DETROIT -- This year’s North American International Auto Show media preview opened with the Detroit Three reigning supreme in coveted categories, perhaps fueling hopes of once again being known as members of The Big Three.

It could be said General Motors and Ford Motor Company are a bit ahead on that pathway back to dominance with the Chevrolet Volt winning North American Car of the Year and Ford’s new Explorer winning North American Truck of the Year. 

However, those are the vehicles you’ve heard of.  Ford and GM unveiled new items hoping to pack consumers into showrooms in the near future with offerings that push the frontier in green technology and aim at younger audiences. 

In an impressive digital stage display in downtown Detroit’s Cobo Arena, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. showed off three new hybrids including the C-MAX Hybrid, C-Max Energi and the Ford Focus Electric.

General Motors’ brand Buick introduced the new Verano; complete with a 2.4-liter engine helping to deliver almost 22 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway. 

Officials over at Chevrolet showed off the new Sonic; a replacement for the Aveo.  Chrysler joined the mix of innovation as well with a redesigned version of the Chrysler 300 and displayed the Chrysler 200.

The North American International Auto Show opens to the public on January 15. 

*Click on the video link for an up-close look at Buick’s brand new Verano.