On the evening of January 20, 2025 at 7 p.m., the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, which lasted for 11 days, came to a close. The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the “North American International Auto Show,” shifted its focus this year from the accelerating trend of electric vehicles in previous years to a closer examination of consumer preferences.
Despite a slightly smaller scale, the “Detroit Big Three” – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis – remained the main attractions of the exhibition. Ford, in particular, made a bold statement by emphasizing customer “freedom of choice.”
Mike Levine, Ford North America Communications Manager, pointed out that not everyone is ready or able to purchase an electric vehicle. Some people live in apartments, some areas lack convenient charging infrastructure, and some consumers simply prefer traditional powertrains. “Therefore, we will continue to provide customers with the freedom to choose, whether they need internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or fully electric vehicles,” Levine said.
The Ford F-Series pickup trucks have long been beloved by American consumers, with the F-150 holding the title of the best-selling pickup truck in the United States for 48 consecutive years and the top-selling vehicle overall for the past 43 years.
John Walawender, Brand Manager of Ford F-150, presented the various models available to consumers: “Our F-150 lineup includes all types: internal combustion engine, hybrid, and our F-150 Lightning is fully electric. We hope to empower customers to choose the powertrain system that best suits their needs.”
In recent years, the Ford F-150 Tremor off-road variant has garnered significant attention in the market. Walawender highlighted the performance of this model, stating, “The F-150 Tremor comes with a standard 5-liter V8 engine, capable of towing up to 12,900 pounds, making it suitable for towing trailers, boats, or snowmobiles with ease. Whether for work or adventure, the Tremor delivers outstanding performance.”
Derek Perry, City Manager of Marshall City, Michigan, shared why he opted for the F-150 Tremor: “I enjoy off-roading in the forests of Northern Michigan, camping, and pulling a small adventure trailer. The F-150 Tremor is the ideal choice for me.”
For consumers seeking smaller and more affordable options, the Ford Maverick Hybrid compact pickup truck offers great value. The Maverick’s exceptional fuel efficiency and strong hauling capabilities have appealed to younger demographics.
A young visitor to the Detroit Auto Show expressed his admiration for the Maverick: “The Maverick is really great. It’s smaller, more fuel-efficient, and fits better in my small garage compared to the F-150.”
Electric vehicle (EV) sales continued to decline in 2024. In October 2024, both General Motors and Ford announced the suspension of electric vehicle production.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a speech at the Detroit Auto Show, stating, “We don’t care whether you choose an internal combustion engine, hybrid, or electric vehicle. What matters to us is whether it is manufactured by Michigan workers in the state of Michigan.”
Governor Whitmer’s speech seemed to echo Ford’s theme of “freedom of choice” at the show.