NEW YORK - Strolling the auto-show floor and listening to industry executives, an observer could be excused from thinking that virtually all the troubles faced by the automobile business over the past year have disappeared. Or, at least, they’re well on their way to extinction. In contrast to comments made at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show in January, where practically everyone spoke about “new beginnings,” hosts of the press conferences in New York demonstrated a remarkably upbeat note - as if that new beginning has already begun and is proving itself.

Compared to the Chicago Auto Show this past February, New York's event yielded a lot more introductions. Some two dozen global or North American premieres of new or redesigned models took place, presented by 16 major manufacturers. Two notable additional new models were exhibited on the show floor, after first being seen at off-site events.

Alan Mulally, the president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, led off the first of two Press Days at the New York show, serving as keynote speaker for the annual breakfast hosted by the Greater New York Auto Dealers Association. Mulally outlined four steps that Ford needed to take to avoid financial disaster:
1. Restructuring
2. Accelerate product development
3. Finance the plan
4. Pull all resources of Ford, from around the world

One big step involved focusing on the Ford brand, divesting all non-core assets. Mulally pointed out that the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands accounted for 85 percent of sales, so the loss of Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, and Volvo wouldn’t be a monumental change.

As a result, “If you want to be in the automobile business,” Mulally said, “it’s really cool to be Ford.”

Acura unveiled a new sport wagon version (left) of its TSX model, which has previously come only as a compact sedan. Rather than a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power, all sport wagons will contain Acura's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Acura expects the wagon to get 30 mpg in highway driving. Leather upholstery and a moonroof will be standard. The cargo area includes a removable side panel, along with a tonneau cover.

After introducing its Continental Supersports coupe at New York a year ago, Bentley revealed a convertible companion, which had debuted early in March at the Geneva (Switzerland) auto show. Like the coupe, the racy soft-top holds a 621-horsepower V-8 engine.

BMW premiered three models at the New York show, including the redesigned 5-Series sedan (right). A little longer, wider, and lower, the 2011 5-Series will come in two forms: 535i with a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine that promises 29 mpg in highway driving; or 550i with a 400-horsepower V-8. Both engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual gearbox is available as a no-cost option.

BMW also exhibited the updated X5 sport-utility vehicle, with a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine or V-8 power, each working with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also on display: the 2011 3-Series models, including the 335is that works with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet revealed a new Eco edition of its coming-soon Cruze compact, which will replace the Cobalt. Special aerodynamic touches are intended to boost highway fuel economy to 40 mpg. For the Eco, Chevrolet claims "hybrid-like fuel efficiency," but at a lower price. Ultra-low rolling resistance tires will be monted on lightweight 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Four Cruze models will go on sale later this year: LS, LT, LTZ, and the Eco. A 1.4-liter Ecotec turbochared four-cylinder engine goes into each model, except for the LS.

Following up on the launch of its redesigned Sonata sedan as an early 2011 model, Hyundai unveiled a pair of offshoots. The 2.0T sedan (left) contains a twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection, promising fuel economy of 22 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Built in Alabama, the Sonata 2.0T goes on sale in the fall.

Hyundai also revealed its first Hybrid model, another offshoot of the Sonata. Scheduled to reach dealerships later in 2010, the Hybrid has a distinctive shape that reduces aerodynamic drag by 14 percent (to a slippery 0.25). Combined output (gas engine and electric motor) is 209 horsepower, which Hyundai claims is best in class. Lithium polymer batteries are said to be 20 percent lighter than the customary nickel metal hydride cells, with 40 percent less volume. President/CEO John Krafcik said the Hybrid will yield "great city and highway fuel economy: an estimated 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The Sonata Hybrid can operate in electric-only mode at up to 62 mph - far faster than most current Hybrid models. Rather than a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as used in other Hybrids, Hyundai's will use a conventional six-speed automatic. That means "no compromising, therefore, the joy of driving."

At a separate news conference a day later, Hyundai introduced the production version of its new Lexus “flagship” sedan. Judging by the long list of features, Equus will be packed with luxury items, including 17-speaker, 13-channel surround sound, HD radio, wood and leather interior trim, and an electronic air suspension. A four-passenger model will be available, with rear seats separated by a full console. Product planning director Scott Margason noted that the Equus is 3 inches longer in wheelbase than a Lexus LS 450. Staggered-size tires ride in 19-inch wheels.

Infiniti used New York as the launch pad for the redesign of its QX56 full-size sport-utility vehicle. Pricing is the same as that of the 2010 model. So is engine displacement - a 5.6-liter V-8 - but horsepower output has been increased substantially.

Kia introduced no fewer than four redesigned or updated models at the New York show, including world debuts of the 2011 Optima midsize sedan and a new five-door hatchback version of the Forte compact sedan. Optima gets an all-new platform with a 3-inch longer wheelbase. Two engines will be offered: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection and a fuel-economy estimate of 24/35 mpg, or a turbo four rated at 274 horsepower. Early next year, Hybrid power will become available in the Optima.

