Boring?
Is the NAIAS losing steam? According to many "press kit collectors" (vultures with media credentials that know little about journalism), the answer is yes, definitely. So far, press conferences have been disarmingly plain and, dare we say it, almost boring.
This was expected, actually. In his January 5 blog, Chrysler's Director of Product Communications, Rick Deneau, wrote that "there will be less glitz and no giveaways." He was right!
Detroit used to be the show of all shows, with Hollywood-style launches and presentations -- unlike in Europe and Asia. From that standpoint, the 2009 NAIAS feels unexciting.
True, the long parade of GM products through a crowd of employees and extras holding signs that read "Here to stay" and "We're electric" kicked off the first preview day with some panache.
However, PR officials from most automakers claim that it's a natural evolution toward the European approach. "Auto shows are here to stay. Buyers still need the hands-on experience," said Richard James, GM's Product Communications Manager for Latin America. "However, presentations for the media and dealers will indeed change, as evidenced here."
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert, General Motors
Is the NAIAS losing steam? According to many "press kit collectors" (vultures with media credentials that know little about journalism), the answer is yes, definitely. So far, press conferences have been disarmingly plain and, dare we say it, almost boring.
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| Chrysler 200C EV concept |
This was expected, actually. In his January 5 blog, Chrysler's Director of Product Communications, Rick Deneau, wrote that "there will be less glitz and no giveaways." He was right!
Detroit used to be the show of all shows, with Hollywood-style launches and presentations -- unlike in Europe and Asia. From that standpoint, the 2009 NAIAS feels unexciting.
True, the long parade of GM products through a crowd of employees and extras holding signs that read "Here to stay" and "We're electric" kicked off the first preview day with some panache.
However, PR officials from most automakers claim that it's a natural evolution toward the European approach. "Auto shows are here to stay. Buyers still need the hands-on experience," said Richard James, GM's Product Communications Manager for Latin America. "However, presentations for the media and dealers will indeed change, as evidenced here."
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photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert, General Motors
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