The limited-run model features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) – the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America – as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colors, new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster with more than 900,000 produced, and made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989.  The MX-5 Special Edition continues the sports car’s history of being a dynamically-engineered, enthusiast-approved roadster whose price doesn’t discriminate and whose luxuries are not stripped.

Available with either the six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Special Edition model is based off the Grand Touring model.  Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Also on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be:

• Turbo2 – Unveiled at the SEMA Show held in Las Vegas this past November, this concept is the brainchild of The Autobarn, which owns two Mazda dealerships in the Greater Chicago area.  Here, a “Zoom-Zoom Concentrated” Mazda2 is outfitted with an extra-strength component in the form of a MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine. Consider the Turbo2 a subcompact cat that doesn’t purr – it growls.
• Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car – Most recently seen Zoom-Zoom-ing across the SPEED Channel’s live coverage of the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona last month, the No. 40 car – piloted by Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Charles Espenlaub, Tom Long and Charlie Putman – made its third consecutive Top 10 finish in the annual 24-hour race, besting competitors in a 46-car field which included BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche.
• 1990 Miata – A first-generation Mazda Miata, which made its debut in Chicago in 1989.  This vehicle has 3,688 original miles and is the 15th Miata off the line.
• Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car – The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is a major part of the Mazda Road to Indy.  Rising motorsports stars from around the world compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million, including a scholarship to move up and compete in the 2013 Firestone Indy Lights series.

AMP Electric Vehicles, specializing in SUV electric vehicles, announced the expansion of their product line-up with their new AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee EV, which will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This is the latest demonstration of AMP’s proprietary technology for SUVs and full-sized vehicles.

The addition of the Jeep Grand Cherokee complements AMP’s Mercedes M-Class EV offering. EV buyers will now have two great SUV choices in the retail market, and the Jeep EV also provides an attractive entry for companies that are adding “green” vehicles to their fleets.

“Beginning with a world class vehicle, and adding AMP’s electrification results in an EV that offers everything SUV Customers expect: smooth powerful performance, zero emissions and up to a 100-mile range,” said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO.

AMP will announce pricing, initial delivery dates and market distribution at the Detroit Auto Show.

This year’s Design Challenge focused on designing Hollywood’s next hottest movie car. The entries ranged from vehicles acting as faithful companions to their human counterparts to strong protectors of freedom and justice.

In a city famous for its friendly people and beautiful weather, the Smart 341 Parkour helps reporter Annie Angle on the mission to write her first, potentially career-making, front page news article in a city notoriously known for a lack of parking spaces. On an early Sunday morning, an article in a newspaper catches Annie’s eyes: “Smart Granny Robots Missing!” Using her Smart 341 Parkour and its three different modes – a typical drive mode, a fly mode that allows the vehicle to hover far above the streets and a climb mode that allows the vehicle to run up the walls of skyscrapers – Annie sets off on an investigation to discover the missing link for her journalistic masterpiece. The Smart 341 Parkour design tells the story of a more optimistic view of the future.

“This year’s theme presented these designers with creative challenges like never before,” said Chuck Pelly from Design LA. “Not only were studios tasked with designing a futuristic Hollywood vehicle, but also the complex plots within which they starred. The Smart 341 Parkour captured the essence of the Design Challenge by combining innovation and functionality with an adventurous plot.”

Entries were judged by multi-discipline design professionals who selected the winner based upon how the vehicle reflects its brand attributes relative to the plot, how the vehicle relates to the brand or targeted audience, the level of imagination, the character development of the vehicle and the uniqueness of the combination of car, story and character.

The Design Challenge is a highly anticipated competition where automotive design studios from around the world battle against each other to flex their creativity. Designers enjoy participating in the challenge because it is a strong venue to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.

Participating design studios included:

• Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc.
• Hyundai Design North America
• Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.: Advanced Design Center California
• Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany
• Mercedes-Benz Interior Design Studio, Germany
• Subaru Design Tokyo Studio

About the Design Challenge

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held annually during the L.A. Auto Show Press Days, November 16-17, 2011. Each year, for the past eight years, a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major automotive design studios showcase their talents, competing against each other to flex their creativity and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

The Design Challenge has received rave reviews from journalists and extensive media exposure throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Azera is the fifth vehicle to adopt the company’s signature Fluidic Sculpture design language. Tucson, Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Azera now all have a modern, sleek, sophisticated style, creating the illusion of constant motion. This flagship Fluidic Sculpture sedan also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment.

