John Lyboldt

Lyboldt, who took the leadership mantle from now past-president Don McNeely, president, Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, on Jan. 28 at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual conference in New Orleans, is quick to point out that the transition is very much business as usual at ATAE.

"Over the past few years, we’ve been making the kinds of internal changes at ATAE that will continue to serve our membership well by improving government relations and industry relations services,” says Lyboldt.

Streamlining is a big part of that strategy, he says.

"It’s important for us to continually reinvent and renew our ability to do what our members have called us to do,” says Lyboldt. "Those efforts will continue.”

ATAE represents the executives of 113 state and metropolitan dealer associations in the U.S. and Canada. These associations respond to the needs of more than 20,000 franchised new car and truck dealers on national, state and local levels.

ATAE provides a forum for the exchange of information and serves as a clearinghouse for resources needed by member association executives. Through professional development programs, research and networking opportunities, ATAE provides members with the tools they need to continually improve the value and effectiveness of services offered to dealer members.

ATAE works closely with NADA to serve dealers on all levels, providing governmental representation, industry and public representation, education and consulting programs, meetings and conventions and a wide variety of products and services.

	Todd Leutheuser

Todd Leutheuser, executive director of the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association, and Peter Hodges, president of the Oklahoma City-based Metropolitan Automobile Dealers Association, were appointed chair and co-chair respectively of the Auto Shows of North America Steering Committee.

Leutheuser is also co-executive director of Anaheim’s California International Auto Show. Hodges runs the two Oklahoma City auto shows, one of which is held in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Fair. The recent successions, which formally took place at the ASNA steering committee meeting at New Orleans in January, follow a pattern established last year when Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, became chair and Leutheuser was affirmed as co-chair.

	Peter Hodges

ASNA continues to be the industry resource for auto show information and education. ASNA provides a network for communication between show executives, manufacturers, other industry affiliates and media.

Members of Automotive Trade Association Executives who have responsibility for an auto show are members of ASNA, along with representative members on the ASNA steering committee who represent the interests of non-auto show ATAE members.

Who wouldn’t.

The question then becomes how to do it and where to start. As far as Derek Dalton is concerned, maximizing the impact media can have in an auto show market is done the same way outstanding dealers sell vehicles. Dalton is vice president and general manager of KGTV-TV, Channel 10, the ABC affiliate in San Diego.

"It’s about building relationships,” says Dalton, who works closely with organizers at the San Diego International Auto Show, headed by Dean Mansfield, in making sure television continues to play a key role in the marketing of the event.

	Derek Dalton

"About 30 percent of all of our revenue is based on automotive,” says Dalton, who in January took a "road trip” with Mansfield to the North American International Auto Show. "That’s our biggest customer, bar none.”

Auto is important to Derek Dalton and his organization. Which means he’s going to make sure the auto show organization, typically made up of dealers, is happy.

And if the auto show is having challenges, Dalton says most media organizations would be glad to step up to the plate to help.

"All they would need to do is have a couple of board members call up the media,” he says. "I think all media would be responsive.”

While Dalton’s advice about building relationships with the local media comes from a broad background in media sales, when it comes to San Diego in particular, he speaks from upfront knowledge.

"It is going to depend on the marketplace and the dealer group, but my experience has been that San Diego happens to be one of the most progressive going,” says Dalton. "They’ve spent the last 15 years building media partnerships and that’s why they’re one of the more successful auto shows in the country.”

And that’s in a market that isn’t necessarily dominated by Dalton’s favorite form of media, although he does seem to get his fair slice of the advertising pie.

"Some auto shows prefer to side up with newspapers, some with radio and TV,” he says. "In San Diego, we use all three.”

While Dalton says he’d be quite happy to have all the auto show media budget spent on television, at the same time he admits "it’s better for the auto show to have as many partnerships as they can.”

Those partnerships must, if they are to work, be advantageous to all.

"A true partnership has to be good for both sides,” says Dalton. What that means, he says, is focusing on the advantages both media buyer and seller have to offer, and not so much an adversarial relationship where one party has to suffer.

