Automakers backing out of Auto Shows
As the worst sales year in decades is creeping upon us, many automakers are cutting spending on auto shows, which has always been considered a “customer-courtship event,” according to Ken Bensinger of the Los Angeles Times. Bensinger wrote an article entitled “Firms put brakes on auto shows.” This article is all about how many automakers are not spending on auto shows. General Motors Corp. has “scrapped plans”to debut its new Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac CTS Coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Shownext week. GM also has cancelled its only news conference planned for the event.
Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, and Suzuki Motor Corp. are withdrawing from the country’s premier auto show, the North American International Auto Show, which is held in January in Detroit. The bottom line is that in this economy, it is too expensive and not worth transporting vehicles 1000’s of miles, renting floor space, and employing staff at these auto shows.
Most of the time automakers like to debut their latest models, and get some media buzz to interest potential buyers, but now cost is playing such a major role, that these automakers have to determine, what if any, are worth their dollar.
Ford, the second largest automaker in the U.S., will be at the LA show and introducing six vehicles, including two new hybrids. They are also having a big party for the debut of the 2010 Mustang redesign.
It’s amazing to me how this economy and its problems, affect EVERYONE. These auto shows have been around for up to 101 years (the Detroit show), and now it will have less automakers, less customers, and make less money. Hopefully, everything can turn around for the auto industry and next year these big auto shows will have a better year.