2008 Chicago Auto Show

"Hot Notes from a Cold, Windy City"

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Okay ... please allow me a quick, guilty pleasure. Attending an auto show during the press days may just be the supreme benefit of my role here at IntelliChoice. There may be nothing more satisfying for a car-geek like myself than full advance access to the assembled vehicles, with the added benefit of equal access to the executives, engineers, marketers, and designers that work so hard to move this industry forward ... all with no public crowds to get in the way.

With that said, the doors to the Chicago Auto Show are now open to all and I suggest that you do all you can to attend if you're in the general vicinity. The U.S. market is host to four major annual auto shows ... my dream come true. In chronological order, the Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, and New York shows each inject its city's special charms and spirits and create statements for the year to follow. L.A.? Earth-friendly motoring excitement will conclusively be a part of our future. Detroit? The Big Dog of auto shows is the ONLY place to see the best and brightest ideas and vehicles all under one roof. New York? No matter how reliable the average vehicle is today, there will always be copious amounts of sex appeal in the air when it comes time for YOU to shop for a new one.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

So that leaves Chicago. While the city is surprisingly successful at generating heat and joy in the frigid February climate, the key reason to attend is to renew perspective on the amazing degree of choice we are afforded in this industry. It is no huge surprise that 2008 has started and will probably finish as a slow year sales-wise. But that means the opportunities for you as a potential buyer are better than ever, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the massive halls of McCormick Center. At most auto shows, the manufacturers are space-constrained and therefore only display a vehicle's best trim levels and/or hippest colors. But in Chicago, the full stable is let loose and it is a sight to behold. The stands from Toyota, the Chrysler Group (including Jeep and Dodge), and Ford were absolutely jam-packed with choice, and GM secured extra space this year to duplicate its "all in the family" brand display from Detroit. Acura had so much space that it was compelled to show the refreshed 2009 RL sedan as well as the current 2008 version. Ever wanted to see black, white and silver versions of the Lincoln MKX side-by-side? Now is your chance. Plus, you are guaranteed a good workout as a result of seeing it all in hall after hall.

The message here is that the vehicle you are looking for is out there, no matter your budget or sensibilities, and the Chicago Auto Show is the perfect place to kick every tire just to be sure--and there are none of those irritating sales people to get in your way.

Posted on 2008-02-11 | Permalink | |

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