The Frankfurt auto show is a big deal. Sure, Frankfurt has a great list of production and concept unveils set for next week, but that's not what sets it apart. The auto show organizers over in Deutschland are so confident that their show is top-notch, they pull it off only once every two years — yet it still remains relevant up against premier annual auto shows like Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Geneva. Maybe they're on to something...
I'm the winner of the Inside Line Win a Trip to Frankfurt Auto Show Contest. As an automotive junkie this trip is a dream. As a mechanical engineering and journalism student, and someone who wouldn't mind being paid to write about cars, it's the opportunity of a lifetime.
The highlight of the excursion revolves around Saturn. After the auto show I'll spend time behind the wheel of a Saturn Astra, a car sold in Europe as the Opel Astra. This time, no one's complaining about the General's badge engineering. The Astra is 100 percent new to the United States, but it's Europe's best-selling car, and is sure to be more appealing than the Saturn Ion, which it's replacing in the company's lineup. We'll see if the new hatch has what it takes to topple the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic from their compact-car thrones.
In Frankfurt, I'll also meet with Saturn's general manager, Jill Lajdziak and tour GM's Tech Center. During Tuesday's press conferences, I'll keep an eye on some of the Astra's small-car counterparts like the BMW 1 Series, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Verve and Mini Cooper S Clubman. Each will have an influence on the growing U.S. compact and subcompact markets.
For the dreamers, I'll be tracking the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche's GT2. When Aston announces the price for its DBS, I won't even remind you that you can't afford a month's insurance, let alone the actual car payment. That's what the auto shows are all about — dreaming, no matter how irrational. From stupidly ugly concepts to grossly powerful engines to cars based on technologies that won't exist for another decade, Frankfurt is poised to deliver all of the car-filled fantasies and absurdities you can handle.
So gear up for Inside Line's 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show coverage. I'll be blogging about my unique experience: the chaos of the show, meeting auto execs and, of course, cars. You'll also get Edmunds' in-depth and immediate coverage of all the Frankfurt unveils — and it only happens once every two years. It's kind of like the Olympics, except it's actually entertaining. — Eric Tingwall, Contest Winner and Citizen Journalist
ateixeira says:
01:16 PM, 09/ 6/07
Congrats and have fun in Frankfurt!
SubyTrojan says:
02:16 PM, 09/ 6/07
Congratulations and have fun, Eric! If I were you, I'd try to sneak that Opel Astra on to the Nürburgring Nordschleife! :o)
Were you involved with Michigan State's Formula SAE West effort at California Speedway in Fontana back in June? If so, I have some photos of your car here. (HTML used due to link length)
Some Olympic events are very entertaining, too!
crashtestdingo says:
07:52 PM, 09/ 6/07
"The auto show organizers over in Deutschland are so confident that their show is top-notch, they pull it off only once every two years..."
Would any of your journalism professors take points off for your failure to note that the Frankfurt auto show alternates with the Paris auto show? Not that I would worry too much about making mistakes like that in my writing if I were you — you could stil get a job at Autoblog in spite of them.
bbechtel16 says:
06:06 AM, 09/ 7/07
I enjoyed your blog post Eric. Any chance of Edmunds hiring this guy in the future?
Have fun on your trip Eric, and yes, we're all jealous.
crowb says:
08:18 AM, 09/ 7/07
Cheers, Eric!
Put that Astra through its paces. I've been very curious about that car for some time now. Enjoy the show. I second the feelings of jealousy.
Be sure to tell us a lot about GM's Tech Center too. At least as much as they'll allow. I'd love to take a walk through there myself.
iskch says:
12:57 PM, 09/ 7/07
Congrats Eric!
You will have a blast at the Messe Auto Frankfurt! Take a good pair of confy shoes because there is a lot walking. It is a experience of a life time. By the way, I hope they can take you to a tour at the Ruselheim Opel factory. Is close to Frankfurt.
erok says:
08:10 PM, 09/ 7/07
Thanks for all of the congratulations! I'll make every effort to pass on all of my experiences.
I've never worked with the Formula SAE team. I have done some very limited work with the Michigan State Baja SAE team, but the majority of my free time is spent with the triathlon team at State.
-Eric
reillypal says:
06:24 PM, 09/ 8/07
Congrats, Eric!
Have a great time. We're looking forward to reading your posts and experiencing the show along with you vicariously.
Enjoy!