3 trends emerge at auto show

Associated Press

DETROIT

Beyond the usual hype at the Detroit auto show, automakers have plenty to crow about this year: U.S. sales are the highest since 2008, and they’re expected to keep growing. Buyers are being lured by cheap loans and an improving economy.

The timing is perfect for automakers to unveil more than 40 new cars and trucks this month at the industry’s annual trade show in Detroit. Though there will be a few wild concept cars, such as a tiny pickup from Smart, there will also be many models that will go on sale this year.

Carmakers, feeling buoyant about their prospects for 2012, will try to outdo each other with lights, music and models to generate buzz among the show’s 750,000 expected visitors.

Here are three trends to look for when the show opens to the public Saturday: Fuel-efficient cars with more style and safety features; trendy subcompacts for younger buyers; and small luxury sedans.

Smaller but stylish: Gas prices have dropped from their $4 peak last spring but remain high. People looking for a more efficient car will have plenty of choices among midsize sedans and compacts.

Being efficient doesn’t mean these cars will be stripped down. They’ll be loaded with gadgets to win customers. Midsize and compact are nearly tied as the largest segment in the U.S., and combined they make up more than 40 percent of the nation’s sales.

Downsized luxury: Luxury-car sales grew just 2.8 percent compared with 10-percent growth for the industry as a whole, according to Autodata Corp. But an improving economy and a slew of new cars could turn that around, especially since many of those new models are less expensive, small sedans.

Mad for Millennials: Millennials — the 70 million people born between 1981 and 2000 — are a growing force. Like buyers from the past, Millennials will start out with small, more affordable cars. But unlike earlier generations, they expect luxury and connectivity, automakers say.