Ok, so IMS was a bit of a disappointment, but is anyone going to the Auto Show this weekend? From those of you that have been there in the past, is it worth going?
usually pretty good...always MUCH larger than the moto show...last year was a lil meh, but there wasn't much for the industry to show off...this year there are a few new things for people to oogle, so it should be better...and the industry is in a lil better place/position this year than last...looks like I'll be going to closing weekend...
Might be down on Saturday.
I went yesterday. I enjoyed it. Lots to see and sit in. I was disappointed Porsche is still a no-show, even though they returned this year for the bigger shows. Lots of kind of impressive American cars, if you're into that sort of thing. There was I think one Italian car and one motorcycle (a Yamaha), both in the old-vehicle section. Go early or on a weekday.
For anyone that went, did Fiat show up with Chrysler? I want to sit in a 500 and see if I should still be lusting after an Abarth or just be content with my old VW.
Yes, a few 500's, including an old one from the '60s and at least one special version, but I'm fairly sure no Abarth.
Quote from: Artful on January 31, 2011, 10:52:59 AM
For anyone that went, did Fiat show up with Chrysler? I want to sit in a 500 and see if I should still be lusting after an Abarth or just be content with my old VW.
Enjoy your V-dub! And this comes from an Italian!
Seriously tho, I'd say wait until Fiat/Chrysler gets everything sorted out for distribution and support (parts, mechanics ...) before you make a go for it. I'd spend a little more and go for a Mini.
And here's a tease from Top Gear:
Top Gear Fiat 500 Abarth SS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpAFi9nIJVQ#normal)
I went yesterday. Overall, I thought the show set up was well done (two floors).
For me, the big hit of the show came in one of the smallest packages - the Fiat 500. The show also has a rally car simulator (back right of the second floor). Lots of fun.
Small rant - I'm always amazed how parents let their little rug monkeys climb all over the display vehicles, just like at the IMS. Seriously, I saw kids climbing on the hoods and roofs of some cars.
Quote from: jetpuff716 on January 31, 2011, 12:06:34 PM
Small rant - I'm always amazed how parents let their little rug monkeys climb all over the display vehicles, just like at the IMS. Seriously, I saw kids climbing on the hoods and roofs of some cars.
it has always been a big pet peev of mine as well...especially when the offenders are acting in a way to prohibit perspective buyers from really looking and seeing things that they need or want to see with vehicles...the various sales people that are enlisted from local dealerships in the booths for to aid and make contacts aren't exactly willing to shoo or stop these kids for fear of making a possible contact soured and turning away a future sales opportunity....I have heard a factory rep telling a salesman from one product line to treat the floor like his sales floor and another for to not do so....the guidelines are funny in that regard...
it was interesting to see the 2012 ford focus, that looks like a winner of a small car to compete with the mazda 3 and should get ford a tons of sales, if that doesn't do it nothing will.
also interesting and funny was seeing how each manufacturer had their female models/representatives cater to the specific demographics for each car in a way. ie, the scion reps looked like they were going to a 20 yo rave party, the cadi reps looked like they were rich older trophy wives, the mercedes rep looked like a stuck up banker, etc.
i do have to say that i was somewhat impressed that most of the "eye candy" models actually were very knowledgeable about the cars and weren't actually just eye candy in most instances.
Quote from: sbrguy on February 07, 2011, 01:11:12 PM
i do have to say that i was somewhat impressed that most of the "eye candy" models actually were very knowledgeable about the cars and weren't actually just eye candy in most instances.
We had several extended conversation with some of the "models" and were pleasantly surprised by this as well.