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- 2011 North American International Auto Show
After the depressingly somber show last year, the 2011 NAIAS opened with a cautiously optimistic outlook from many manufacturers. Chrysler attracted much attention with its redesigned 300 and 200 sedans, while the new Dodge Durango is a complete break from its truck-based predecessor. BMW revealed a new 1-Series M coupe, now the best performance value in its lineup. Audi unveiled a new A6, available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time. The new Passat from VW is its latest attempt to appeal to more American family sedan customers. From Mercedes-Benz came the SLS AMG E-cell sports car, and Porsche showed off the 918 RSR coupe, visions of future supercars from Germany. The Chevrolet Volt is a sign of GM's resurgence as a technological leader among hybrid vehicles. Ford brought over the C-Max from its Europe as an affordable and fuel-efficient minivan. The new Focus Electric is a Ford's entry into the nascent battery-powered vehicle segment pioneered by the Nissan Leaf. Toyota expanded Prius into a sub-brand, with the introduction of a mini-wagon and a Prius-c concept car. As a reflection of the current economic climate, the NAIAS has become more consumer-focused than in the past, finally aligning this auto show with the needs of the car-buying public.