Washington D.C. Auto Show January 19-28, 2024
01-06-24, 03:52 PM
#31
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Oh I agree it is not the same experience....I've said that several times before. But it is better than nothing.....and I am the type of person that can tell a lot about a vehicle, at least for typical day to day driving, from just a couple of minutes behind the wheel.
And, believe me....D.C. city streets will give you a good idea of how well the suspension and underpinnings are designed LOL.
01-06-24, 03:54 PM
#32
Lexus Test Driver
by this logic they should be spending tons on print ads too. 
and no, it's not about 'random youtubers' - there are obviously some more influential ones than others.
if you fly doug demuro, marquis brownlee, redline reviews guy, alex dykes, and a few others... you can get HUGE engagement.
and no, it's not about 'random youtubers' - there are obviously some more influential ones than others.
if you fly doug demuro, marquis brownlee, redline reviews guy, alex dykes, and a few others... you can get HUGE engagement.
Ofcourse digital reach is very important but going away from reaching out to consumers with physical products is a huge mistake.
Going back to Tesla - although they are not at Auto shows, they have Tesla stores everywhere and it’s extremely easy to get a long test drive with one. Go try that with most other automakers, half the cars are locked when you go to a random dealer. Getting a test drive is almost as painful as going to the dentist with most dealers.
01-06-24, 04:30 PM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Some things are not better - personally i much rather go to an event rather see it on my phone.
Nobody is saying not to do digital promotions or have influencers peddle your latest crap as the next best thing but there is definitely a loss to the consumer when they can’t go and physically look at the cars.
Also the shows were more of a family outing where ppl went there that weren’t into cars. It was just an event to attend like the circus.
All the cost cutting is evident whether it’s lack of show displays, cheap build quality, cheaper labor locations etc.
Nobody is saying not to do digital promotions or have influencers peddle your latest crap as the next best thing but there is definitely a loss to the consumer when they can’t go and physically look at the cars.
Also the shows were more of a family outing where ppl went there that weren’t into cars. It was just an event to attend like the circus.
All the cost cutting is evident whether it’s lack of show displays, cheap build quality, cheaper labor locations etc.
It’s about selling cars not about giving you something to do. You compare it to a circus, guess what else people no longer go and see? The circus.
I love car shows, but I understand that what I love and what makes the most sense for their business aren’t the same.
01-06-24, 04:47 PM
#34
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Going back to Tesla - although they are not at Auto shows, they have Tesla stores everywhere
01-06-24, 05:12 PM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
Legacy carmakers don’t have dealers everywhere?! 
01-06-24, 05:48 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
I'm not sure if you are agreeing with me or you didn't understand my post lol
01-06-24, 06:22 PM
#38
While corporate Stellantis isn't showing up, most of these shows are regional dealer association run anyhow. Local CDJR dealers could have stepped up to bring cars and pay for some signage, but they apparently felt it wasn't worth it. I don't blame them, they don't have much to talk about. Chrysler is down to the Pacifica, Challenger and the muscle cars are gone for now. Jeep doesn't have much new to speak about.
That said the DC show is fading a bit, I know the leadership and they're trying to convince the brands every year to come back and establish a minimum presence on the floor as it's still a big draw for consumers.
I'm still excited and will continue to host part of the VIP tours. Also love being able to take my daughter on the sneak preview night before the massive crowds.
That said the DC show is fading a bit, I know the leadership and they're trying to convince the brands every year to come back and establish a minimum presence on the floor as it's still a big draw for consumers.
I'm still excited and will continue to host part of the VIP tours. Also love being able to take my daughter on the sneak preview night before the massive crowds.
01-06-24, 08:54 PM
#40
Lexus Fanatic
01-07-24, 07:27 AM
#41
Lexus Champion
You mean the ones where you make 4 rights around the convention center in city traffic? Me, personally, I'm not interested in that. There's lines for those too. I'd rather just have no test drive at all, and spend my time inside looking at the cars.
Last edited by tex2670; 01-07-24 at 07:31 AM.
01-07-24, 10:05 AM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
Exactly, doesn’t tell you much lol
01-07-24, 10:34 AM
#43
Super Moderator
Not many brands at the DC Show. We had the same problem here at the one that took place on Miami Beach this past year. Real disappointment thought Lexus was there in force with their models.
01-13-24, 08:33 AM
#44
Lexus Fanatic
If you want to see the future of car shows, here it is. Note MB is at CES...
01-13-24, 09:02 AM
#45
Lexus Champion
After pulling out of the Chicago Auto Show several years ago, I was surprised to see that BMW is listed as being in the 2024 show next month. Kind of surprising. No Audi or Mercedes though which has been the case for several years too. If it's accurate it shows 7 Series, 8 Series, i4, i7, iX as well as X1, X3, X5 and X7 as being on display.