Dalton has local examples to offer in how the San Diego show works with media partners, including KGTV.

"We happen to be a strong news station, so we’ve got the resources to bring to the auto show,” says Dalton. That includes having the local weather forecaster do a remote from the show floor as well as a half hour show that features new products coming to the event.

"The day the convention center is being set up, we’re shooting all the new cars, including the whiz bang gadgets,” says Dalton. "Typically there will be manufacturers reps or executives who are able to talk about the cars and we’ll run that show in a favorable spot, either in an access [leading into prime] or prime period.”

So where to begin on the development of those all-important relationships? Derek Dalton says it starts with action.

"The best way is really to pick up the phone and begin talking,” says Dalton. "Begin with a breakfast or lunch and start explaining the goals of the auto show to the media you are meeting with. Things will go from there.”

The traditional DaimlerChrysler-sponsored Firehouse for media at the North American International Auto Show raised thousands for the Detroit Firemen’s Fund in addition to feeding and hydrating the many journalists who made their way to the January show.

	Dieter Zetsche tends bar at the DCX Firehouse in Detroit. (Steve Purdy Photo)

Starting with more than $13,000 raised through media donations from Sunday, Jan. 8 to Tuesday, Jan. 10, a near-equal amount was donated from tips, while 129 kegs of free beer were served to the crowd by "celebrity” bartenders, including host Dr. Dieter Zetsche, president and CEO, Chrysler Group.

For those keeping track, the most popular choices, in rank order by number of kegs, were: Pilsner (68); Budweiser (20); Bass Ale (18); Molson Canadian (13); and Guinness Stout (10).

Journalists also quaffed 130 gallons of infused fruit martinis, gobbled down 1,000 pounds of hamburger, plus 1,300 pounds of fries and 1,200 pounds of chicken wings.

And then they slept.

	Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America, Inc., savors the 'World Car of the Year' award presented recently at Toronto’s Canadian International Auto Show.

"The concept of ‘national borders’ is now almost non-existent in terms of where vehicles and their components are designed, engineered, developed and built,” said British automotive journalist, Graham Johnson, co-chair of the award program. "Considering the ever-increasing globalization of the auto industry, the World Car program was inevitable.”

A jury of 48 automotive journalists from 21 countries individually reviewed, evaluated and voted on the 36 eligible vehicles, all of which must have been available for purchase in at least five countries on at least two continents prior to Jan. 1, 2005.

"The voting was far more than just a popularity contest,” said Canadian auto journalist and program co-chair Gerry Malloy, who added that jurors assessed the cars on the basis of 20 separate parameters, ranging from styling and comfort to performance and fuel economy to develop a short list of 10 finalists.

For their final selection, the scribes rated cars on five key areas of importance to potential customers: merit, value, safety and environmental responsibility, significance, and emotional appeal (the so-called "wow” factor).

For a complete list of World Car finalists, visit www.wcoty.com

The award, which was presented in conjunction with press days at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, is the result of a process that includes a four-day "TestFest” that saw some 64 eligible vehicles vie for one of 12 category spots.

As is the case with any AJAC Car of the Year winner, the Mustang first won in its own category — Best New Sports/Performance Car.

Other "best new” finalists in the AJAC Car of the Year awards included the Chrysler 300C (Luxury Car), Honda Accord Hybrid (Alternative Power); Kia Spectra LX (Economy Car); Mazda6 Sport (Family Car); BMW X3 3.0i (SUV); Hyundai Tucson (Crossover); Volvo S40 (Sports Compact); Honda Odyssey (Minivan); Mazda6 Sportwagon (Station Wagon); Toyota Tacoma (Pick-Up), and Mercedes SLK350 (Convertible).

Car of the Year director Norm Mort said the AJAC Car of the Year awards are selected by an independent association which has no relationship, or affiliation, with any car or truck manufacturer.

AJAC consists of automobile professionals with varied experiences from a diversity of sources, including television, magazines, website, radio and newspapers.

