Manhattan to The Hamptons, or from Boston to the Vineyard ferry, and you'll have the answer.

I drove this in its hatchback configuration and loved it. Suzuki is a company to watch because it is building fun cars at reasonable prices.

Royal Ford can be reached at ford@globe.com.