European carmakers sporting their latest models at the North American International Auto Show are hoping to maintain a healthy share of the coveted US market, despite a discouraging 2008 economic forecast.
Some 700,000 people paying for a glimpse of hundreds of the world's innovative concept cars are also eager for an eyeful of the more traditional European models, which over the years have come to be synonymous in the United States with power, agility, luxury and performance.
Carmakers from across the pond however, have diversified beyond the plush interiors and smooth styling of their luxury vehicles and are pushing the verve of their tiny hits, including the Mini and Smart, at the show, which runs here through January 27.
The US car market is vitally important for Europe, especially for Germany's carmakers, where auto industry revenues comprise a sizeable part of the gross domestic product.
Despite the looming US economic downturn, which has been forecast for months, top European carmakers posted banner year figures for 2007, and are hoping to follow up with an equally impressive 2008.
BMW, the most popular European carmaker in the United States, is coming off a triumphant 2007, after earlier this month reporting best-ever annual sales for both its BMW and Mini brands.
The German automaker sold 335,840 vehicles in 2007, an increase of 7.1 percent over the 313,603 vehicles sold in 2006. Company spokesman Marc Hassinger said the company had no plans to stop there.
“We want to grow further,” he said.
Volkswagen is seeking to add a bit of muscle to its image, after unveiling the all-terrain Tiguan in June and the Passat CC. In 2007 the company's US sales were flat at 231,000 cars, and little change was anticipated for 2008.
But Steve Keyes, spokesman for Volkswagen America, said he was “optimistic” about the prognosis for sales growth. “We are pretty confident to sell more cars,” he told AFP.
“We have a momentum to increase sales and market share” which today stands at 1.4 percent, he said
Audi of America also set a US sales record in 2007, with Audi dealers selling 93,506 new vehicles during 2007, up 3.8 percent over 2006.
Marc Trahan, of Audi America, said his company is projecting “moderate growth” and planning to build market share “on the strength of the products.”
“Real growth” he said, is expected in 2009, in large part based on the growing popularity of its new A4 Cabriolet and the arrival of its all terrain Q5.
Mercedes-Benz said Tuesday that the performance of its newest C class line had pushed 2007 sales to a record 1.29 million vehicles despite a slumping domestic market.
Overall sales gained 2.0 percent compared with the figure for 2006, parent company Daimler said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes appeared to be having success with its M-class diesel, which has already snagged a 20 percent share of the market.
“We did not expect that result,” said Herbert Kohler, a company vice-president, who said the car's success is “motivation to go ahead” as the environment and fuel efficiency become increasingly important topics in the United States.