Azera is the seventh vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in 24 months), on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Accent and Veloster. The 2012 Azera represents a modern approach to the traditional large sedan segment by using an advanced powertrain, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. This approach has been successful for the other Fluidic Sculpture vehicles.

2012 AZERA MEETS THE MECHANICS OF FLIGHT

Azera’s Fluidic Sculpture design takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior of the all-new Azera is long, light and low. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines. The face is masculine with a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The elegant look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance, thanks to a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR WITH STANDARD LEATHER

The 2012 Azera offers luxurious appointments that rival the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin with more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for front-seat passengers.

Special attention has been paid to other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin and 3D Carbon interior accents. Ambient lighting compliments the vehicle’s modern appearance. Other unexpected luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. The side shades can be inconspicuously tucked away when not in use and no other car in the segment offers them.

Seats are extremely important in this segment. The 2012 Azera offers first-class seating assignments for all passengers. Leather seating surfaces are standard. A ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger’s seats are standard equipment. The driver’s seat has an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors. Azera’s climate and seat temperature controls keep occupants in total comfort.

• Ventilated front seats (optional) – fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats
• Heated front and rear seats standard
• Dual automatic climate control standard
• Second row air vents standard
• Cooled glove box standard

BEST-IN-CLASS SPECIFIC OUTPUT

There’s an old saying “there is no replacement for displacement.” Well, gasoline direct injection technology has changed the game. The Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine is the heart of the 2012 Azera. It produces a best-in-class specific output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment. This engine has a high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi), which dramatically increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This system eliminates the need for a large displacement V6 engine and increases the compression ratio from 10.4 to 11.5 for greater thermal efficiency and output. It also features all-aluminum construction, four valves per cylinder, piston cooling jets, roller timing chain, CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating on the top ring chamfer and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) for a broad power spread. A three-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

A suite of technologies, SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY includes completely redesigned, highly efficient internal combustion gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and an advanced body and chassis.  Together, these components will improve upon every aspect of the driving experience, including the vehicle’s performance, handling, fuel economy and safety.

Based on the MINAGI Concept, which made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show last March, CX-5 enters a highly competitive compact SUV segment but with the unique advantage of all-new SKYACTIV technologies, such as the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis.

 CX-5 also will be the first Mazda to feature the brand’s new design philosophy KODO, meaning “Soul of Motion,” which is evident in the vehicle’s sweeping body lines and ready-to-pounce aggressive stature.

The MX-5 Spyder concept, which debuted earlier this month at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, also will make an appearance.  Developed by MNAO Design, the one-off vehicle created such an overwhelmingly positive stir among SEMA attendees to warrant itself a spot on the Los Angeles show floor.

Also on display alongside the all-new CX-5 compact SUV and MX-5 Spyder concept will be Mazda’s full lineup of 2012 models, which includes the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata, CX-7 and CX-9.

The Nitto Digital Passport Program is designed to assist press during the show to make their visit to the Nitto booth relaxed and informative.  Knowing that the week at SEMA is filled with numerous meetings leaving editors short on time, this program is intended to make editor engagement with Nitto Tire even better. Whether gathering information on new products, photographing vehicles or learning about new sizes and specs, the Nitto Tire Digital Passport will make the booth visit quick and engaging.  Using one of 13 interactive tire displays, media can have custom information delivered to them while touring the booth. To be a part of this unique, interactive show experience, editors will need to pre-register online at www.nittotire.com/SEMA .  Members of the media who are one of the first 100 to pre-register for the Digital Passport program will receive a special welcome gift upon check-in to the Nitto SEMA booth.  

Being unveiled for the first time at SEMA is the all-new Motivo, an active all-season UHP tire. Motivo will be available for many 17″-20″ rim diameter applications and will be offered with a W and Y speed rating.  The Motivo is backed by a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty, which is the industry’s highest mileage warranty for W and Y speed rated UHP tire.  The large tread blocks enhance cornering performance while a continuous center rib improves high-speed stability.  It also features 3D Multi-Wave sipes and fin sipes which help provide additional traction in winter conditions. The four circumferential grooves and open lateral slits aid the evacuation of water.

