With the Detroit show’s return to January, the announcements of the North American car, truck, and utility vehicles of the year again kick off the event. On Friday, the Honda Civic Hybrid was named car of the year, the Ford Ranger as truck of the year, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as utility of the year.

After a 30-year trip of glitzy reveals and celebrities, the Detroit Auto Show has shed its "international" moniker and returned to its local roots.

The Detroit Auto Show starts Friday after a recent short-lived shift to September. The big picture: Organizers expect the January return to boost attendance, while local businesses are eager to welcome visitors during downtown's slower post-holiday winter season,