The Detroit Auto Show gala returned to the cold but comfortable confines of winter as it received a warm embrace from people inside and outside the auto industry.

Snow fell as the first guests entered the auto show's Charity Preview Friday evening, a fitting backdrop for the auto show's return to January.

We have an auto that’s coming back full throttle,” Karl Zimmermann, chairman of the show, said at an opening event on Friday morning. The Detroit show formerly was a major forum for new vehicle introductions by automakers.