To reward their ever-growing fan base of currently 392,000 Facebook fans, Nitto tire has launched the Nitto Tire Fan Drive Sweepstakes.  A unique opportunity that will allow Facebook fans of Nitto Tire to design a custom vehicle that could be given away as the grand prize. The contest, which runs from September 6-December 31, encourages fans to design custom vehicles online and will award one randomly selected fan the most popular vehicle combination submitted throughout the four month long contest.  Community members will be able to select the wheels, a custom Nitto graphics package and the Nitto tires of their choice to create the ultimate custom ride.  To enter, designers must be a fan of Nitto Tire on Facebook and click on the Fan Drive Sweepstakes Tab.  While fans can submit an unlimited amount of designs, they can only enter once into the sweepstakes. Fans can check out the contest in the SEMA booth as it will be showcased on a custom car cover.

From just two principal platforms, the Defender has been put to every task and reconfigured in every way, from fire engines to tracked exploration vehicles. The only limit to the abilities of a Defender is the imagination of its owner. An estimated three-quarters of the nearly two million Defender models built are still in use.

The next chapter in the Defender story will unfold at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The two DC100 concepts unveiled there will build on the essential elements of Defender and allow Land Rover to discuss and inspire dreams of a future Defender.

At-A-Glance

• Two new concepts from Land Rover investigate the future design possibilities of the iconic Defender.
• Three-across front seat is inspired by early Land Rover vehicles.
• Cutting-edge sustainable, hi-tech materials taken from luxury yachts, private jets and even spacecraft.
• The concepts capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today’s Defender.
  • DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover capability and versatility.
  • DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and adventure.
• The Terrain-i scanning device warns the driver of obstacles when off-roading and can suggest alternative routes.
• “Wade Aid” uses sonar technology to assess water depth and advise the driver of optimum speed for water fording.
• Intelligent next-generation Land Rover Terrain Response® system automatically optimizes the vehicle for any surface or terrain.
• Driver-activated spiked tire system can be deployed at the touch of a button.
• Future paint technologies will allow for self-cleaning and healing paint and bodywork.
• Both concepts are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform.
• Four-wheel drive with a transfer case.
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Intelligent Engine Start/Stop technology
• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when four-wheel drive is not required.
• 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Adventure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob.
• Always-on connectivity and telematics allow for vehicle-to-smartphone, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-base communication.
• Built-in inductive charging stations throughout the concepts.
• Land Rover confirms its global intention to launch a new Defender in 2015, with no current decision on whether or not the next generation Defender will come to the North American markets.

Two modern interpretations of the iconic Land Rover will make their debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both concepts capture the adventurous, daring, and indomitable spirit of Land Rover. This spirit came to fruition in 1948 with the launch of the Land Rover Series 1, which swiftly earned a global reputation for capability and created the legend surrounding the Land Rover name.

Replacing an automotive icon is a tremendous challenge. These two concepts explore design possibilities that take the honest character and timeless simplicity of the Defender into the 21st Century.

Design

As the names of the DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts suggest, their inspiration stems from iconic Land Rover models, and are intended to generate discussion about the future of one of the most recognized automotive designs in the world.

The shape and stance of the DC100 concept captures the inherent simplicity and confidence of the original Land Rover. The DC100 design undeniably demonstrates that it has the capability to embark on journeys to places few other vehicles dare tread.

The DC100 Sport captures the adventurous, into-the-wild ethos typified by the early Defender models. With canvas roofs and fold-down windshields, these vehicles allowed a total connection with the exciting landscapes they traversed. Reinterpreted for a new generation of adventurers, DC100 Sport features a streamlined, cut-down windshield and side windows

Interior

Both concepts feature three across front seating for increased versatility. The middle seat lifts to reveal a secure stowage area, while the outboard passenger seat can be folded away to increase carrying capacity.

