>> The Hyundai Elantra edged out the Ford Focus and Volkwagen Passat Monday to win the 2012 North American Car of the Year award. Hyundai sold more than 186,000 Elantras last year, nearly a 41 percent increase over 2010. The Elantra, which starts at $16,445, gets an estimated 33 mpg.
>> The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque won the North American Truck of the Year, beating the BMW X3 and Honda CR-V. The Evoque, which starts at $43,995, gets an estimated 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway.
DETROIT — 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 as they unveil more than 40 new cars and trucks at the industry's annual trade show in Detroit, which hosts media previews this week and opens to the public on Saturday.
Here are three trends that will be on display at the North American International Auto Show:
Fuel-efficient cars with more style and safety features
People looking for a more fuel-efficient car will have plenty of choices among midsize sedans and compacts loaded with gadgets to win customers in these fiercely competitive car segments.
Ford is unveiling a redone version of its top-selling Fusion midsize sedan. The new model, which goes on sale this fall, will feature a sharper, more chiseled design and a warning system to alert drivers when they drift into another lane. It's the first time such a system has been on a non-luxury car, Ford says.
Honda will unveil a new Accord coupe, and both cars will compete with Chevrolet's new Malibu sedan, which goes on sale this spring. With better fuel economy, improved styling and new features, the three cars hope to steal sales from Toyota's Camry, the perennial leader among midsize sedans.
The smaller cars will include the Dodge Dart, which is the first car jointly designed by Chrysler and its Italian owner, Fiat SpA. The Dart's name is borrowed from a hot-selling compact introduced in 1960. It's Chrysler's latest effort to launch a strong competitor in small cars, a segment where it normally falls short. The Dart will heat up an already competitive market that includes the new Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic.
Small luxury sedans
New luxury models — many of them less expensive, small sedans — could give sales a boost. Cadillac, BMW and Acura all plan to unveil new small cars. Hyundai will launch a new Genesis Coupe, aiming for luxury buyers who want to spend less.
Ford's Lincoln brand, which is being overhauled, will give a big hint about its new direction with a concept version of the MKZ midsize car. But the most striking luxury model may be at the Lexus stand, which will display the swooping LF-LC hybrid sports car concept.
Trendy subcompacts for younger buyers
To appeal to younger buyers who expect luxury and connectivity even in small, more affordable cars, automakers will feature subcompacts with perks like leather seats, ambient lighting, and easy connections to cellphone applications like Pandora.
Subcompacts unveiled at the show will include Toyota's new Prius C hybrid, the Mini Roadster convertible, the sporty Chevrolet Sonic RS and a turbocharged version of the new Hyundai Veloster. Smart will debut the For-Us concept, an electric pickup truck that is so tiny it could fit in the bed of a regular truck.
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