Automakers again tout small cars at Detroit auto show

DETROIT (AP) — A new Prius wagon, a small Ford minivan and a Volkswagen sedan won't be the sexiest cars at the Detroit auto show. But car makers are counting on them being winners this year if more buyers start choosing small size and fuel efficiency over horsepower and heft.

The show, which opens to the public Jan. 15, was known for over-the-top stunts and out-there concept cars in its pre-recession days.

In 2006, Chrysler drove a Jeep through a plate-glass window; the next year, a Chinese automaker revealed a concept car with shag carpeting and wheels that ran down its middle.

There will still be eye-popping cars on display. Porsche has promised something "spectacular." There also will be some new concepts, such as a Kia crossover with swiveling rear seats and side doors that hinge on the roof, like a DeLorean sports car.

But the industry was sobered by the economic crisis, and it's betting buyers were, too, especially with gas prices and U.S. fuel economy standards rising.

There's no guarantee Americans will scale back on size. In fact, after touting downsized cars and electric vehicles at last year's show, the industry saw trucks and SUVs outsell cars during 2010.