Both interiors feature rugged, durable and sustainable modern materials that offer comfort levels undreamt of by early Land Rover owners. Those chosen for the DC100 are the latest in high-tech, tough, fabrics that will survive a lifetime of the roughest treatment. In the DC100 Sport, the materials are more luxurious, featuring leather with a subtle Tribal Tech pattern, referencing a legacy of exploration.

Technology

The concepts are based on an advanced mixed-alloy platform, and represent the flexibility of design and use inherent in this very capable platform. An eight-speed transmission and a transfer case provide a wide spread of high and low ratios for on and off-road driving.

Also showcased is the next generation of Land Rover all-terrain technology. Building on the acclaimed Terrain Response® system, these systems work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver by identifying potential hazards and advising safer routes to avoid them. An advanced telematics program unites the systems and allows vehicle to smartphone communication.

Design

“These could not be designs from any other company. Defender became a global icon because of the integrity of both its design and engineering. In creating these concepts, we took the functional design cues from the past and reinterpreted them for the 21st century. These studies represent our thoughts on how we will forge an entirely new generation of Defender models which will prove that design can work in harmony with function.” Gerry McGovern, Design Director, Land Rover

Land Rover has a design integrity that stretches back more than 60 years. Reinventing and reinvigorating that design ethos is a challenge that has been met – in two very different ways. Each concept represents different points on the Land Rover spectrum.

Simplicity and Strength

The bodywork reflects the Land Rover practice of avoiding extraneous detailing by following the principle of form derived from function, leading to a purposeful simplicity of surface. The sharply defined shoulder line and near vertical panels of the concepts places all four corners within sight of the driver, to create a confidence-inspiring Command Driving position that is a Land Rover hallmark.

Compact dimensions, short overhangs, and 22-inch alloy wheels lend both all-terrain concepts a fittingly purposeful, foursquare stance. Further detailing – such as the triangular vent in the front fenders, hood edges set into the shoulder line, and a prominent handle set into the trailing edge of the doors – also reference Land Rover tradition.

Authentic Design

Few vehicles in this world inspire feelings of loyalty and affection as a Land Rover Defender. Crucial to that appeal is the front-end design. The DC100 Sport and DC100 represent the latest evolution of the Defender ‘face’ that has retained its timeless appeal for 60 years.

The key elements were a sense of openness and honesty. As a vehicle used in the most extreme conditions, a Land Rover must also exude rugged dependability. This is seen to greatest effect in DC100 with its signature twin round headlamps and purposeful grille. DC100 Sport represents a more assertive, performance-oriented interpretation with a steeply raked front end.

For decades, automobiles have played important roles in some of Hollywood’s most popular films. The big screen has seen a steady parade of iconic autos that not only entertained as the emblematic rides of their famous drivers, but also actually stole the show and took leading roles themselves. Thanks to vehicles such as the 1968 Mustang GT that Steve McQueen raced through the streets of San Francisco in Bullitt, to the DeLorean featured in Back To The Future, automobiles are now firmly part of film lore.

In the quest to find the next A-list automobile, this year’s LA Auto Show Design Challenge will focus on designing Hollywood’s hottest new movie car. For the second year in a row, participating design studios from not only the U.S., but also Germany and Japan, will compete against one another to showcase their talents. Design studios from General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz Germany (Smart), Mercedes-Benz Japan (Maybach), and Mercedes-Benz U.S., will explore new ideas in automotive design as they contend for this top annual design honor.

“There is no more perfect theme for this year’s competition held in Los Angeles, home to Hollywood and the film capital of the world,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. “We have some amazing talents participating and can expect blockbuster design concepts that fuse design and technology in innovative ways.”

The winning design will be announced Nov. 17 during the Design Los Angeles conference at the LA Auto Show. Judging criteria will be based upon various factors including: How the vehicle reflects its brand attributes relative to the plot; how the vehicle relates to the targeted audience or brand; level of imagination; character development of the vehicle; and uniqueness of the combination of story, car and character.

Entries will be judged by Tom Matano, director of Industrial Design at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University; Imre Molnar, dean of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies; and Stewart Reed, chairman, Transportation Design at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design.  There also will be a special guest judge with an expertise in movie cars from Pixar Animation Studios, famous for such animated films as “Cars,” “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo” and many others.

