Chevrolet Camaro Convertible A co-worker came up to me today, and the first thing he said was the show was really disappointing this year. I thought it was just me, but apparently not.
While I was there before the show opened, he'd gone yesterday with the throng of last-minute show-goers who were put off by the snow and cold this past week.
Chevrolet Camaro and Volt Concepts
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But if you went on the last day of the show, you missed the best part: The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept. At least I got to drool over that one.
The Camaro won two consumer “Best of Show” awards – one for “Best Concept Vehicle” and one for “Vehicle I’d Most Like to Have in My Driveway.” Yet this must-see car was conspicuously absent on Sunday.
General Motors pulled the Camaro and the Chevrolet Volt Concept on Saturday night after the show closed because both cars had to be transported to California for previous commitments, according to GM officials.
Interesting. And more than a little disappointing.
My co-worker was disappointed by the lack of Ford trucks on display and the lack of literature in the Toyota truck area.
I was disappointed by the uninspiring displays and lack of hot cars. With the Chicago Auto Show being the largest consumer show in North America, I expected more and better. I remember not too long ago when there were waterfall displays that spelled out words, when there were interactive car displays (turn this wheel and see what happens to the chassis) and when there were more than a few concepts and to-drool-over cars.
Perhaps I’m getting jaded after covering the show for six straight years. But I think most people would agree that being greeted at the entrance of the South Hall by a row of cars and flat displays isn’t anything to get giddy over.
If anyone feels differently or has general comments about the show, I’d love to hear it and share it. Let me know at autoshow@chicagosuntimes.com. I’ll post comments below this notebook entry.
Disappointing show was like a wake or funeral
I am 59 years old and I seldom miss the Chicago Auto Show. I was disappointed with the Auto Show this year for several reasons:
1) I am always amazed that the auto manufacturers send representatives there that fail to know their own products very well at this, the largest auto event of the year. Car manufacturers seem to place GQ-type men and Playboy women there to help sell their products but these pretty faces know very little about the product that they represent. The standard reply is, "That is an excellent question. I will have someone get back to you with an answer so please leave us your name, address, and phone number."
2) Some of the autos had their trunks locked so we could not view the cargo space in them. I would think that the car manufacturers would want the public to sit in and examine every facet of their cars.
3) Toyota only had two Toyota Highlander hybrids available that were up on raised platforms so we could not get a close look at the interiors of them.
4) The auto industry seemed to have just "gone through the motions" when presenting the Auto Show this year. There was only a lukewarm enthusiasm when it came to presenting their vehicles. It definitely showed.
5) The Chicago Auto Show was a shell of it's former self in the way of offerings, the enthusiasm of it's auto representatives, and ability to raise excitement about it's products. The automobile manufacturers need to replace the people in charge of it this year and bring in some new blood and enthusiasm for the next 2008 Chicago Auto Show. I know that the domestic car manufacturers are on the ropes when it comes to selling American cars. This Chicago Auto Show and the enthusiasm it generated was like "a wake or funeral" for the deceased. Maybe it was an appropriate demeanor based on US domestic auto sales but it helps to create a self-fulfilling prophesy. --R.T., Elwood
Accord Prototype 2008 Ugly Duckling winner
I was disappointed with the styling of the 2008 Honda Accord prototype that they had on exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show. It looked like a bloated turtle. It was as if Honda hired a cartoonist from the comic series The Jetsons to draw a futuristic vehicle for them. Instead of being sleek and stylish. It looked like a box turtle as far as it's aerodynamics. I certainly hope they reconsider this 2008 Honda Accord offering because it will cost them sales. Honda has a fine name in the automotive world for resale value, dependability, and quality. This 2008 Honda Accord is going to be labeled the "2008 Ugly Duckling" contest winner. --R.T., Elwood
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