Gas vs green at Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show has opened with car companies trying to balance
their top selling SUVs with greener technology.

Consumer demand, driven by lower gas prices, has increased the sale of
large vehicles.

It means plug-in technology is taking a back seat.

Nick Harper reports from Detroit.

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TAKE VO
It's not the oldest or the biggest US car show. But it's the best known.
Detroit is the place the auto makers want to be - to reveal their
latest models and showcase their concept cars of the future.
2017 shows car companies are being stretched in two directions, in the
battle of gas versus green.
TAKE VO
Car companies are trying to push the plug ins.
But, with gas prices remaining low, consumer demand is all about SUVs
and pickups - together they accounted for almost 60% of US sales last
year.
TAKE VO
Nissan knows that. That's why its bringing its popular European
Qashqai to the US for the first time, rebranded as the Rogue Sport.
It hopes this SUV can capitalize on that consumer demand.
Here's Nissan's Senior VP for Sales & Marketing, Christian Meunier.

SOT - Meunier

TAKE VO
Ford's strategy is similar. It's also relying on the power of
nostalgia, announcing on Monday it was bringing back it classic Ranger
pick up and Bronco SUV.
Then there are the companies who are betting on crossovers - vehicles
built on a car platform but combining features of the SUV.
Audi's new SQ5 and Q8 both fit that bill.
Audi's Vice President for Product Management, Filip Brabec.

SOT - Brabec

TAKE VO
Audi's parent company Volkswagen is still unable to clear the air over
its emissions test scandal.
On Detroit's opening day US authorities charges Volkswagen executive,
Oliver Schmidt in Miami, Florida.
He allegedly knew about the plan to deceive regulators using software
in VW's diesel cars.
The cover-up's already cost the company at least $11bn dollars in buy
backs, compensation and fines, and could rise as high as $20 bn
dollars.
Jennifer Vuong from Automotive News doesn't think it's a problem
that's going away.

SOT - Vuong

TAKE VO
For car companies, the road ahead looks difficult to navigate. For now
they're clearly hedging their bets - hoping prices at the pumps remain
low enough to encourage sales of the gas-guzzlers. But knowing they
need to prepare for the day when electric plug ins will be the way
forward.
SOC


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