The Design Challenge is sponsored by Faurecia, the world’s sixth-largest automotive supplier specializing in automotive seating, emissions control technologies, interior systems and auto exteriors as well as Yokohama Tire, which works closely with auto manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Japan to develop tires for the latest concept vehicles. Other sponsors that make Design Los Angeles possible include, Dassault Systemes and the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA).

In the build-up to the reveal of the new Civic, Honda is releasing a series of short form films detailing its development. The first of these focuses on ride & handling.

NEW HONDA CIVIC: RIDE & HANDLING – TWO GENERATIONS AHEAD

The ride and handling of the new Honda Civic has been developed in Europe. Working closely with European colleagues and external experts, the Japanese development team analysed the current Civic’s performance. This led to a focus on improving the ride quality of the new Civic, while retaining the sporty handling of the current model.

Honda’s engineers were conscious that European roads are some of the most varied in the world, mixing fast highways with poorly surfaced country lanes. Initial testing was carried out at the Research and Development facilities in Japan, before the development team transferred to Europe to finalise the car.

“Every time we visited Europe during the development of the car, we achieved significant improvements in the ride and handling, tuning the car for the local demands,” says Kazuo Sunaoshi, Development Leader – Chassis. “The new Civic is not just an evolution. In terms of ride quality, we have taken a major step forwards, equivalent to two generations of development.”

The new Civic retains the largest cabin space within the C-segment by utilising the compact torsion beam rear suspension from the current Civic. To further improve body control and stability at high speeds, the wall thickness of the torsion beam and the diameter of the stabiliser bar have been increased. In addition, overall ride comfort and handling have been developed through the introduction of new fluid-filled compliance bushings to the rear suspension system.

Unprecedented vehicle launches and media coverage helped push attendance to approximately 1.5% above last year’s attendance figure, once again topping the one million visitors mark.

“This was one of the best shows we have ever had,” said NYIAS chairman John LaSorsa.

“Enormously strong attendance, great press coverage, a completely revised show floor layout, the new North Hall exhibition space combined with an amazing range of world and North American introductions showed a confidence that was palpable to anyone visiting the Show this year,” continued LaSorsa.

The New York International Auto Show remains the number one attended auto show in the U.S.

“The Show is a celebration of one of the world’s largest and most exciting industries. We’re thrilled that consumer reaction to the Show and the products on display was so positive,” said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), which owns and operates the Show.

“This industry has worked hard to address the needs of consumers, and I’m delighted that we had more automakers revealing more cars than ever before, which is an amazing testimony to the spirit and resourcefulness of the automobile industry as we emerge from one of the worst economic periods in our industry’s history,” continued Schienberg.

Consumer Choice

Situated in the heart of North America’s largest new car market in the country for new car sales, the New York Auto Show provides practical information to consumers who are looking for information about their next new car or truck. In fact, a survey of NYIAS attendees from 2009 [see footnote at the end of release] reveals that 74% of those polled plan to purchase a vehicle within two years and that 86% of those indicate that the Show is “influential” in their lease or purchase decision.

The 2011 exhibition featured nearly 1,000 cars and trucks on the Show floor covering every type of vehicle segment available including the newest lineup of clean diesels, electric and hybrid vehicles, hydrogen cars, muscle cars, CUVs, sports sedans, mini cars, light trucks, exotic cars, and more. Changes to this year’s Show include new hours, as well as the debut of the all-new exhibition hall.  The 84,000 square foot exhibition hall called Javits North takes NYIAS closer to 1 million square feet of exhibit space overall. NYIAS is also pleased to announce its international recognition by OICA (Organisation Internationale Des Constructeurs D’Automobiles); the Paris-based organization which represents the interests of the global automobile industry.

In 2011, NYIAS outdoor ride-and-drive program included Camp Jeep and plus the indoor Electric Vehicle Pavilion which featured a range of pure electrics for consumers to take a ride in.  DUB also returned again this year with its DUB Show Tour special exhibition of ‘tricked-out’ cars and trucks.

“The New York Auto Show lets visitors explore the latest technologies being developed in a fun, relaxed atmosphere,” said LaSorsa.  ”Our EV Pavilion Ride-and-Drive was one of the stars of the Show giving most visitors the opportunity to experience the feeling of being driven in an electrically powered vehicle.

“The ability of consumers to be able to talk to product specialists in an informal and fun atmosphere without any pressure to buy appears consistently high on the Show’s surveys of Show visitors.  The New York Auto Show is the easiest, most efficient and practical place for car buyers to compare almost every single make,” remarked LaSorsa.

Also new for the Show this year was the greatly enhanced use of social media outreach to engage consumers.  In addition to extensive online advertising, NYIAS used Facebook and Twitter to constantly update on the many things taking place at the Show.  For the first time, NYIAS unveiled a special internet-only video series called New York Auto Show:  After Dark that was posted on the Auto Show’s YouTube channel and shared via Facebook and Twitter.  The programs gave a late-night overview of the fun events that happened at the Show each day, and it was hosted by a talented host named Sarene.

Media Capital

The success of the Show’s press week is driven by many factors including media coverage.  This year, strong national and local television news helped drive interest in new vehicles.  Highlights included a week-long series on Live! with Regis & Kelly featuring four brand new vehicles per day, multiple Today Show segments, and live business network coverage direct from the show floor by CNBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg.  WPIX (Channel 11) provided unprecedented daily coverage from the Show floor throughout the press and public days of the Show.

Trade Show Component Boosts NY Economy

In addition to the glitz and excitement of the public show, the New York Auto Show is a unique business-to-business trade event allowing the auto industry direct access to the finance, marketing, advertising, and hospitality industries that are headquartered in New York City.  During the Show’s press preview week, the world’s automotive executives and media arrived in Manhattan for a week of product unveilings and dozens of industry forums, symposiums, awards ceremonies, conferences, galas and receptions.

“The Show creates two very distinct and separate events to highlight and continue our century-long role as a leading player in the promotion of the automobile; one business-to-business, the other public,” said LaSorsa.

“With our trade events like the 2nd Annual NADA /IHS Automotive Forum and Nielsen’s Automotive Advertising Awards which achieved a huge attendance boost this year, we embrace the financial powerbrokers of Wall Street and the advertisers of Madison Avenue in a way that’s not possible anywhere else but in New York.   And our press preview days remind us how New York City is a place where trends begin, opinions are formed, and news is made,” he continued.

Nissan Americas’ Chairman, Carlos Tavares, officially opened the Show’s press preview days with a keynote address where he reminded the audience that Nissan was the hardest hit by last month’s massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan but that it is rapidly recovering from damage to its manufacturing plants and changes are coming in how, where and when Nissan produces its cars.

Before the keynote address this year, NYIAS welcomed 12 leaders of the U.S. auto industry to be recognized for their company’s contributions and support following the horrific earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan last month.  Collectively—and with the support of all the other car companies—the auto industry has raised and contributed over $30 million globally to the relief efforts going on right now in Japan, as that country works to rebuild and revitalize its people and its economy.   Auto leaders, Jim O’Donnell, President, BMW of North America; Steve Girsky, Vice Chairman, General Motors; John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda; Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations; Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas; Tom Doll, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America; Yoshimi Inaba, President & Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Motor North America; Representing the Chrysler Group, Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of MOPAR; Mike Stanton, President, Global Automakers; Phil Brady, President, National Automobile Dealers Association; and Lou Giordano, Chairman, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.  Representing the Japanese auto industry, was Toshihiro Iwatake, Executive Director & Secretary General, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and from Washington, DC—American Red Cross Vice President, Alice O’Rourke.

In addition to the important annual events such as the National Automotive Technology Competition, and the World Traffic Safety Symposium with a keynote address from NHTSA Deputy Administrator Ronald Medford, NYIAS hosted several important industry events including the World Car of the Year Awards.

“This prestigious awards program continues to grow in importance around the world and the Show was honored to host the event in New York City again this year.   Last month, we joined members of the World Car Committee in Geneva for the Press Conference to announce the top three winners in each of four categories,” said GNYADA president Mark Schienberg.

Next Year’s Show

Next spring, the New York International Automobile Show will be open to the public from Friday, April 6th through Sunday, April 15th, 2012.   Press Days are April 4th & 5th.  NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.