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North American International Auto Show

January 19, 2014

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North American International Auto Show

Mom and me in front of a BMW

I have dreamed of going to the North American International Auto Show for about fifteen years.  I watch all the TV coverage every year and imagine walking through the show, perhaps rubbing elbows with the automotive brass.  In particular I have always wanted to attend the charity preview.  Over the years, it has raised millions of dollars for children’s charities in the Detroit area.  Going meant so much to me I even put it on my bucket list.  Well, I finally went! 

Okay, so, I didn’t go to the charity preview; instead Mom, Dad, and I headed to Cobo Arena for the industry preview.  It was the perfect way to check out the Auto Show, and I am more than willing to cross going to the Auto Show off my bucket list!  While the industry preview lacks the black-tie glitz and glamour of the Charity preview, the ticket price is also about two-thirds lower and it’s even less crowded than the fancy event.

North American International Auto Show

Dad checking out a cool blue Mustang!

In typical Michigan fashion, it was a gross, snowy, frigid day.  So bad, in fact, we came very close to simply staying home (have I mentioned how badly I want to move).  We persevered and the drive down wasn’t too bad.  Of course, in typical Detroit fashion, parking was a nightmare.  The garages and lots near Cobo were for reserved parking only.  Luckily Dad, being the amazing guy he is, dropped Mom and me at the door and went to park in the Joe Louis Arena garage a little ways away.

The industry preview is for people who work in the automotive industry to check out the Show before the general public.  Both Mom and Dad used to work for Ford, and there seemed to be no restrictions on who could purchase the tickets, so even though we aren’t quite industry professionals, we went.  There were only a fraction of the people there as on a public day, but still the Show was quite crowded.  I can’t imagine going on a public day.  It was smaller than we imagined, but very easy to navigate, especially with the map provided to us.

North American International Auto Show

The Ford exhibit.

We headed pretty much straight to the Ford exhibit while we waited for Dad.  We all may be a bit biased but the Ford exhibit was really the most impressive.  It seemed like a little Auto Show all by itself.  The Mustangs and F-150s were featured prominently.  There was even a working assembly line that made actual car parts during the Show.  Lincoln was near the back of the Ford display.  It was very sleek and modern.  The old Lincoln on display and the cool geometric decorations were my favorite.  Against all the odds, Mom actually ran into an old friend from Ford.  Sometimes the world is indeed very small. 

North American International Auto Show

Mustang concept car.

North American International Auto Show

Super cool old Lincoln.

We covered the whole Show.  Mercedes was cool, so was Bentley, though their cars were all blocked off.  I’m rather Bentley obsessed, so it was a bit of a disappointment to not be able to get up close and personal to their cars.  Cadillac had a really awesome display with sleek looking cars.  The paint on one of them was so sparkly – just my kind of color!  I could definitely see myself riding around town in a BMW or Porsche.  What is rather amazing is that the show is built from the ground up each year.  All of the displays, the different floor materials, the lighting, everything is new every year, and all of the displays look markedly different each year. 

North American International Auto Show

Mercedes exhibit.

North American International Auto Show

North American International Auto Show

The elusive Bentley.

Then it was back to the Big Three as we checked out the Chrysler display.  I have always loved 300s, and up close and personal they are even cooler, especially the blue one.  Concept cars are always one of the best parts of the show, though there were fewer this year than in years past.  However, this Dodge SRT was enough to satisfy my concept car cravings.  I can never get enough of the Chargers and Challengers either.

North American International Auto Show

Dodge SRT concept.

North American International Auto Show

The history of Dodge’s most famous cars.

Of course, heading over to GM, the Corvette’s aren’t too shabby either.  Who wouldn’t want to speed drive the speed limit down the road in one of those?  Or perhaps a Camaro, which has never looked better.  Interestingly, there are tons of people walking around each exhibit cleaning cars.  The vast majority are out in the open, allowing people to touch and even sit in the cars, but the companies work hard to make sure the cars still look great, as everyone has a phone or camera out taking pictures.

North American International Auto Show

Corvette race car.

North American International Auto Show

Look at the sparkly paint on this Cadillac!

Each company also has product specialists that are there to answer questions and help people figure out if a particular car would be a good fit for them.  After all what’s an Auto Show if it doesn’t help sell some cars?  A quick tour through Jaguar and Land Rover and we felt like we’d seen all there was to see within about an hour and a half.  Dad headed back to get the car while Mom and I picked up some souvenirs.

North American International Auto Show

Dad and me in front of a Volvo.