More information about the Canadian Car of the Year awards program or AJAC itself can be found at www.ajac.ca.

The presentations, which were made at the WAAI meeting held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association annual conference in New Orleans last month, also honored Patricia Roberts, general director, Women’s Retail Initiative, General Motors Corporation.

	Candida Romanelli

Romanelli, who is vice president of the Greater New York Auto Dealers Association in addition to her role as show director, is credited with seeing the auto show grow substantially.

"Candida’s position places her among the highest ranking and most influential women in the auto show field,” says Lorraine Schultz, WAAI founder and CEO.

The WAAI was established in 1995 to recognize the achievements of women in the industry, provide educational e-news to automotive career-focused individuals, build relationships through networking and other interactive forums, and encourage growth through mentoring, educational endeavors, and scholarships. The focus of the WAAI is on the development and retention of women leaders and the education and support of all persons, without prejudice, who have an interest in the automotive industry.

	Not even an appearance by the beloved Eagles in the Super Bowl could keep folks away from enjoying a day at the 2005 Philadelphia International Auto Show.

It’s the kind of comment auto show organizers love to hear and Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and host of the 2005 Philadelphia International Auto Show, is no exception.

That’s in spite of the show competing with the Super Bowl, which for the first time in 27 years featured the city’s beloved Eagles.

"We had a solid and successful show in spite of that,” says Mazzucola. One particular highlight was the ability of show organizers to produce an outstanding Tuner Salon, the first time ever for the show.

"We had a great configuration at the convention center,” says Mazzucola, noting the 20,000 square foot Tuner Salon provided a night club feel.

	A very popular Tuner Salon was a highlight in Philadelphia this year.

Mazzucola says it was clear that the Tuner Salon, as well as a celebrity car showcase hosted by "DUB Magazine,” were among the stand-out features that contributed to an overwhelming 96 percent "good, excellent or outstanding” exit survey ranking.

"We are thrilled about the high level of satisfaction among this year’s show goers,” he says.

Besides viewing the 700 vehicles on display, show attendees were indirectly responsible for the dealer organization continuing a long-standing tradition: making a major donation – nearly $230,000 this year - to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. A portion of gate proceeds is given every year to the hospital through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

	Children’s characters brought little ones to the show – and parents as well.

"One of the best parts of the show is that we get to give back to the community that supports us,” says Mazzucola.

Other notable highlights of the 2005 show included two Mazda vehicle giveaways, the appearance of several concept cars, including the Buick Velite, Chevrolet Nomad, Dodge Slingshot and Ford Shelby GR1. An exotic vehicle display featuring Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls Royce was also included in the show.

Of growing interest in the auto show realm is the proliferation of hybrid vehicles coming from a number of manufacturers. This year’s show included displays by Honda, which offers gas/electric configurations in its Accord, Civic and Insight models, plus GMC’s Sierra hybrid, and the 400H from Lexus. In addition, Ford showcased its Escape hybrid and Toyota featured the Prius.

The Philadelphia show also included a display of vintage autos from the Eastern U.S. Concours D’Elegance and the Buckingham Concours D’Elegance.

Profile: Philadelphia International Auto Show Dates: Feb. 5-13, 2005 Place: Pennsylvania Convention Center Exhibit Space: 550,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $12 (weekdays $10); Children (7-12), $6; Seniors (62 plus, weekdays), $6; under 6 free Show Hours: Saturdays, 9 am-10 pm; Sun., Feb. 6, 9 am-6 pm; Sun., Feb. 13, 9 am-8 pm; Mon.-Fri., noon-10 pm Show Contact: Kevin Mazzucola, ATAE Executive Director, Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia 610.279.5229 mazz@adagp.com Show Website: www.phillyautoshow.com

That’s the message Steve Smith wants to get across to exhibitors who want to reach that market.

And as executive director of both the Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association and the San Jose International Auto Show, Smith has the numbers to back up his assertion as he comes out of the Jan. 5-9 show.

