In looking over the photo gallery that Aaron Gold, About.com's Guide to Cars, returned with, I was struck with the comparison that Aaron drew. He was impressed that Mercedes-Benz created a new design that was inspired by the rest of the lineup, but still original enough to stand on its own.

I agree. Some manufacturers have taken this brand look thing so far that it's nearly impossible to tell the models apart from each other. The worst offender, in my opinion, is Nissan. Take a look at the Murano, the Rogue and even the Versa -- they share so many styling cues that a glance is hardly enough to distinguish them. Same with Infiniti -- the FX and EX are nearly identical.

The GLK is unique in the Mercedes lineup, and worth a look -- explore Aaron's 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Photo Gallery to see for yourself.

Photo © Aaron Gold

If you check your calendar, it probably says "2009." If it doesn't, it's time for a new calendar. Unless you're an automaker -- in which case it's probably 2010 already. Or even later.

For example, Aaron Gold, About.com's Guide to Cars, just gave me this 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Test Drive and Review. That's right -- 2010. If that doesn't give you the shivers, you never read any Arthur C. Clarke in your day.

How does the latest M-B off the line perform? Read Aaron's 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Test Drive and Review to find out.

Photo © Aaron Gold

This was my first trip ever to the North American International Auto Show. I have heard from the grizzled veterans that the NAIAS dwarfs all other US auto shows, and that I should be prepared for pageantry, pomp and circumstance like I've never seen before.

Well, perhaps in years past. But this year's show was relatively sedate, and of a manageable size. Of course a few major manufacturers, like Nissan/Infiniti, Land Rover and Porsche, chose to skip this year's event, citing the economic slowdown and a lack of new product to announce as the reason.

Still, there was some news on the SUV and crossover front. General Motors debuted two new crossovers, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2010 Cadillac SRX, along with a crossover concept, the Chevrolet Orlando. Lincoln premiered the 2010 MKT, a crossover touring vehicle.

In any other year, this might have been big news -- as it was, everything else seemed overshadowed by electric vehicles and battery technology. Not only was the Chevy Volt front and center, GM announced plans to manufacture batteries in North America (in partnership with LG Kim, a Korean company). A Chinese company called "BYD" (Build Your Dream) showcased their battery-powered sedans and hatchbacks. Fisker unveiled an exotic electric, and Tesla continued to display their tantalizing prototypes.

Still, battery-powered cars are a long way off, so we'll be looking at gas-powered SUVs and crossovers for years to come still.

Take a look at a few photos that I've posted in this 2009 NAIAS Photo Gallery. I welcome your thoughts -- click on "comments" below.

Photo © Jason Fogelson

I'm back in my hotel room after another very full day of activity at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Michigan.

Today was a little less hectic than yesterday on the SUV front, but there was still some big news. Lincoln revealed a new crossover vehicle, the MKT -- that's a picture of it hanging on a display wall, like a piece of artwork. General Motors announced plans to manufacture lithium ion batteries in North America. And a fleet of Saturn Vue Hybrids set off on a convoy to Washington, DC via college campuses to deliver a message to President-elect Obama and to help out with transportation for dignitaries at the inauguration.

I spent part of the day interviewing General Motors executives.

I had a one-on-one interview with James Taylor, CEO of HUMMER. He was very forthcoming about the state of the company and the search for investors to take over the brand.

I then spoke with Bryan Nesbitt, Vice President of GMNA Design. We discussed the intersection of design and engineering, and ways in which communication between the disciplines influence new products.

My final interview today was with Chris Meagher, Chief Engineer on the Ecotec engine. He explained how gasoline direct injection works, and how controls have evolved to make the technology possible.

Later in the day, I was treated to a tour of the OnStar Command Center, which was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the GM communications system.

I return home tomorrow morning (weather permitting), and I'll dive into my notes, recordings, photographs and materials to develop articles and photo galleries to bring all the great information to you. It's been a great trip, and I have to thank the GM Social Media folks for bringing me out to the NAIAS and for all their help during my stay.

Photo © Jason Fogelson