Another dispatch from the front -- NAIAS Day 2

I'm back in my hotel room after another very full day of activity at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Michigan.

Today was a little less hectic than yesterday on the SUV front, but there was still some big news. Lincoln revealed a new crossover vehicle, the MKT -- that's a picture of it hanging on a display wall, like a piece of artwork. General Motors announced plans to manufacture lithium ion batteries in North America. And a fleet of Saturn Vue Hybrids set off on a convoy to Washington, DC via college campuses to deliver a message to President-elect Obama and to help out with transportation for dignitaries at the inauguration.

I spent part of the day interviewing General Motors executives.

I had a one-on-one interview with James Taylor, CEO of HUMMER. He was very forthcoming about the state of the company and the search for investors to take over the brand.

I then spoke with Bryan Nesbitt, Vice President of GMNA Design. We discussed the intersection of design and engineering, and ways in which communication between the disciplines influence new products.

My final interview today was with Chris Meagher, Chief Engineer on the Ecotec engine. He explained how gasoline direct injection works, and how controls have evolved to make the technology possible.

Later in the day, I was treated to a tour of the OnStar Command Center, which was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the GM communications system.

I return home tomorrow morning (weather permitting), and I'll dive into my notes, recordings, photographs and materials to develop articles and photo galleries to bring all the great information to you. It's been a great trip, and I have to thank the GM Social Media folks for bringing me out to the NAIAS and for all their help during my stay.

Photo © Jason Fogelson