Six Major Carmakers Absent At Detroit Auto Show

January 13, 2009 4:44 a.m. EST

Detroit, MI (AHN) - Flashy cars took a backseat in the North American International Auto Show. What caught the attention of visitors was the announcement by General Motors of its plan to produce lithium-ion battery packs for its 2011 Chevrolet Volt model.

The Volt is GM's plug-in electric hybrid which motoring enthusiasts have been anticipating. The lithium-ion battery packs, to be produced in a facility GM will likely build in Michigan, will become a competitive advantage to General Motors and critical to its success, GM chairman and chief executive Richard Wagoner Jr. said.

Until the plant is built, likely to be funded by the bailout funds the auto making industry has requested from the federal government, parts of the battery pack will be made in South Korea by GM's partner LG Chem.

U.S. carmakers emphasized the need for battery technology to be developed locally and supported by state funds, the way the governments and auto industries of Japan, China and South Korea did. Japan provided the initial funds for the Panasonic EV, while China gave free electricity and equipment to battery plants.

The recession has taken its toll on the auto show with the absence of six carmakers. These are Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. The extra space allocated for the six provided sufficient area to build a one-half mile landscaped test track in the basement of Cobo Center, with trees and a waterfall.

Joe Serra, senior co-chairman of the car show, told USA Today some confirmed car manufacturers canceled, which will have domino effect on accommodation, transportation and dining businesses in the area.