Boston Herald in Education provides free newspapers and curriculum to schools through sponsor and reader donations.

Front Page Talking Points

FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 12, 2009

The Auto Show goes on in Detroit -- with signs of changing times

frontpageactionpoints.gif

1.gifCompanies and workers that build cars are in the news a lot these days. Find a report about December sales, federal help for auto makers and proposals aimed at making it easier to buy or lease vehicles.

2.gifThe U.S. auto makers' fate affects people and places nationwide. Look for coverage that localizes the economic pressures on GM, Chrysler and Ford.

3.gifThe Detroit show is a reminder that stylish, snazzy new vehicles are in the works. Clip or print a photo of one that you'd be proud to drive . . . and tell why.

Detroit's best-known annual event, the North American International Auto Show, offers media previews this week as a stage-setters for the public run from Jan. 17-25. For a struggling industry that faces severe changes, this is a high-profile chance to show car buyers, national lawmakers an up to 6,000 journalists why American automakers deserve support.

"Welcome to the first Detroit auto show in the bailout era," Automotive News says under the headline "Glitz on a shoestring." Tough times clearly reshape the event. Nissan and six other foreign carmakers - Ferrari, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Suzuki - are staying away to save money. Other manufacturers have scaled back displays and promotional activities - such as news media parties traditionally hosted by GM, Chrysler and Toyota.

Futuristic concept cars and snazzy street vehicles usually get the most attention. For 2009, the focus is on thrifty alternative fuel models - including as a Fusion Hybrid that Ford describes as the most fuel efficient mid-size car, a redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid and a 2009 Honda Insight hybrid sedan.
Toyota also will introduce a small all-electric concept vehicle and a tiny startup called Fisker Automotive is bringing a plug-in hybrid sports car called the Karma that's still in development.

Dealer says: "All automakers are fighting for survival and because of that, it makes sense to get back to the basics." - Joe Serra, co-chairman of the show and an auto dealer in Grand Blanc, Mich.

Manufacturer says: "Less glitz and no giveaways. These are unfortunate but necessary steps to help return Chrysler to a solid footing. Our press event this year will be more straightforward, reflecting our need to run more efficiently during a tough environment." - Rick Deneau, Chrysler executive, announcing elimination of free lunches and open-bar party

Newcomers from China: Two Chinese auto manufacturers, BYD and Brilliance, are making their first appearance on the main show floor.

Front Page Talking Points is written by Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024

Front Page Talking Points Archive

Tricky balance: Supreme Court tries to keep law and politics separate this election year
Here's why SAT and ACT exams are back on more students' college paths
Congress moves toward TikTok forced sale or ban for national security reasons
Swift and sleek: Amtrak is closer to saying 'all aboard' for a new era of high-speed rail travel
New era in space: Flying to the moon is a business for private companies now
Presidential campaign remark about NATO fuels discussion of military alliance's role
Museums across U.S. scramble to make amends for collecting that sometimes was looting
Script handwriting isn't gone -- more states now require school penmanship lessons
Teen use of nicotine patches – also known as Zyns, lip cushions or gum pillows – spurs warnings
Airline safety draws new attention after midair cabin hole scare for passengers
Click her to browse the complete archive

Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.

©2024 Boston Herald in Education and Online Publications Inc. and NIEonline.com