Detroit Auto Show

[JohnK]

Would any Volt enthusiasts be interested in getting together at or around the Detroit show? It would be SOOO cool if Lyle could finagle some test drives for us, but even if that is not possible it might be nice to see people that we have met on the message boards. I've seen the Volt once in person, but I now know that I would have noticed a LOT of details that I did not think about if there were other enthusiasts present at the time.

[JohnK]

I just noticed this article at Allcarselectric: http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/...hibit-released
This includes the Nissan Leaf which was missing at the LA show.
Also BYD will be there.

[JohnK]

This is an article from today's Free Press about the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
"GM aims to make more with less space at 2010 Detroit Auto Show
BY GREG GARDNER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

General Motors Co. will give its four surviving brands more breathing space in its first Detroit auto show since emerging from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, according to company officials who gave a preview of their exhibit plans at Cobo Center today.


Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC will share 85,000 square feet in Cobo’s northwest quadrant for the North American International Auto Show, which opens to the public Jan. 16.

While that’s down from slightly more than 100,000 square feet last year, with Saturn, Pontiac, Saab and Hummer sold or discontinued, the core brands get 25% to 35% more space to showcase 41 vehicles, engine technology and a variety of interactive displays.

Related story: Chrysler to show electric mini-car.

“We are going to de-emphasize the GM corporate identity and focus more on the four brands,” said Tim Peters, assistant director of global auto shows. “We have a strong message from a product standpoint.”

The four brands will stage their media presentations in the area between the Chevrolet and GMC exhibits. Chevrolet will occupy about half of GM’s space (42,000 square feet) with about 20 vehicles and a variety of technology exhibits set against a long horizontal mural-like backdrop with large video screens.

Cadillac, Buick and GMC will each have about 15,000 square feet to showcase their new models, as the CTS coupe, the Regal sedan and the GMC Terrain SUV.

Peters said GM is spending about the same amount of money on this year’s exhibit that it did two years ago, but he declined to disclose the amount.

GM has saved some money setting up this year’s exhibit, which was mostly in crates on the Cobo floor today, because local unions have agreed to forego overtime.

Nearly all the exhibit structures will be re-used at auto shows in Chicago in February and New York in March.

Peters also said GM is exploring offering test drives during the show’s public days, but logistics have not been resolved.

Contact GREG GARDNER: 313-222-8762 or ggardner@freepress.com. "

[JohnK]

The members of the Michigan Electric Auto Association will be attending the Detroit Auto Show as a group on Saturday, Jan 23 at 10 AM. See www.michiganeaa.org

Another related item: the Nissan Leaf is on tour and will be in Detroit from Jan 11-13.

Also, more details about the Detroit show are being filled in, see www.naias.com. Of particular interest is the Floor Map (www.naias.com/the-2010-show/floor-map.aspx) which highlights two separate areas, "Electric Avenue", and "The EcoXperience". I find it interesting that BYD Auto will be placed right next to the Chevrolet area. Nissan will be in the Electric Avenue area. A123 will be at the EcoXperience but only during the prevue week.

[JohnK]

This is a link to an article in the Detroit News from Dec 23, indicating that GM is trying to arrange for test drives of various vehicles for attendees of the Detroit Auto Show. It does not specifically talk about the Volt as being included but I'm sure hopeful.
Link: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091...ow-test-drives

[JohnK]

Would it not be good for GM-Volt.com enthusiasts to wear something that makes it easier to spot one another at the auto show? A teeshirt is probably not so practical. Something that we could print out, cut and clip to a cap or collar would be cool. Best if it were brightly colored but catchy and cool and easily associated with the Volt. Any ideas???? Some Help!

[dagwood55]

Matching pocket protectors?

[George S. Bower]

Matching pocket protectors?

Good one!

I think you just dated yourself. How about slide rules hanging from our belts and horn rim glasses. and, as an added effect, a leg strap at the bottom of the slide rule case so we can "quick draw" and out calculate any young punks that might be carrying a modern calculator.

But not to make fun. Good effort John. I'd like to go but it's a long drive from Arizona.

P.S. There's also some good electric car presentation at the SAE symposium. I posted them in another post. Google SAE if your interested.

[dagwood55]

George,

Now, I do know where my slide rule is but I haven't used it since I demonstrated it for our children when they were in junior high or so.

And I have never owned, much less worn, a pocket protector...

... or at least I' not admitting it. One of the joys of middle age is that it's not a lie if you really can't remember it.

:-)

[MrDuck85]

... but never had a pocket protector. And my black glasses have an old prescription, and I've long since had laser eye surgery, so I wouldn't see anything.

Although I would love to attend the Detroit show, I will be in Orlando at that time. I can only hope that the Volt puts in an appearance at the Toronto show in February.

Oh, and please.... no suggestions for propeller caps.... :-)