Detroit Auto Show 2025 highlights future of electric vehicles

Time-honored American carmakers have been showcasing their latest electric vehicle (EV) models at the highly anticipated Detroit Auto Show in the U.S. state of Michigan, expressing persistent optimism about the future of the inudstry even as consumer adoption slows.

The show, ongoing from Jan 10-20, offers a treasure trove of activities for old-school car enthusiasts. Yet, amid the familiar roar of engines and gleaming chrome, a glimpse of the future is also on display.

Cadillac has brought to viewers the Opulent Velocity, a concept car that won the Detroit Auto Show's EyesOn Design Concept car award. Bryan Nesbitt, head of design at General Motors, which owns Cadillac, articulated the vision behind this luxurious ride. 

"This was a concept we built to really look at where we want to take Cadillac, kind of the best integration of technology and innovation, and really how to make it as artful as possible for the consumer," Nesbitt said.

Brands remain hopeful that these sleek designs will attract new consumers to switch over from fossil fuel-powered cars, preventing a plunge in sales as seen in the German market, where EVs have dropped from 19 percent of new car market share in 2023, to 13 percent in 2024.

Sales in the U.S. have not quite plateaued, but they remain well behind the growth seen in China. 

"It's still growing at a very rapid pace. It's just not growing as fast as everybody had anticipated initially. And so we just have to recognize that there are a lot of other factors to make that the right propulsion system for all customers. It's part of the natural adoption curve," said Jim Baumbick, Ford's Vice President of Product Development Operations. 

Despite these challenges, industry insiders remain optimistic about the long-term allure of EVs. 

"If you've had the opportunity to drive EVs, they're pretty convincing. The instant torque, the phenomenal kind of elegance in the power delivery, they are so refined. And you couple that with some batteries that will give you some long range, and you've got something pretty exciting," Nesbitt said. 

Detroit Auto Show 2025 highlights future of electric vehicles

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM