sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 Just got back from this year's show (we went as press). It was my first time attending and I thought it was really sweet, especially the Lamborghini models ;) . I guess it was fairly scaled-back b/c of the whole bailout situation, but there was still lots of free food/beer etc. to partake in whilst checking out the cars. Did anybody else go as press? If you've gone before, what differences did you notice about this show compared to years past? I've got tons of pics and I may put them on a Flickr site if people are interested in seeing them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrhky36 1 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 it used to be way over the top. years back the big three would spend in the high 6 figures to low 7's on their displays. i remember chysler's jeep display was 2 storys high with jeeps straped to it at redicusil angles, but it was cool. now with the bail out they can't spend as much b/c the gov is watching every penny. my brother in law and sister go to the charity nite every year(work requirement). early last year some manufacters were pulling out b/c cobo hall is in bad shape. the city of detroit has finally approved the renovation/expansion of cobo hall into cobo arena, so you could see even larger auto shows in the future when this thing gets turned around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reyno2ac 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I don't know how it is this year but I went last year and wasnt really impressed. I'm more into modified cars than what they are showing. Especially since I can't afford anything there...LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RadioGaGa 162 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I was asking this question the other day...maybe someone here can enlighten me.The Auto Industry is a mess..near death (they'd have us believe). The government(s), of both Countries, are putting TONNES of cash into saving them. Cities that rely on the Auto Industry, like Detroit, are struggling under the weight of these problems...yet they continue with these ridiculous parades of concept cars that no one will ever buy, and showcasing things like Lambo's that the top 1% of the population can actually afford to buy.IMO, They shouldn't be allowed to spend ANY bailout money on it. When the Industry comes back...and it WILL, bring back the shows in all there ridiculous, over-the-top spender.Or, am I just crazy? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reyno2ac 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I was asking this question the other day...maybe someone here can enlighten me.The Auto Industry is a mess..near death (they'd have us believe). The government(s), of both Countries, are putting TONNES of cash into saving them. Cities that rely on the Auto Industry, like Detroit, are struggling under the weight of these problems...yet they continue with these ridiculous parades of concept cars that no one will ever buy, and showcasing things like Lambo's that the top 1% of the population can actually afford to buy.IMO, They shouldn't be allowed to spend ANY bailout money on it. When the Industry comes back...and it WILL, bring back the shows in all there ridiculous, over-the-top spender.Or, am I just crazy?You're not crazy, I agree with you. They are all screaming bankruptcy and yet throwing what can only be described as lavish parties. I live in Michigan and can tell you its not pretty, my dad is out of a job and has begun searching out of state. I can't wait to graduate college and get out of here. I'll miss the Redwings though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rustyhole 1 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I agree too. in the short term, yes people will lose their jobs but they also choose to continue to work for companies with repeated poor planning/fiscal responsability. so GM/Ford/Chrysler close... what would really happen... the factories are still there, they aren't going anywhere. eventually an individual/investment firm would (will) step in, buy the factories at a (relatively cheap) price and run the business(s) better & more efficently and still make $$.i believe it'll happen cause we can't keep giving the auto industry $25B every 4 months. it's time to clean house. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrhky36 1 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I agree too. in the short term, yes people will lose their jobs but they also choose to continue to work for companies with repeated poor planning/fiscal responsability. so GM/Ford/Chrysler close... what would really happen... the factories are still there, they aren't going anywhere. eventually an individual/investment firm would (will) step in, buy the factories at a (relatively cheap) price and run the business(s) better & more efficently and still make $$.i believe it'll happen cause we can't keep giving the auto industry $25B every 4 months. it's time to clean house.what about giving the banking industry money every time they need a "company retreat".....aig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greech 4 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 It's the flawed nature of our culture. Gotta keep spending if you got it, even when there's nothing there. They don't foresee any need to replace those at the top, and that is unfortunately their call as a private company. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitzlejd 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 It's the flawed nature of our culture. Gotta keep spending if you got it, even when there's nothing there. They don't foresee any need to replace those at the top, and that is unfortunately their call as a private company.As far as I know, Chrysler is the only private company (out of the big three). Its funny though, in the Chrysler guys speech he was very flippant about the whole bailout mess and I even felt like he chided the g'ment for taking too long to bail them out. You might be able to watch it online but I'm not sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
troy 12 Report post Posted January 13, 2009 I was asking this question the other day...maybe someone here can enlighten me.The Auto Industry is a mess..near death (they'd have us believe). The government(s), of both Countries, are putting TONNES of cash into saving them. Cities that rely on the Auto Industry, like Detroit, are struggling under the weight of these problems...yet they continue with these ridiculous parades of concept cars that no one will ever buy, and showcasing things like Lambo's that the top 1% of the population can actually afford to buy.IMO, They shouldn't be allowed to spend ANY bailout money on it. When the Industry comes back...and it WILL, bring back the shows in all there ridiculous, over-the-top spender.Or, am I just crazy?Only the domestic auto industry is seeking a place under TARP so I don't see how having Lamborghinis at an auto show would jeopardize that. Is it the most tasteful thing to do, possibly not, but Lamborghini still needs to sell cars, and that one percent of the population is most likely still readily able to buy those cars. The show serves to generate positive public reactions to the companies, something crucial to any post-bailout viability, and intriguing concepts are a part of this, people need to be convinced that some of these brands are being refreshed. I do agree however that this should be done in a less conspicuous manner. If the auto industry chooses to misspend any federal money and fails, it will have only itself to blame. Some economists predicted that even without the economic collapse Detroit only had 10 to 15 more years.Edit: article link Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
caldakid 0 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 you have to put money into these shows they are huge advertising endeavors for these companies, even if they are in dire straights the money spent on the detroit autoshow is one of the few areas where it really benefits them imo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrhky36 1 Report post Posted January 14, 2009 you have to put money into these shows they are huge advertising endeavors for these companies, even if they are in dire straights the money spent on the detroit autoshow is one of the few areas where it really benefits them imook but what about nascar. the 3 companies in it(toyota, gm, and ford{chysler is getting out}) are spending upwards of $100million to support "their" teams. with the logic that billybob race fan will buy the car his favorite driver drives even if he can't affrod it. logically they could be better seved by spend that money else where. but again they have skewed logic.one question has popped into my hear recently. the gov wants higher fuel standards, and expanded use of alt fuels. so hte car companies are doing this but the gov doesn't have the infastructure in place to support it, so the car companies are footing a huge bill for this on top of lagging sales. so the gov has some responsibly in all this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fire0nIce228 1 Report post Posted January 15, 2009 They need to start converting these gas stations into whatever the hell they decide to make cars run on in the future.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rustpot 1 Report post Posted January 15, 2009 They need to start converting these gas stations into whatever the hell they decide to make cars run on in the future..Once they finally make a decision I'm sure they will. I see more and more E85 stations now, too bad that was a bad idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