Also launched were a new SX edition of the Sorento crossover SUV that's been lowered about an inch, and the 2011 Sportage compact crossover (right). Longer, lower, and wider than before, the Sportage starts with a 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, but a turbo edition will join later.

Lexus didn't quite wait for the auto show to introduced its first dedicated compact hybrid model. On the evening before the first Press Day, Lexus hosted a "debate" on global warming at a trendy spot near the Javits Center. Moderated by caustic comedian Sarah Silverman, the altercation between an advocate (Amanda Little) and a denier (Phelim McAleer) of global warming as a critical issue clearly changed no minds from the audience of several hundred attendees - mostly young, often loud and inattentive, and seemingly more interested in the music that was expected to follow.

Lincoln introduced its first Hybrid model at the New York show: a gasoline/electric variant of the MKZ sedan.

Mazda gave further details about the production version of its mini-sized Mazda2, which soon will reach U.S. dealerships.

Mercedes-Benz featured the debut of the 2011 R-Class wagon, which is said to combine the merits of a large luxury sedan and a premium wagon. BlueTec diesel power will be available in the seven-passenger R-Class, promising 24 mpg on the highway.

BMW's Mini division launched a completely new model in New York. Named the Countryman, this Mini isn't quite as huge as the company's April Fool's Day presentation to the media first suggested. Still, it's the first Mini to measure more than 4 meters long. All-wheel drive will be an option, and the interior holds four adults without squeezing. The Mini folks consider this Countryman to be a distinct second line, built on a completely differnt platform from all the other models.

Introducing a new or redesigned vehicle without a model name is far from customary, but that’s what Mitsubishi did at the New York show. Not a word was said about the name of the Japanese automaker’s new entry-level compact crossover wagon as it was unveiled. Mitsubishi has been holding a contest that asks people to guess its name.

Nissan held no news conference at the auto show, but presented its new Juke compact crossover wagon to the media at an off-site event on the previous evening. The Juke goes on sale soon in the U.S.

Porsche showed its redesigned Cayenne sport-utility vehicle, including the German sports car maker’s first Hybrid model (left).

Toyota's youth-focused Scion division unveiled the near-production version of its iQ minicar (right), which appeared last year in concept form. What Scion calls its “new premium micro-subcompact vehicle” and “the world’s smallest four-seater” measures only 120.1 inches long, and stands 59.1 inches tall. Large door openings are intended to ease entry/exit, and the front passenger sits slightly ahead of the driver’s position. Safety features include the world’s first rear-window curtain. Under the hood is a 1.3-liter engine, mating with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Scion also debuted the amply redesigned tC coupe, calling it “all new.” The 2.5-liter engine produces 180 horsepower - 19 more than before, and yields what company chief Jack Hollis called a “throaty exhaust note.” Either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission may be installed.

Subaru used New York as a launch pad for the new four-door rendition of its high-performance Impreza-based WRX STI model. Up to now, the STI has been two-door only. Lighter 18-inch wheels are mounted on the 2011 WRX STI, which gets new suspension tuning to tighten handling. Beneath the hood sits Subaru’s “boxer” (horizontally-opposed) turbocharged engine, generating 305 horsepower. “The Wing Is Back!” according to Subaru, referring to the larger, “striking” rear spoiler that was specially designed for the STI.

Volkswagen introduced its first Hybrid model: a gasoline/electric version of the redesigned Touareg sport-utility vehicle. Powertrain engineer Bernd Stiebels said it blends the performance of a V-8 model with the fuel economy of a “very efficient V-6.” Designer Walter de Silva noted that the latest Touareg’s front end “confirms where Volkswagen is going.”

Volvo unveiled a total redesign of its S60 sedan, which features new Pedestrian Detection with full automatic braking. The safety system can detect a person while the S60 is traveling at up to 22 mph. The redesigned model comes in T6 trim with a 300-horsepower engine. Chief designer Peter Horbury advised that the 2011 S60 delivers “a more exciting drive than any other Volvo before.”

Early in the morning on the second Press Day, the World Car Awards were announced. An international jury of 59 “distinguished journalists” made the selection, choosing from three finalists. World Car of the Year was the Volkswagen Polo (not sold in the U.S.), which finished ahead of the Toyota Prius and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Volkswagen’s BlueMotion group of diesels took the prize for Green Car of the Year, beating the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. The Design Award went to Chevrolet’s Camaro, which defeated the Citroen C3 Picasso and Kia Soul. Top Performance Car was the Audi R8 V10, which scored ahead of the Ferrari California and Porsche 911 GT3.

The New York Auto Show opened to the public at the Javits Center on Friday, April 2 and runs through Sunday, April 11. Detailed show information is available at www.autoshowNY.com. Serving as the last major American auto show of the 2010 model year, the New York extravaganza has a history dating all the way back to 1901.

Note: Additional information and photos will be posted shortly.