They watch the cars go from parts to products on a daily basis. So why go check them out at the Auto Show?

"The allure of coming down here is to talk to every-day people. You tell them you build the cars in Lansing and they ask you questions," explains Mike Green, president of UAW Local 652, whose members make Cadillacs at the Lansing Grand River plant.

Green was at the Auto Show in Detroit Tuesday; after one rough year, he wants to make sure things are getting better.

So does uaw local 602 head brian fredline.

"I don't think we get the global view every day in the plant," Fredline says, adding that viewing all the cars in the marketplace gives him a better idea of car trends.

So far, onlookers seem impressed.

"Very sharp," says Jim Salter of Temperance, "very sharp. I like the size in the back, it's very nice."

"Nice vehicle. It has a lot of ncie features," says Jack Ward of Farmington, adding he is "absolutely" happy with the direction GM is taking things.

"It's a great feeling as Mayor, looking out for the town, you know people will be working and there will be jobs. It's nice to know your lead industry has a bright future," says Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, who joined the UAW for the trip.

"They're excited about the vehicles. That's exciting for us," Green says.

One of the most exciting thing for the local union heads is that many of GM's newest cars, like the 2011 CTS Coupe, are being made in Lansing. They say that means good things for our future.

"Any time in this economic environment you can add product and people, it's a good thing. It's a good thing for GM, it's a good thing for the UAW, and certainly for Lansing," Fredline says.

Also coming to town-- the new GMC Acadia Denali and the Chevy Traverse. The Delta Township plant has already rolled off a few of those. And with any hope, they'll roll off many more, for a long time to come.