Exhibiting at Motor Shows is not an inexpensive affair by the time you add in rental and decoration of the space available, MC’s and ‘Pretties’, plus the legion of car cleaners polishing off the sticky fingers on the coachwork. That being the case, I wonder at just why so many manufacturers produce dreadfully dreary exhibition stands. More than one just line their show cars up in a long line, nose to tail, which does nothing to excite the senses and make me walk over and give the cars a second look.
Consequently I found a very interesting article written by Bob Lutz, the ex-GM executive, remembered for pushing the Chev Volt project and his wonderful quote, “Global warming is a crock of shit!” I warm to people like Bob Lutz.
Here is Bob’s introduction on his piece on an American auto show. “Walking through the North American International Auto Show left me with the proverbial Chinese-food feeling: I had ingested a lot but was left curiously empty.
Where were the spectacular introductions? Where were the jaw-dropping new concepts, boldly going where no designer had ventured before (and maybe for good reason)? Who was hiding the ‘segment busters,’ like a PT Cruiser or the un-loved Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet? Even last year’s hum-drum show held a few nice surprises, like the Kia Stinger.”
A wonderful piece and sock it to ‘em Bob.
Of course Bob doesn’t have my next gripe. English language Press Kits. Our show is the Bangkok International Motor Show and there are still exhibitors with Thai language only information.
I went to the BMW stand and asked for English and was told “mai mee” (don’t have). In a fit of pique, I then asked if they had one in German. Another “mai mee” but they missed the sarcasm. BMW has a manufacturing plant here on the Eastern Seaboard. They can do better. The X2 is apparently a great new addition, but you didn’t read about it from me.
Yes, there were ‘pretties’ in all stands, and it’s a pity they don’t know their product. The girls had never heard of the Snell Company, even though they were wearing the gear.
Maserati was present again, but the SUV Levante is a really overinflated pig with a huge mouth and a set of teeth like Stonehenge in reverse. The Quatroporte was just so ‘right’ but they’ve lost the plot with this one, even down to the imitation port holes.
Suzuki did put a bit of thought and effort into their display, however, the new Swift is starting to look like everything else. Shame. A special one on display had a paint job suitable for people who lose their car in shopping centers.
