FCA moves, GAC arrives, in Detroit

This year, Chinese automaker GAC will have a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show — and FCA won’t.

Chrysler is, instead, presenting at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) before the Detroit event, as several outlets have reported. Most expect the brand to show off their Google joint-venture Pacificas, while some expect full-electric Pacificas.

The Detroit show, officially North American International Auto Show,  will only have one day of press conferences by automakers this year, which is unusual. The second day is largely taken up by suppliers.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Mopar will still have displays — in the far right corner, behind Ford. Toyota is also parked in the back of the hall, with a similar amount of space.  Four suppliers — Aisin, Michelin, ZF, and Denso — are also along the back wall. GM, like Ford, has taken a prime spot in front, but made a symbolic point by putting Buick and Cadillac with luxury brands, away from the main GM areas.

FCA has placed Alfa Romeo as far from Dodge and Chrysler (and Fiat) as possible; Alfa will have a very small section bordering Audi, Lincoln, and Genesis.

The show will have some unusual displays on the main floor: Voltron, Brembo, Pixar, GAC, Indycar, and VLF.