DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit auto show has opened its doors to the public after a week of introducing new models to reporters from around the globe.

The new Corvette was a big hit Saturday. Car companies are unveiling 59 new vehicles and concepts. That's up from 41 in 2012, a sign that automakers have more money at their disposal and expect higher sales.

Retired Chrysler engineer Craig Love describes his family as "three generations of car nuts." He carried his 6-year-old grandson on his shoulders as he toured Cobo Center.

Retired Ford engineer Sam Dow told The Detroit News (http://bit.ly/13ROpE0) that the show seems to have returned to its pre-recession glory. Former Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders signed autographs at a GMC display. The show runs through Jan. 27.

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