Detroit motor show 2011 - Introduction

It maybe cold and wintry in Detroit, but this year the air is tinged with optimism not felt about the car industry – and especially the American car industry – for some years.

This year’s NAIAS Detroit motor show kicks off in the wake of the recently released 2010 US car sales figures, which make for great reading. Sales were up 11% year-on-year, halting a four-year run of declining sales. Predictions for the year ahead are cautious but positive, with more growth expected.

Leading that growth will be a variety of car launches, ranging from the all-new Audi A6 and face-lifted Mercedes C-Class through to near-production-ready concepts such as the Mini Paceman, and cutting-edge vehicles such as the electric Ford Focus.

We're live from Detroit
Our team of reporters is at the show, sending through live updates. Click on the links on the left to follow all the major launches, keeping up to date with the latest information by clicking F5 and refreshing your browser.