The venue – the new Cobo Conference Center atrium, lit by a four-storey glass window overlooking the Detroit River. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James FassingerJohn Mendel of Honda establishes a pattern for the day – men in suits standing in front of cars and pictures of cars – as he introduces the new 2015 Honda Fit. Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty ImagesOf course, the men in suits are not doing the actual unveiling. This is from the BMW stand … Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger… as is this. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James FassingerA Corvette, sans distractions. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The GuardianBack to the men in suits. Here, executive chairman Bill Ford introduces Ford's new advertising slogan. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/APPhotograph: Carlos Osorio/APFord group vice president Raj Nair introduces the new F-150 pickup, which weighs 700lbs less than the current model. Photograph: Tannen Maury/EPAPhotograph: TANNEN MAURY/EPAAlan Mulally, Ford president and CEO, executive chairman Bill Ford and COO Mark Fields are dwarfed by the F-150. Photograph: Carlos Osorio/APPhotograph: Carlos Osorio/APThe view from backstage. Car, lady, men in suits. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The GuardianThis is a concept car – the Kia GT4 Stinger. Hence, perhaps, the absence of a man in suit. Or a lady in a jumpsuit. Photograph: Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty ImagesA 'detailer' attends to a detail of the Volvo XC Coupe – another concept car. Photograph: Rebecca Cook/ReutersPhotograph: REBECCA COOK/REUTERSOne more concept car – the very orange Nissan Sports Sedan. Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty ImagesInteriors and add-ons are on display too … Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The Guardian…as are some slightly bigger computers. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The GuardianMercedes attempt something a little different with their 'lady next to car' display. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The GuardianBut finally, what it's really all about … some serious car. Photograph: James Fassinger for the GuardianPhotograph: James Fassinger/The Guardian
