Market Shifts to Small, Flashy and Sensible Cars

Automakers have earlier placed their 2007 aces onyear's show was the clutch of E85 flexible fuel SUVs
display at the South Florida International Auto Show.and light trucks at the Chevrolet stand, offering
Regardless of the booming complaints about highestimated city mileage starting about 15 miles per gallon
gasoline prices, fuel-saver vehicles were outshined byand 21 mpg on highways," says Terry McCabe, owner
fast, sensible yet costly gas-guzzlers at the Miamiof a diesel-powered Volkswagen Beetle. Chevrolet
Beach Convention Center. This shift reflects whatflaunted its Aveo, a compact station wagon priced at
American enthusiasts really wanted in a vehicle. Said$14,000. It has a rating of 27/37 mpg in city/highways.
auto show is flocked by luxury and sports vehiclesChevy also displayed its Camaro concept vehicle. The
from BMW, Lexus, Dodge, Hummer, Mercedes-Benzlatter is a streamline version of a muscle car in the
and other auto giants. Dodge Viper and Chevrolet1960s. Hybrids from Toyota, Ford and Honda were
Corvettes also made a big draw. Aficionados lined upalso presented to the audience. These hybrids run on
to take a glimpse of the recent ground-breaking cars.an electric motor and a gasoline-powered engine. They
Dealers, on the other hand, set up cameras so takeare priced from upward of $20,000 to more than
photos of high-end sports cars. Several Miami Beach$42,000. Toyota, Honda and Nissan also displayed their
residents were eyeing all-new Lexus LS460 which iscars that run on gasoline engines. Toyota Yaris, Honda
priced at $64,000. On one hand, other fanatics wereFit and Nissan Versa, also dragged the crowd closer.
fascinated by Chevrolet's fuel-saving vehicles that useLuxurious cars like Porsche Turbo Coupe and BMW
either gasoline or a mixture of gas and ethanol. "People760Li were also deemed stunners of the show. The
don't come to the show to see fuel-efficient cars.former is priced at $147,000, while the latter is made
They come here to see the flashy cars. New at thischeaper at $132,000.