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Posts Tagged ‘Encore’

On the heels of the recession, global automakers are racing to meet the increased demand for luxury vehicles.  At this week’s Detroit Auto Show, automakers unveiled nearly 2 dozen new luxury models or concept cars, expressing confidence that luxury sales will boom this year.  “We see success…in very direction we look,” said Johan de Nysschen, head of Audi’s American arm.

Luxury cars and trucks — costing over $35,000 —  account for 13% of the U.S. auto market.  While auto sales have increased slowly over the past year, luxury car sales are forecast to grow by more than 10% in 2012, outpacing the rest of the auto market.

In their new luxury car, buyers will expect the latest technology, everything from WiFi internet hotspots to night vision displays to infotainment systems that link over Bluetooth with up to 10 devices simultaneously.  Refinement has replaced raw horsepower with reduction in interior noise reduction taking the lead.

The 2012 Cadillac ATS was the most notable unveiling at the Detroit show this year.  The ATS is an all-new small car that GM wants to take on the world’s most popular luxury sedan – the BMW 3-Series.  BMW also renewed the 3-Series this year with BMW execs confident they can take on any comers.  It appears that the real competition among luxury brands will be in the SUV’s,  which are as popular to luxury seekers in Europe and China  as they are here.  Fuel costs and tough regulations have forced automakers to find ways to power luxury SUVs with smaller, more efficient engines.   The Buick Encore, the U.S. version of the Audi Q3 and a refreshed Acura RDX — all smaller SUV’s with engines less than six cylinders, were revealed this week.  Porsche will join the category with its own small SUV next year called the Cajun.  Even Bentley, the British builder of six-figure sedans, will present its own SUV within a few years.

Another driver behind the return of luxury cars is the rebound of Japanese automakers, following a year of deadly natural disasters  Toyota’s Lexus Division, which lost its spot as the top US luxury brand to BMW in 2011, will introduce nine new or updated models this year. 

2012 promises to be an exciting year in the automotive industry as customers react to new and updated luxury cars, filled with the latest technology.

READ MORE:   http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/detroit-auto-show-2012-luxury-cars-come-back-150033448.html