Auto industry plugs into bikes, scooters

The cars are still the stars, but the Detroit auto show is changing, as is mobility.

A flight below the main show floor where BMW Group, Volkswagen AG and other automakers unveiled their sedans, SUVs and minivans, and attendees were balancing on electric bicycles and scooters.

"The industry is going electric, and people are seriously looking at transportation options that are more personal," said Christian Scheder, chief marketing director of Immotor, an electric scooter maker based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.