New Year's Resolution.(trade shows of automobile industry)(Column)

Byline: KC Crain

It's funny how crowded gyms are this time of year. We all come to the new year with a list of resolutions that we are definitely going to stick to this go-round. By the time March comes, it's back to the usual. Let's face it, New Year's resolutions are tough. There is a reason you didn't keep them the year before. If they were easy, you wouldn't have to resolve to do them.

There are always the go-to resolutions. Eat better, wake up early to exercise, basically take better care of yourself. At least, those were the typical responses when I asked friends and family.

What if we asked the automakers the same question?

I was thinking about this as we approach the North American International Auto Show. The Detroit show has become absolutely huge, in both size and importance. There will be more significant unveilings and introductions here than at any other show in the world-the perfect display of automakers' resolutions.

We can expect to see more powertrain varieties providing longer range, new fuel alternatives producing less emissions and lighter, more ...