If the 10-day run of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is any indication of where the nation's immediate economic future is heading, Americans can look for a uptick led by the auto sector.

"We felt a surge even before we opened the Chicago show's doors," said Dave Sloan, general manager of the annual show held at the mammoth McCormick Place on Chicago's lakefront. "Our pre-show sales were in excess of 200,000 tickets."

• Pre-show ticket surge translates to post-show sales
• High gas prices may actually push post-show car sales
• Best of Show voting nets five consumer winners

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