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Detroit celebrated the resurgence of the US auto industry Monday as a renewed sense of optimism -- along with a dose of glamour and glitz -- returned to the Motor City's annual auto show.

"As you look at these breathtaking vehicles, I ask you to remember they represent more than creative thinking and design," US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at the opening ceremony.

"They represent American factories bustling and humming, American workers churning out cars, and American families earning paychecks again."

Just three years ago, the survival of the Detroit Three automakers was in doubt as General Motors and Chrysler sought billions in government
bailouts and Ford's balance sheets hemorrhaged red ink during the deepest economic downturn in decades.

All three of Detroit's carmakers are now yielding profits again for the first time since 2004 and posting market share gains for the first time since 1988.

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