DETROIT, United States, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Senior U.S. lawmakers joined visitors at the 2010 North American International Auto Show which opened in Detroit on Monday.

    House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the visiting lawmakers had seen optimism of the U.S. auto industry leadership.

    "What we saw here today was vibrant and optimistic leadership to leap over the competition and keep America No. 1," Pelosi told a press conference.

    "Survival of the (auto) industry is central to our strong industrial, technological, and manufacturing base in our country. That industrial base is central to our national security," she said.

    Amid the economic crisis that witnessed the fall of U.S. auto making giants Ford, GM and Chrysler, the U.S. government and Congress have approved billions of dollars to bail out the industry.

    Other officials visiting the auto show on the opening day were House Majority leader Steny Hoyer, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

    The Detroit auto show has drawn more than 700 motor vehicles designed by 61 automakers from across the world.

2010 NAIAS opens in Detroit

Visitors are attracted by an Audi A8 sedan during the media preview of the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo center in Detroit, Michigan, the United States, Jan. 11, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun) Photo Gallery>>>

   DETROIT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The 2010 North America International Auto Show opened Monday at Cobo center in downtown Detroit, the U.S. auto city, with participation of more than 60 automakers worldwide. Full story