Another interesting aspect of the show is that there was much more than just neatly parked cars on display. Mazda had its own small test track set up outside where members of the public could test drive its "zoom-zoom" vehicles around a miniature race track. They even had a drift champion giving demonstrations in a Mazda RX-8.
Then there were the boats on display. Now I know what you are thinking, what on earth do boats have to do with a car show? Well, if you're going to hold an automotive event right next to the river Thames, then why not have a few luxury yachts on display for the visiting public to walk around and drool over?
In fact, it was quite an interesting display, especially as some of them were priced in the 1 million-dollar range. To be honest, that was probably the first and last time that I will get the chance to sit in the captain's chair behind the wheel of a million-dollar yacht.
Another thing which is seldom seen at automotive shows in North America is motor homes. An area had been set aside especially for them, and next door to this was a compound completely dedicated to commercial vehicles. Now that's what I call a real Motor Show!
Land Rover shines at the UK show!
Without a doubt, one of most impressive displays at the event was staged by Land Rover. Outside the hall, the company had set up an unbelievable off-road display where visitors could try out the famous 4x4s. I was entertained for a considerable length of time watching members of the public tackle a 45-degree climb which took them up to a height of approximately 4 stories, at which time a turntable revolved and repositioned them for the return trip downhill. What an amazing display!
In fact, Land Rover really pulled out all the stops at this year's event as they not only had an indoor display nearly as large as Ford's, but along with its outdoor off-road course, the company appeared to have rented the QE2 (or something very similar to it) to moor next to the event and plaster with LR advertising. I have to say that they were by far the most noticeable manufacturer at the event. I say, "Well done LR" for flying the flag so well.
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Then there were the boats on display. Now I know what you are thinking, what on earth do boats have to do with a car show? Well, if you're going to hold an automotive event right next to the river Thames, then why not have a few luxury yachts on display for the visiting public to walk around and drool over?
In fact, it was quite an interesting display, especially as some of them were priced in the 1 million-dollar range. To be honest, that was probably the first and last time that I will get the chance to sit in the captain's chair behind the wheel of a million-dollar yacht.
Another thing which is seldom seen at automotive shows in North America is motor homes. An area had been set aside especially for them, and next door to this was a compound completely dedicated to commercial vehicles. Now that's what I call a real Motor Show!
Land Rover shines at the UK show!
Without a doubt, one of most impressive displays at the event was staged by Land Rover. Outside the hall, the company had set up an unbelievable off-road display where visitors could try out the famous 4x4s. I was entertained for a considerable length of time watching members of the public tackle a 45-degree climb which took them up to a height of approximately 4 stories, at which time a turntable revolved and repositioned them for the return trip downhill. What an amazing display!
In fact, Land Rover really pulled out all the stops at this year's event as they not only had an indoor display nearly as large as Ford's, but along with its outdoor off-road course, the company appeared to have rented the QE2 (or something very similar to it) to moor next to the event and plaster with LR advertising. I have to say that they were by far the most noticeable manufacturer at the event. I say, "Well done LR" for flying the flag so well.
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