North American International Auto Show

Hitting the road at four, we figured it wouldn’t be too bad of a drive home, but with the snow that had been accumulating all day and was still falling, it took nearly three hours (no exaggeration) to get home when in ideal conditions it should take about thirty minutes.  That is a long time to be in a car, and we all wanted nothing more than to get home.  Dad handled the roads incredibly well and got us home safe and sound.  It would be easy for all of us to say we wish we hadn’t gone, to be beyond frustrated over the traffic, but that is not the case.  It was a wonderful day and a wonderful show!  We are all so glad we went.  I feel very lucky to still be able to make memories like this with my parents.  Who knows, maybe we’ll even go again next year!  If you are in the Detroit area and interested, the show is open to the public until January 26.

Filed Under: Fun, Writing Tagged With: Auto Show, Cars, Detroit, Fun

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Comments

  1. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

    January 19, 2014 at 10:31 am

    This looks like so much fun! I love the auto show in Chicago!

    Reply
  2. Debbie Eccard says

    January 19, 2014 at 11:17 am

    You all look so glitzy just like the auto show…. So cool to go to the auto show and I did see where you were at the Ford exhibit!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 20, 2014 at 11:43 am

      Thanks, Debbie! Yes, we all LOVED the Ford exhibit.

      Reply
  3. John@Kitchen Riffs says

    January 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    I’ve never been to an auto show, and of course the one you went to is one of the best ones going. Sounds like fun! Thanks for the report.

    Reply
  4. Monet says

    January 19, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Your family is so attractive 😉 I was wowed by you…and the cars! How much fun! I was just listening to NPR talk about the show. I would love to go one year too!

    Reply
  5. Christina @ Sweet Pea's KItchen says

    January 19, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    Looks like you guys had a blast! I’ve never been to an auto show before, but I have friends that live near Detroit and they go every year. 🙂

    Reply
  6. lashonda w. says

    January 20, 2014 at 11:27 am

    Hello,

    I’m in your SITS girls tribe. I am just staying by to say “Hello” and I look forward to reading your posts.

    I can’t wait to try your pb&j cookies receipe. Also your 2013 favorite receipes are on my must try.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 20, 2014 at 11:42 am

      Thanks for visiting, Lashonda! I’m heading over to check out your blog 🙂

      Reply
  7. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

    January 20, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    I’m not really into cars, but I must say that the Mustang looks really good on your dad! And as for the driving home…when you ski in the mountains on the weekend…well, getting home is a lot like that! But worth it!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 21, 2014 at 10:20 am

      That’s what we all said: it was worth it. Not that we want to do it again for awhile 😉

      Reply
  8. Lisa says

    January 20, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Hi, stopping by from your SITS tribe. I’ve never been to the auto show, but it looks like fun. I’m looking forward to reading your posts!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 21, 2014 at 10:19 am

      Thanks, Lisa! I’m definitely looking forward to your posts too!

      Reply
  9. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

    January 20, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    I’m not that into cars but my hubby is and would have loved this!

    Reply
  10. vanillasugarblog says

    January 20, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    Have I ever been to an auto show?
    No! But my goodness you make it look FUN!
    I did a home show once, that was exciting, I mean the food concessions were good too! LOL

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 21, 2014 at 10:18 am

      It was super fun! But I love cars. A home or food show would be so fun too. Sometimes it’s just about having something different to do that gets me out of the house 😉

      Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    January 20, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    Hi Laura!
    First, I love the pictures! My hubby and I go to the Chicago Auto Show every year and love it! So I’m glad you had a chance to experience the North American International Auto Show.
    I wanted to say hello as I’m a member of your SITS tribe! Looking forward to getting to know you and reading your posts.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 21, 2014 at 10:18 am

      Thanks for visiting, Jennifer! I think the Auto Show may be a new annual tradition for us too.

      Reply
  12. Joanne says

    January 21, 2014 at 7:40 am

    Whoa! So fun!!

    Reply
  13. Lori Hart says

    January 21, 2014 at 11:32 am

    Hello! I’m Lori from Lori’s Culinary Creations and am part of your SITS girls tribe!!! So happy!! I look forward to getting to know you and your blog. I’ve followed you on all social media so I don’t miss a beat! Have a great day.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 21, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      Thanks for visiting, Lori! You have a great day too 🙂

      Reply
  14. Linda says

    January 22, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Great pictures and so glad you got to go to the show. Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate, but that’s Michigan.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      January 22, 2014 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks, Linda! Yeah, I’m hoping to escape Michigan soon.

      Reply

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