It's no secret that the Detroit auto show leaves something to be desired. Cobo Hall is old—and more important is really showing its age. The area hotels and restaurants could be better, as well. Auto journalists and industry types have complained about this for some time now. And most recently Porsche stated that they would no longer display at the Detroit show, as they sell few vehicle in Michigan.
Other factors coming into play are the other major U.S. auto shows, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, are making headway in terms of prestige. Each of these other shows out-Detroit in any number of ways. Even so, Detroit seems to holding its own, at least for the short term.
Full story here.
Read what others are saying after the jump.
"We get more press credentials at this show than the Super Bowl," David Fischer, Detroit auto show board member and president of Troy's Suburban Collection auto mall, said Wednesday.
"Detroit is a necessary evil that we have to go to," said Robert Kocher, a journalist and former president of the Chicago-based Midwest Automotive Media Association. Eventually people will complain enough that the manufacturers will get the message and things will shift," he said.
A New York Times blogger recently noted that Porsche's decision to skip Detroit may be part of a larger shift. "So Porsche is, in effect, telling the Detroit show: Despite your name, we don't consider you 'America's auto show.' To us, you're local -- with only local appeal. "The question is: Is this viral? Will it spread to other non-Detroit automakers, especially sports car or luxury manufacturers?"
"Even with the expansion of the other shows, Detroit will continue as the preeminent U.S. auto show," Bob Lutz, General Motors Corp. vice chairman, said Wednesday. "It is the only show situated in the heart of the U.S. industry and receives major support from the local manufacturers. As such, it will remain a focal point of attention for the world media."
"It's certainly a world stage," said Honda spokesman Sage Marie. The Los Angeles Auto Show, however, provides a better showcase for its green technology. "L.A. market is obviously a hotbed for cutting edge environmental activities," she said.
If Carl Galeana, a Michigan auto dealer and Detroit show organizer, has anything to say about it, that won't change. "We still plan on having the No.1 North American auto show."
"Detroit is a necessary evil that we have to go to," said Robert Kocher, a journalist and former president of the Chicago-based Midwest Automotive Media Association. Eventually people will complain enough that the manufacturers will get the message and things will shift," he said.
A New York Times blogger recently noted that Porsche's decision to skip Detroit may be part of a larger shift. "So Porsche is, in effect, telling the Detroit show: Despite your name, we don't consider you 'America's auto show.' To us, you're local -- with only local appeal. "The question is: Is this viral? Will it spread to other non-Detroit automakers, especially sports car or luxury manufacturers?"
"Even with the expansion of the other shows, Detroit will continue as the preeminent U.S. auto show," Bob Lutz, General Motors Corp. vice chairman, said Wednesday. "It is the only show situated in the heart of the U.S. industry and receives major support from the local manufacturers. As such, it will remain a focal point of attention for the world media."
"It's certainly a world stage," said Honda spokesman Sage Marie. The Los Angeles Auto Show, however, provides a better showcase for its green technology. "L.A. market is obviously a hotbed for cutting edge environmental activities," she said.
If Carl Galeana, a Michigan auto dealer and Detroit show organizer, has anything to say about it, that won't change. "We still plan on having the No.1 North American auto show."
workinggirl1 says:
09:56 AM, 06/21/07
There are some key executives here including Bob Lutz that are coming out in favor of the Detroit auto show. BTW, Jason Vines was also quoted in this Detroit News story. Conveniently missed? Here is what he said, "The Detroit show by no means is losing its luster or its ranking of importance," said Jason Vines, Chrysler spokesman. "I think what your seeing are the other ones getting stronger." Seems like those who have negative things to say about the Detroit show are from LA and Chicago and some unknown blogger from the NY Times. This is a hype story. The Detroit show is number one and packs more media in and coverage than any other in the U.S. Everybody knows that.
rsholland says:
10:03 AM, 06/21/07
Oops! No, I just missed Vines quote. Thanks.
mirth says:
11:37 AM, 06/21/07
I think it'll end up not so much a question of which facility is nicer or has better hotels, etc., but rather how convenient the show is to the major automakers and when the show is during the year. Detroit (currently) has a number of advantages in this area. It's home to the Detroit 3 and Audi/Volkswagen of America, plus Nissan, Toyota, and to a lesser degree Hyundai have large tech centers in the area. Plus it's the first auto show of the year, which isn't necessarily important from a sales or manufacturing standpoint, but has a psychological importance after the holiday lull.
I think LA has the best shot after Detroit to capture some attention because of the automakers in the area (although less so now that Nissan has moved) and the timing.
estreka says:
12:16 PM, 06/21/07
I think being first has its benefits and drawbacks in Detroit. The most obvious drawback is weather. If the weather were cooperative, I imagine you'd see very high ticket sales. You don't have that problem at other shows.
mirth says:
12:24 PM, 06/21/07
True. Detroit is low man on the totem pole when it comes to pleasing the general public. But I'll submit the public portion of these shows is of lesser importance to the automakers.
ateixeira says:
09:05 AM, 06/22/07
NAIAS is still #1. Noone compare when it comes to North American debuts.
COBO stinks, but that's just the price you pay to see the most important show in the country.
Chicago has the most public attendance, so that puts NAIAS in 4th place. I can see why Porsche dropped out, but GM, Ford, and Chrysler will still debut anything important there, as will the import brand challengers that want to go head to head.
gmguy111 says:
08:33 PM, 06/23/07
As a resident of the Detroit area I'll admit that Detroit can be grittier than chicago or New york but this was where the car as we know it here in america was born and it would be a shame to not hold NAIAS in a city thatis so improtant in automobile history. And I've been in Cobo for past NAIAS events and it is starting to show its age but its what we got and with a people mover line going right in the building is convienent for people to come to cobo that might have had to park in the other side of the city because the cobo garage and the surrounding area had no avalible spaces