The world's carmakers are in Detroit this week for North America 's largest auto show , where manufacturers showcase their best and latest developments. One small newcomer to the auto world, however, is causing quite a stir.

The Tesla Model S was this year's automotive surprise. The luxury sedan won two car-of-the-year awards, including Motor Trend magazine's. It's the first time an electric vehicle beat out gas-powered cars for the prestigious honor.

Elon Musk, Tesla Founder & CEO , said, "Previously electric car s have had lots of problems - they've been generally not very good-looking, sometimes quite ugly, they've been slow, low-range, low performance and just generally undesirable. It was critical to break the mold and show that an electric car be fundamentally the best car in the world."

The cheapest Model S will cost you more than $52,000. Only 13,000 of them had sold through September, but Musk says the demand's actually stronger than he expected.

Elon Musk, Tesla Founder & CEO, said, "Right now if you place a reservation for a Model S it can take up to six months to get the car, because we have an order backlog. It's a good problem to have, for sure."

Tesla is installing a network of solar-powered superchargers across the United States with the goal of making it possible to travel long hauls like the 1,500-km Miami-to-Boston trip or 1200-km from L-A to Vancouver, on electricity only, and free-of-charge.

Tom Libby, Lead Analyst, Polk Automotive, said, "The jury is still out. They're not yet making money, the volumes are too small, and they need to market the car and expand their volume and we'll see how it goes, but they have created their own niche."

Tesla is expanding its sales force and charging infrastructure throughout Asia. The company announced here in Detroit that it plans to open its first store in China this spring in Beijing . Musk says the goal is to eventually assemble the cars and as many parts as it can in China as well.

North American auto show kicks off in Detroit

Thousands of journalists from across the globe swarmed around dazzling displays Monday at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Automakers try to appeal to younger buyers

The official event pass for the North American International Auto Show features a picture of a child behind the wheel of a car, with the slogan "the love of cars starts young" inscribed over the dashboard.

Luxury automakers see bright future

Though the global economy is struggling for a full recovery, many luxury automakers at the North American International Auto Show here told reporters their sales had never been better and they were expecting a double-digit growth for 2013.

Improving fuel economy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions have become primary goals for international automakers, as hybrid and electric car offerings dominated the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

Big trucks to be a highlight at Detroit auto show

Full-size pickups will be in the spotlight at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the three U.S. auto giants, Ford, Chrysler and GM have raced for buyers.

Chrysler to unveil new Dodge Dart vehicle at Detroit auto show

Chrysler Group LLC will unveil its Dodge Dart GT at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, which is slated to open next week.