	Arnold from ‘Hey Arnold’ of Nickleodeon fame brought smiles to young faces at the San Jose International Auto Show’s State Farm Kids Day.

"People might think ‘San Francisco,’ but San Jose actually has more people – 976,000 versus 650,000,” says Smith.

Indeed, current reference to the market by the U.S. Census Bureau confirms the domination of San Jose as the key area within the region. But it’s vehicle sales that make the numbers significant from Smith’s perspective. "The fact is, we sell more cars – three times that of the San Francisco market and 24.6 percent of all nine area Bay counties.”

Also significant when talking about the San Jose International Auto Show is what has become a direct correlation between vehicle sales increase and auto show attendance.

"We’ve seen this for the last two years,” says Smith. "Auto show attendance is up and new vehicle sales are up almost exactly by the same percentage.”

Next year, the San Jose show is expected to be even bigger with the addition of an 80,000 square foot pavilion that will be attached to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, bringing the total amount of exhibit space to 280,000 for the 2006 show.

"We’ve already had offers to turn the space into an aftermarket alley or a luxury pavilion,” says Smith, who is also discussing other possibilities with manufacturers wanting more room.

Highlights of this year’s show included the co-unveiling (with Los Angeles) of the Ford Mustang Convertible, the first model debut to take place at San Jose since the introduction of the Volkswagen New Beetle.

But vehicles aside, as this is one of America’s technology corridors, it’s not surprising that discount coupons have migrated to an online environment.

	Great displays. Great cars. And lots of excitement. It all added up to another successful San Jose International Auto Show.

"It was a phenomenal success,” says Smith, noting that the tech savvy audience jumped at the opportunity to download coupons.

Smith plans to further develop the show’s online database of attendees as interest grows. Also on the tech front, one of the most popular displays at the show was related to the integration of the massively popular i-Pod music player with BMW vehicles. With i-Pod maker Apple Computer in the area, that’s hardly surprising.

"That plays really well in our area,” says Smith, with apparently no pun intended.

Indeed, other technology companies found opportunities to associate themselves and their brands with the auto show audience. "We plan to work on bringing other corporate partners in the area into the show,” says Smith.

Other areas of interest at the San Jose International Auto Show were the hybrids, notably the model produced by Lexus. "It was a huge hit at the show,” says Smith, noting a trend toward people wanting to be – and seen to be – environmentally conscious.

For his part, Smith is in the same mindset as many of the high tech companies he and his colleagues are rubbing shoulders with in the San Jose area.

"We’re always looking for new ideas.”

Profile: San Jose International Auto Show Dates: Jan. 5-9, 2005 Place: San Jose McEnery Convention Center Exhibit Space: 200,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $12 (weekdays $10); Children (7-12), $6; Seniors (62 plus, weekdays), $6; under 6 free Show Hours: Wed.-Thurs., noon-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 10 am-10 pm; Sun., 10 am-7 pm Show Contact: Stephen C. Smith Executive Director, Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association 408.437.7557, sjias@sbcglobal.net Show Website: www.sjautoshow.com

"It’s the contribution that manufacturers continue to make,” says McClean, who came to the show 10 years ago, after marketing marine products at Yamaha Motors.

	Toyota’s "future truck” demonstrated next generation fuel possibilities to show goers at the Canadian International Auto Show.

Today, the Canadian International Auto Show – or "Autoshow” as it’s being widely marketed – is but one of two events in North America to have received the coveted OICA sanctioning (the other being the North American International Auto Show).

While that in itself is something McClean and Tom Tonks, general manager of the show, both take pride in showcasing, the real focus is on the automotive interest of the 5.3 million strong Greater Toronto Area, Canada’s largest metropolis, and the fourth largest in North America, behind only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

"We’ve built the show a little differently than Detroit,” says McClean, referencing what is, after all, a significant media blitz on behalf of automotive journalists at the NAIAS. "For us, we’ve focused on the consumer who comes to the show.”

That emphasis has played out in a number of features at the Toronto show, including a large display of classic cars that’s become a tradition, even though show organizers toyed with the idea of rotating it out of the mix.

