Watch CBS News

Nissan Unveils New SUV Armada At Chicago Auto Show Preview

(CBS) -- We're are less than three days away from the largest show of its kind in North America.

The Chicago Auto Show kicks off Saturday, but Wednesday night we got a sneak peek of a brand-new SUV.

CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reports there is a specific reason why they showed off the vehicle and why they did it here in Chicago.

The lightshow may turn heads, but it's the turning of tires of a new car premier packing hundreds into a Fulton Market building.

"There's nothing more exciting in the auto industry then launching an all new product," said Phil O'Connor of Nissan.

O'Connor presented Nissan's new flagship SUV, the Armada and there's a reason it's introduced here.

"It's a huge market for SUV's and crossovers," O'Connor said.

Auto expert Nik Miles says cheap gas and improving mileage are helping to fuel demand.

"American's are back in love with big SUVs again," Miles said. "This fits the bill of what people are shopping for this spring."

McCormick Place is being prepared for those vehicles and many more as part of the largest auto show in North America, the car carnival spanning more than 1 million square feet.

Americans bought more new cars in 2015 than ever before. Car makers hope that momentum continues long after the lights dim on this car celebration.

"We're closing our books on 2015 which was the best year in Nissan's history and we expect 2016 is going to be even better," O'Connor said.

The full auto show runs from this Saturday all the way through the Feb. 21.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.