In the universe of international auto shows, Detroit’s annual rollout is the industry’s hottest ticket; the fanciest cars are unveiled in Geneva; and the wacky, high-tech numbers steer for Los Angeles. But this year the stars seem to be aligning for car lovers on Manhattan’s West Side.

The New York International Auto Show typically features a lot of luxury models and a few sport utility vehicles. This year, the two come together with a parade of luxury SUVs.

When General Motors unveiled its new Cadillac SUV in September, it dangled the vehicle from a helicopter and flew it over a phalanx of spotlights at a Fashion Week party in Manhattan. On Tuesday, the company plans to introduce its new Buick Encore—during lunch.

Several top U.S. Volkswagen dealers traveled to Germany last week and told the struggling automaker that unless the brand sells at least 500,000 vehicles annually in their market, about 40 percent more than last year, the business is a loser for many retailers.

How big can a Mini get and still be true to its name? Car buyers may soon find out.

Carlos Ghosn opened the New York auto show saying the industry is going to change more -- with connectivity, autonomy and electrification -- in the next five years than it has in the past 20. One thing that’s likely to stay the same: Big pickups are hugely popular and profitable…