	Cruise Nationals regional winners were also on display at the Toronto show.

"There was such an outcry that we reintroduced the idea with the ‘Classic Collection,’” says McClean. Even further, the show has a staff person devoted to working with collectors and museums, all with the goal of bringing classics to the event.

And then there’s Cruise Nationals, a formidable display of so-called "cruisers” that has its roots in a summer long quest to find the best of the best.

In the quest for worthy competitors, Cruise Nationals organizers traveled throughout the region to identify 12 finalists; with a winner chosen from among the regional representatives. Those winners, each of whom won $1,000, then went up against another dozen national "cruise” competitors, with the Grand Champion receiving a cash prize of $10,000.

Show organizers take over not only the entire Metro Toronto Convention Centre and its two buildings, but also the Toronto SkyDome (just renamed as Rogers Centre), home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.

	Back to the future? Taking a look back at what ‘might have been’ as far as aerodynamic automotive development is concerned was another highlight of the Canadian International Auto Show. The car here is a 1937 ‘experimental sedan.’

It’s there that a 90,000 square foot display devoted to the Sport Compact Revolution, a four-year tradition that is billed as a "show within a show,” the focal point being high-styled super-tuned performance sport compact cars, trucks and motorcycles.

McClean says the show, owned by the Toronto Area Auto Dealers Association, continues to grow, apparently even as auto sales in the area fluctuate.

"We found that as we’ve strived to create event status, it does keep the new car buying experience alive and the event does kick off the all important spring selling season,” says McClean. "But whether they’re buying or not, everyone likes to dream, and a good part of this show is entertainment.”

Profile: Canadian International Auto Show Dates: Jan. 5-9, 2005 Place: Metro Toronto Convention Centre and SkyDome Exhibit Space: 850,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $20 (Mon.-Thurs. $15 with coupon); Children (7-12), $7, under 6 free Show Hours: Daily 10:30 am-10 pm, final Sunday 10:30 am-6 pm Show Contact: Tom Tonks, ATAE General Manager, Canadian International Auto Show/Toronto Automobile Dealers Association tomt@autoshow.ca, 416.407.7472 Show Website: www.autoshow.ca

Albany
Empire State Plaza Auto Show
11/4/2011 - 11/6/2011

Albuquerque
New Mexico International Auto Show
4/13/2012 - 4/15/2012

Anaheim
Orange County Auto Show
9/22/2011 - 9/25/2011

Atlanta
Atlanta International Auto Show
3/14/2012 - 3/18/2012

Austin
Austin American
5/18/2012 - 5/20/2012

Baltimore
Motor Trend International Auto Show—Baltimore
2/9/2012 - 2/12/2012

Bethlehem, PA
Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show
3/22/2012 - 3/25/2012

Birmingham
Alabama International Auto Show
11/10/2011 - 11/13/2011

Boston
New England International Auto Show
1/12/2012 - 1/16/2012

Buffalo
Buffalo Auto Show
2/8/2012 - 2/12/2012

Calgary
Calgary International Auto & Truck Show
3/14/2012 - 3/18/2012

Charleston
West Virginia International Auto Show
1/27/2012 - 1/29/2012

Charlotte
Charlotte International Auto Show
11/17/2011 - 11/20/2011

Chicago
Chicago Auto Show
2/10/2012 - 2/19/2012

Cincinnati
Cincinnati Auto Expo
2/16/2012 - 2/19/2012

Cleveland
Cleveland Auto Show
2/25/2012 - 3/4/2012

Columbus
Columbus International Auto Show
3/15/2012 - 3/18/2012

Dallas
DFW Auto Show in Dallas
3/21/2012 - 3/25/2012

Davenport
Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show
2/10/2012 - 2/12/2012

