Suzuki to pass on 2009 NAIAS
Citing that they weren't allocated enough floor space at the upcoming Detroit auto show, Suzuki has announced that they would skip this show for 2009.
Jeff Holland, a Suzuki spokesman, said that Suzuki's plans for more active displays couldn't be accommodated. Suzuki plans to introduce three new products in the next 18 months, and other cities better fit their marketing needs, Holland said. "It's recognizing that we can't be everywhere and recognizing that opportunities are better in shows in other parts of the country," said David Boldt, product public relations manager for Suzuki...
So Suzuki is the second automaker bowing out from the Detroit auto show; the other being Porsche, who has stated that the Detroit/Michigan market was not favorable for their products.
Clearly Cobo Hall is in need of some upgrades. This is not a new issue. It's time for Detroit leaders to get serious about this problem.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Posted by: Bob Holland June 26, 2008, 7:04 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show, Suzuki
Suzuki bowing out isn't going to get city officials scared. But if more decline to show, I could see Detroit changing their tune.
Hasn't attendance dropped over the years?
http://www.naias.com/SubPage.aspx?id=246
There have been complaints about Cobo Hall for years. This is nothing new.
No, a small company Suzuki dropping out may not mean much, other than the negative publicity it generates for Cobo Hall and the city.
It'll be interesting to see if they make it to smaller shows, that will offer them enough floor space.
Chicago has plenty of room.
I can't imagine the pain the press, carmakers, and attendees go through to go to Michigan in the dead of winter, the land where Hell freezes over.
it's all bout strategic marketing. I guess they have to do what they have to do. autopartswarehouse.com has been doing the same thing. I mean, they weren't able to satisfy all markets but they were able to reach their target.
That's a shame, but to be honest, I've been to NAIAS twice and the Suzuki stand just wasn't getting much foot traffic at all.
Blink as you're walking by and you missed it.