North American International Auto Show

This year's showing at NAIAS in Detroit was different, but nonetheless impressive.  I am proud to say that despite all the negativity surrounding the automotive industry, Detroit, and the Las Vegas Automotive Show, Cobo Center was full of excitement this weekend. 

On Friday, I left directly from class to catch a flight to Detroit, where I was welcomed by the coldest weather seen in years.  My friend Johanna Medina, now in the Color and Trim department with GM, picked me up and we had a lovely cuban dinner with a friend of hers also from the GM design group.  We spent Saturday relaxing, with a long lovely brunch at a local diner and an evening movie- perfect events for a 7*, blustery day.  

Sunday was all about the auto show!  We got an early start and made it to the Center around 9:30 that morning...and stayed until 4:30.  This year's show was different in many ways.  To start with, this was the first show I've attended without my dad.  My father is the reason I'm a car girl- he is a retired mechanical engineer for Magneti Marelli and an antique car collector.  I've been to the Detroit show with him twice, in 2002 and 2003, and last year we decided to try out the Chicago show.  This year's NAIAS was still bigger than Chicago's, but just couldn't compare to the 2002 and 2003 Detroit shows.  (I can't wait to read  more reviews, but wanted to write my post before becoming biased by the other opinions floating around out there.)

The main difference I observed was much less elaborate floor displays.  Some seem to have even used the same sets as last year's Chicago show (Scion for sure) or felt more like glorified sales lots.  There were fewer papers and free goodies floating around, and I didn't see a single photo op, which has become a favorite cheesy feature of mine as it is an chance to grab a professional-grade picture in front of some of the hottest concepts.  With all that said, they didn't cut where it counts...too much.  The concepts were highly impressive, particularly the Lincoln C (interior) and Cadillac Converj (overall).  Lots of interesting elements were being adjusted and experimented with on the interiors- and Johanna and I were determined to learn everything we could about exactly how these were being approached.  As much as I missed talking with my dad about fuel systems and cylinders, having Johanna with me was an exciting opportunity to show our true textile nerd colors as we climbed in, out, and around all the vehicles, analyzing the fabrics, carpets, headliners, and dash.  I don't want to go into too much detail with what we saw- but would like for you to see for yourself in My Photos link to the right.  

Below are some of my favorites of the show.  I hope you enjoy and as always, feel free to post a response if you'd like any more interesting links or photos or just want to chat about what you think about this years show!