Chicago Auto Show

Kia’s New Compact Sedan Makes its Debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show

On the heels of announcing the widely acclaimed, all-new Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) compact sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Forte blends Kia’s exciting new design direction under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, with a multitude of standard features. The 2010 Kia Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.

2010 Kia Forte: Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX)

2010 Kia Forte Highlights:
- Kia Motors debuts sporty and fuel-efficient compact sedan

Background:
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. 2009 marks the 101st edition of the Chicago Auto Show..

This Year:
Multiple world and North American introductions. Complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles. Numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project, antique and collector cars.

Luxury utility vehicle and luxury sedan receive exclusive package for the first time

February 6, 2008 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today introduced the Lexus Pebble Beach Collection of vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. The RX 350 luxury utility vehicle and ES 350 luxury sedan will receive Pebble Beach Edition packages for the first time, extending a relationship with Pebble Beach Company that began in 2003 and has since produced an SC 430 Pebble Beach special edition luxury hardtop convertible every year.

2008 Lexus RX-350 Pebble Beach Edition

February 6, 2008 - Chicago, IL - The Toyota 1/X concept vehicle made its North American debut today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Developed by Toyota Motor Corporation, the Toyota 1/X compact hybrid offers a glimpse into the next era of automotive technological design. The Toyota 1/X redefines from its very roots the idea of what it means to be environmentally considerate.

Toyota 1/X Concept

Pronounced 1/Xth, the name is derived from its vehicle mass, fuel consumption and emissions output, each totaling a fraction of that of other vehicles in its class.

GM and International Academy of Design and Technology kick off 2008 GM Student Design Competition at the Chicago Auto Show

2008-02-08, CHICAGO – Today a group of young fashion designers will take a sneak peek at General Motors’ new production vehicles and concept cars at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as GM and the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) kick off their sixth year as partners in the annual GM Student Design Competition.

Themed “Couture to the People,” more than 50 IADT fashion design students will visit the GM exhibit on February 8, during the first public day of the Chicago Auto Show. As they walk the GM exhibit, located in the McCormick Place North Hall, they will begin sketching garment designs inspired by five featured GM vehicles.

Hyundai i-Blue Fuel Cell Concept reveals third-generation fuel cell technology

Chicago, 02/06/2008 -- Hyundai’s new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), debuted in North America at the 100th edition of the Chicago Auto Show today. Developed at Hyundai’s Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue concept illustrates the design direction for a future FCEV production model.

Hyundai i-Blue Fuel Cell Concept

The all-new i-Blue platform features Hyundai’s third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea.

BMW of North America to partner with Rahal Letterman Racing for 2009 season

Chicago, IL/Woodcliff Lake, NJ, February 6, 2008 -- BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

2009 BMW M3: BMW returns to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2009 with the latest generation BMW M3

European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan

Chicago, 06 February 2008 - Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Volkswagen Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

2009 Volkswagen Routan

Chicago, 02/06/2008 -- Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the refreshed 2009 Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting even more horsepower and improved fuel economy. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is now on sale at Hyundai dealerships.

2009 Hyundai Sonata

AUBURN HILLS, MI., February 6, 2008 – Audi of America Inc. today announced the debut of the 2008 A4 Special Edition at the Chicago Auto Show. The new configuration was created for customers wanting a thoroughly modern German luxury sport sedan with more exterior appeal and attractive packaging. This adds to the popular S line exterior bumpers and grille introduced as standard features on the A4 for the 2008 model year, which include a sportier front bumper and grille design, lower side door flares, and integrated rear trunk lid spoiler.

2008 Audi A4 Special Edition