Wednesday, January 24, 2007 · Page 14 Auto show finishes with a flourish BY BILL GAY The North American International Auto Show closed its doors last Sunday, and while the numbers may not be all the organizers anticipated, most observers say it was a great showing for the industry. Media from 62 countries came to the preview prior to the public showing. Bob Thibodeau, NAIAS co-chair, said the public attendance figures increased every day. He and his committee are pushing for Cobo Centre to add additional space as the show continues to grow. He suggests that this be accomplished by operating the venue by a regional authority. NAIAS was a great show for Detroit's Big Three automakers. GM received great attention for its Chevy Volt, an electric concept car that runs on both household electricity and gasoline. This car is considered to be four years away from the market, pending mass production of a suitable battery. The number one automaker also received media attention for the new Cadillac CTS with its interior improvements. The return of the Camaro to production is also widely anticipated by the automotive press. This year's show could be labeled as the return of the mid-size car. Chrysler's entry in this field, the Dodge Avenger, will be assembled in Sterling Heights, which also turns out the new Chrysler Sebring, soon to include a convertible in its line-up. Daimler Chrysler also announced the minivan segment it has dominated for 23 years will be bolstered by a new Dodge Caravan in 2008 featuring swiveling second row seats and a table. All told, the Caravan boasts 35 improvements for the new model that goes on sale this September. Ford's concept car, the Interceptor, was one of the most talked about vehicles the show. The at Interceptor, a four-door coupe, is what Ford calls a celebration of the North American muscle car and the sporty elegance of 60's Ford sedans. Ford is also introducing the Lincoln MKR concept, Photo: George Bedford Ford's concept car, the Interceptor, was one of the most talked about vehicles at the North American International Auto Show. a premium four-door coupe that the CAW hopes will be assembled in Oakville. The MKR boasts 415 horsepower and 400 pounds of torque running on ethanol. The NAIAS also featured the first full display by the Chinese auto industry, which could become a growing competitor in the future. Essex County Council Notes BY DANIEL SCHWAB Council to meet publicly twice a month In an effort to provide greater transparency to the public, county council announced during its meeting Jan. 17 that it would be eliminating committee meetings and will instead hold two public meetings per month. Previously, council held committee meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, followed by a meeting open to the public two weeks later. Now, committee meetings will be replaced by a second public meeting held in its time slot. Both meetings will be held at the traditional location, the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Fairview Avenue at 7 p.m. Fixing Puce Bridge Council passed a recommendation from Chief Administrative Officer Brian Gregg to apply for provincial funding to repair the Puce Bridge on County Road 46 in Lakeshore. for the bridge is $541,000. The condition of the bridge was reviewed a couple years ago when it was determined that it was in need of structural repairs, Gregg said. The Rural Infrastructure Investment Initiative pro- Exchange student speaks at Rotary Club meeting Rotary Exchange Student Evita Gonzalez, second from left, is seen here with her host sisters, Dana and Amy Bjorkman, and Virginia Hyland at the Rotary Club of Essex meeting on Monday, Jan. 15. Evita gave an interesting slide presentation about her home city of Mérida, Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula. Evita is attending Essex District High School and has been staying with host parents, Brian and Rina Hyland and Stephan and Mary-Anne Bjorkman. Anyone interested in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program can call 519776-7723. Puce Bridge The province has $70 million to dish out under the Rural Infrastructure Investment Initiative, Gregg said. The estimated cost of repairs 169 IRWIN AVE. Phone: 776-8699 Ages 3 Months - 12 Years Quality Child Care with a Before/After School Age Program. gram is available to construction-ready projects only. Gregg said county administration also considered repairing the bridge over the Belle River near County Road 42 and County Road 27, but the Puce bridge was determined to be a higher priority. Council opposes provincial long-term care bill Warden Nelson Santos said council would be supporting the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Hrs. 6:00 am - 6:00 pm CORN - PELLET - GRAIN HEAT YOUR HOME FOR APPROX. $100.00 PER MONTH! 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