Bill Ford Revels In Auto Show's First Day (VIDEO)

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - It was a whirlwind first day at the North American International Auto Show for Ford executive chairman Bill Ford Jr.

Early Monday the F-150 was named the North American Car of the Year. That was followed by the introduction of the Shelby GT 350R, F-150 Raptor and the new GT.

"If you can't have fun today you are in the wrong business," said Ford.

Prior to the public reveal of the new cars, Ford said 2,000 employees, their employees and retirees got a preview of the new models.

Ford enjoyed showing off the new vehicles, but he was also anxious to  get the new F-150 - which features an aluminum alloy body- in front of more shoppers.

"The launch at the plant is going incredibly well," he said. "I think people are going to love the truck. I can't wait for it to get out there in numbers."

Ford said he had yet to tour the floor, but looked forward to a successful auto show.

"A lot of manufacturers are a lot healthier now," he said. "It is great to see everybody smiling in Detroit."