Hands up for Detroit: Show Wrap

Local media and visiting company CEOs talked up a resurgent auto industry at the Detroit motor show last week, quoting profits for the first time in a long time and announcing thousands more jobs for auto workers.

Even critic of the US government's bail out for the industry, Senator Bob Corker was observed walking around the Cobo Hall looking less chesty this year and particularly friendly at the Volkswagen stand, where 12,000 jobs were announced as part of increased production for the new Passat at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Ford also announced additional jobs at the show: 7000 in total, some of which would be assigned to FoMoCo's interests in Michigan meaning the state would "benefit heavily" according to local media. The brand's Vertrek concept car was popular among showgoers, while the new Explorer was judged North American Truck of the Year (pictured).

Over at GM CEO Mark Reuss told journalists his company was investigating a wage award scheme aimed at rewarding workers for regularly meeting or exceeding quality standards.

The Chevrolet Volt was named Car of the Year but stay tuned for how well Ford's Focus EV does for next year's show awards.

Porsche started the event's proceedings at the crack of dawn with a breakfast and the unveiling of its 918 Spyder RSR -- easily the star of the show and an impressive way to make a comeback to Motor City after a few years without a stand at the event.

Tesla unveiled an offering more likely to appear in garages than its other venture with the Model S sedan. The brand's second model will be made available with a choice of battery packs featuring 180km or longer range travel capacities.

Toyota asked showgoers to contemplate an appropriate collective noun to accommodate its additions to the Prius lineup announced at Detroit… Prii, Prium, tell us yours... The Japanese brand also showed a Prius concept 'c', proving Toyota can make an attractive hybrid runabout.

Its luxury partner's stand wasn't as interesting, however, with a swathe of white cars and something special (again with the LF-A!) stuck in an alcove at the back.

Among other hits and misses, thieves allegedly made off with BMW's 7 Series show car while some brand representatives reportedly complained the schedule was too heavy with almost 20 brands vying for attention from 6am til 8pm. In all, around 30 world market car debuts and 20 North American car unveilings were scheduled for the first media day.

According to the conference card, of all the major auto manufacturers only Volvo arranged a conference for the second day.

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