Detroit auto show: Google, Camry and the shadow of Trump
DETROIT (AP) — Fresh off a record year for U.S. auto sales, carmakers meet in Detroit next week to show buyers what's coming next — and ponder their own future under a Trump administration.
More than 40 new vehicles will debut at the North American International Auto Show, which is one of the largest shows in the U.S. After record sales of 17.55 million in 2016, U.S. sales of new cars and trucks are expected to cool off a little this year, but demand remains strong.
Trump has criticized Ford, General Motors and Toyota for making vehicles in Mexico and exporting them to the U.S. He is threatening a 35-percent border tax, which could throw the industry into disarray.
[...] automakers are also hopeful that Trump will lower corporate taxes and loosen fuel economy standards and other regulations.
Dubbed Automobili-D, the event will feature booths from more than 100 tech startups, auto suppliers and carmakers with innovations like car seats that can sense when you're drowsy and software that can navigate the car in stop-and-go traffic.
[...] Fields said the move was "a vote of confidence" for Trump, whose promised corporate tax relief could make the U.S. a better place to do business.