The Detroit motor show traditionally kick-starts the car launch season, with manufacturers using it to promote the biggest launches for the year ahead.
This year is no different, with more than 50 launches taking place by the 54 car maker sin attendence.
Confirmed highlights among the future production cars include the new hot BMW Z4, Buick Regal GS, the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and new flagship saloon, the Ford Mustang and the Mercedes E-class cabrio.
There are also some exciting concept cars, which hint at how future models will look or new technology. These include the electric BMW 1-series, Fiat 500 and Volvo C30, Mini Beachcomber and a Toyota hybrid concept.
Although there's been no official word on the cars yet, Ford has previously said it will unveil its American market Ford Focus at the show, the wraps will come off the Honda CR-Z sports hybrid and big-hitters Audi, Mercedes and VW are all reported to be readying significant launches.
The show - which has run since 1907 - will also provide a key barometer of the local and global car industry's health - one year ago General Motors and Chrysler were on their knees, having received a £11.4 billion bailout from the Government.
Keep checking back to our preview for the latest launch news.
Detroit motor show preview stories
Detroit motor show: Hot BMW Z4Detroit motor show: BMW electric 1-seriesDetroit motor show: Buick Regal GSDetroit motor show: Cadillac CTS-V CoupeDetroit motor show: Cadillac's new flagship saloonDetroit motor show: Chevrolet Aveo RSDetroit motor show: Chrysler 300CDetroit motor show: electric Fiat 500New Ford Focus revealedDetroit motor show: Ford Mustang V8Detroit motor show: Hyundai Blue-WillDetroit motor show: Jeep specialsDetroit motor show: Mercedes E-class cabrioDetroit motor show: Mini BeachcomberDetroit motor show: Toyota hybrid conceptDetroit motor show: electric Volvo C30
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Re: Detroit motor show preview
Looking forward to seeing the new Focus - surely the 'American' version won't be too unlike the European one - it's meant to be a global car like the Fiesta, after all. Honda CRZ should be interesting too, and I wonder what VW will show us. It'd be good to see a production version of the Up! but I doubt it'll happen. There are always a few surprises too so I'll be looking forward to whatever springs up. Wonder if it'll be as depressing as last year with Chrysler and their bargain-basement show stand, and the general lack of lighting!! :-s