Dayton
Dayton Auto Show
2/23/2012 - 2/26/2012

Denver
Denver Auto Show
3/21/2012 - 3/25/2012

Detroit
North American International Auto Show
1/9/2012 - 1/22/2012

Edmonton
Edmonton Motor Show
3/1/2012 - 3/4/2012

Fort Worth
DFW Auto Show in Fort Worth
12/6/2012 - 12/9/2012

Fresno
Central California Auto Show
11/18/2011 - 11/20/2011

Greenville
South Carolina International Auto Show
1/13/2012 - 1/15/2012

Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Auto Show
1/26/2012 - 1/29/2012

Hartford
Connecticut International Auto Show
11/11/2011 - 11/13/2011

Honolulu
First Hawaiian International Auto Show
3/30/2012 - 4/1/2012

Houston
Houston Auto Show
1/25/2012 - 1/29/2012

Indianapolis
Indianapolis Auto Show
12/26/2011 - 1/1/2012

Kansas City
Greater Kansas City International Auto Show
3/7/2012 - 3/11/2012

Las Vegas
Las Vegas International Auto Show
11/25/2011 - 11/27/2011

Los Angeles
Los Angeles Auto Show
11/18/2011 - 11/27/2011

Louisville
Carl Casper Custom and Louisville New Car Auto Show
2/24/2012 - 2/26/2012

Miami
South Florida International Auto Show
10/28/2011 - 11/6/2011

Milwaukee
Greater Milwaukee Auto Show
2/25/2012 - 3/4/2012

Minneapolis/St. Paul
Greater St. Paul & Minneapolis International Auto Show
3/10/2012 - 3/18/2012

Montreal
Montreal International Auto Show
1/13/2012 - 1/22/2012

New Orleans
New Orleans International Auto Show
3/16/2012 - 3/18/2012

New York
New York International Auto Show
4/6/2012 - 4/15/2012

Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City International Auto Show
3/1/2012 - 3/4/2012

Oklahoma City
OKC Auto Show
3/2/2012 - 3/6/2012

Orlando
Central Florida International Auto Show
11/24/2011 - 11/27/2011

Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Auto Show
1/28/2012 - 2/5/2012

Phoenix
Arizona International Auto Show
11/24/2011 - 11/27/2011

Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh International Auto Show
2/17/2012 - 2/20/2012

Portland
Portland International Auto Show
1/26/2012 - 1/29/2012

Providence
Northeast International Auto Show
2/2/2012 - 2/5/2012

Richmond
Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show
3/23/2012 - 3/25/2012

Rochester
Rochester International Auto Show
3/1/2012 - 3/4/2012

Sacramento
Sacramento International Auto Show
11/11/2011 - 11/13/2011

Saint Louis
Saint Louis International Auto Show
1/26/2012 - 1/29/2012

Salt Lake City
Utah International Auto Expo
1/13/2012 - 1/16/2012

San Antonio
San Antonio Auto & Truck Show
10/27/2011 - 10/30/2011

San Diego
San Diego International Auto Show
12/29/2011 - 1/1/2012

San Jose
Silicon Valley International Auto Show
1/5/2012 - 1/8/2012

Seattle
Seattle International Auto Show
11/2/2011 - 11/6/2011

Spokane
Spokane International Auto Show
2/10/2012 - 2/12/2012

Tampa
Tampa Bay International Auto Show
11/18/2011 - 11/20/2011

Toledo
Greater Toledo Auto Show
1/26/2012 - 1/29/2012

Toronto
Canadian International Auto Show
2/17/2012 - 2/25/2012

Vancouver
Vancouver International Auto Show
4/3/2012 - 4/8/2012

Washington
Washington Auto Show
1/27/2012 - 2/5/2012

Don McNeeley, ATAE President
donmc@cjnetworks.com

Jennifer Lindsey, ATAE Executive Director
jlindsey@nada.org

Rod Alberts, ASNA Chairman
ralberts@dada.org

The Auto Show Report
Joe Rohatynski, senior editor
joe@joepr.com

J.D. Booth, editor
jd@jdbooth.com

Elizabeth Katz, staff reporter
llpa@sbcglobal.net

Michael Ofiara, intern, Western Michigan University
KarsRgood@aol.com