Volkswagen, Chevy Win The Morning At Auto Show

Benzinga staffers Jason Shubnell and Brent Slava were at the North American International Auto Show this morning. Both found time to hop onto PreMarket Prep to give their instant analysis of the morning's announcements.

Strong Morning For Volkswagen

According to Shubnell, Volkswagen AG (ADR) VLKAY was of the highest interest in the morning. "From an eyeball test alone I would say that was far and away the most crowded of the presentations this morning." he said. 

On top of addressing their recent emissions scandal, which Shubnell said could have been the reason for the huge turnout, Volkswagen also announced that the Beetle Zoom would be in showrooms by the end of the year and that they're hoping to have one SUV in every market segment by the end of the decade. 

Related article: Volkswagen: Regaining America's Trust Is Top Priority

Weak Turnout For Chrysler

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV FCAU fell flat on the other hand, with Slava noting they didn't have too great a response. Though they unveiled a new hybrid car to replace the Town and Country, he said "I wouldn't exactly highlight the turnout there." 

Chevy

Crowd interest was high in GM-owned Chevy however, mostly on the heels of a Bolt EV that looked "brand-spankin new" according to Slava. 

"It was a lot smaller. It looked kind of like a hatchback," said Slava. "Personally I really liked how the Volt looked, so not really sure why the went with a new look here."

Shubnell agreed, saying the front end looked a little too compact for him. 

New Players

Besides the usual suspects, surprise appearances from Delta Air Lines, Inc DAL and Apple Inc. APPL piqued Slava's interests. Delta had a "huge booth," and Slava noted that both Chrylser and Chevy specifically mentioned having Apple software in their cars.