Bill Lehman of the Mississippi Automobile Dealers' Association is looking forward to the inaugural Mississippi International Auto Show in Jackson next January.

The result is the upcoming, first-ever Mississippi International Auto Show, scheduled for Jan. 23-25, 2009, which will inaugurate the Capital City Convention Center.

As Lehman explains, having a space big enough for an auto show was the critical "first step." He expects what will be a very good show in its first year to be "a great show" as the event grows into its space.

That will include eventually expanding into the adjacent Mississippi Telecommunications Conference & Training Center, which means the initial 85,000 square feet could ultimately become about 130,000 square feet in total.

Motor Trend Auto Shows will produce the event.

	Carrie Wigh

Carrie Wigh has joined Access TCA, an experiential marketing company, as an account manager to support its growing automotive segment. Wigh, who has worked at Mitsubishi, Mazda and Volvo, will be based in southern California.

General Motors has hired Mark McNabb, the Nissan head of sales who left in March, to lead sales at Cadillac, Hummer and Saab, a move that sees a realignment of the company's U.S. marketing strategy. As part of the reorganization, GM will distribute eight brands through four channels.

GM is also promoting a regional manager to lead the Buick-Pontiac-GMC business, while Chevrolet and Saturn will each remain under separate leadership, a move the automaker hopes will help differentiate its eight U.S. divisions and improve dealer profits.

	Ed Peper

Chevrolet GM Ed Peper and Susan Docherty, now western regional chief, will now be North American vice presidents of the Chevy and Buick-Pontiac-GMC channels. GM is also promoting Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager Jim Bunnell to executive director of the four channels, with both he and McNabb reporting to North American sales chief Mark LaNeve.

General managers for Saab, Hummer and Cadillac will retain their positions and report to McNabb. Jill Lajdziak remains general manager of Saturn.

The moves take effect June 1.

	The Smart car has become an eye-catcher at the auto shows able to attract the ultra-small vehicle, including New York's Albany Auto Show.

And that's even considering it's a city with two events, one being the Empire State Plaza Auto Show (covered in a previous issue of The Auto Show Report).

Little wonder then that Perrella was surprised and delighted that the Albany Auto Show, ENYCAR's spring paid-attendance event, held April 4-6, 2008, attracted a larger share of vehicles than in previous years.

"It was the first year in quite a few that we've been able to get some of the really exciting cars out there," says Perrella, who was sure to use the appearance of vehicles such as Nissan's 2009 Maxima in promoting the show.

The result was the best attendance the Albany Auto Show has had in four years - some 40 percent up from a year ago.

	Checking out the latest at the Albany Auto Show.

Perrella focused her promotional efforts on high gas prices, capitalizing on the public's thirst for relief.

That included an hourly gas card giveaway that Perrella says was surprising in its popularity as well as a "free gas for a year" promotion for one lucky winner.

The boost in attendance might also be credited to a discounted $3 admission held from noon to 3 p.m. on opening day in conjunction with an early bird "flyaway giveaway," the prize being two tickets to any Southwest Airlines destination.

Besides the giveaways and the new cars, show goers were treated to jugglers, face painting artists and stilt-walkers, a strategy Perrella prefers over celebrities or other forms of entertainment. "It's been our experience that any increase in attendance doesn't pay for the extra cost."

	Albany experienced its best attendance in four years--40 percent higher than a year earlier.

What was absolutely free at this year's Albany Auto Show was the weather, a bonus as far as the event was concerned given that relatively pleasant weather is not something the area has always had in early April.

"It was the first nice weekend, but not so warm that people were out doing yard work," notes Perrella.

It was nice enough, however, that at least some auto show attendees went straight from the event to their dealerships. "We heard stories about people buying the actual vehicle that was on display and coming back to the show to admire it again."

Perrella says dealers are already talking about a uptick in sales, the result of shoppers the best form of spring fever an auto dealer could imagine.

"I did my job, which was to get people out to the auto show. Now it's up to them."

All smiles! Kids are always a big part of any family friendly auto show.		Albany Auto Show organizer Kim Perrella prefers walk around entertainment features over celebrities.

	Hard to say who's having more fun.

As executive vice president of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Kansas City, he and the dealer members have opted to do away with their VIP event altogether.

"It was real nice and everyone had a good time, but it was costing a lot of money," says Morrison. "More to the point, we sat down and asked 'why are we really doing an auto show?' And the main reason is to generate attendance and exposure to the product."

What Morrison and his members did next was to focus on building that attendance and exposure, opening up the Bartle Hall Convention Center to the public on a two-for-one ticket basis.

	One of Chrysler's latest revivals--the Dodge Challenger--is drawing crowds to shows where it appears.

Those five hours of additional auto show exposure helped boost attendance by 17 percent over last year and gave Morrison his most financially successful show ever.

There were other reasons, of course, one being having two ride and drive events - by Mitsubishi and Chrysler - the two automakers taking opposite ends of the show hall (with Mitsubishi renting a brand new parking lot, Chrysler renting space on a cordoned-off street for their facility).

Morrison also credits the show's success to the appearance of Mercedes' Smart car, making Kansas City one of the few places outside major metropolitan centers the diminutive vehicle has been formally shown.

The overall result was a completely sold-out event as far as space was concerned. "Every inch," says Morrison.

	New or classic, there's an audience for cars of every vintage.

Marketing for the show included adding a scratch-off coupon promotion for those who attended the show preview night and a significant investment in billboard promotions in what amounts to a sprawling area. Morrison also put a renewed emphasis on the show's Website

At the same time, Morrison worked to highlight the concept cars Kansas City was able to attract.

"As soon as we found out what vehicles are coming, we advertised them," he says. "Those concept cars [including this year the Bumblebee Camaro and Dodge Charger] are big draws."

Other strategies Morrison employs to build awareness and energy at the auto show are the giving away of free passes to high school groups. "These are our future customers," he says. "We've never turned anyone away yet."

Further promotion included Sunday newspaper distribution of the official auto show program a week before the show within the Kansas City Star, a show sponsor. Morrison also teamed up with merchants in a revitalized downtown Kansas City to distribute discount coupons in return for four free tickets to the show. "That helped us a lot," he says.

Brands like Toyota's Lexus division see the auto show environment as a great place to showcase new models or concepts.		Dreaming of warm days and sunny skies has show goers eyeing the Saturn Sky roadster.

	Crowds continue to see shows like the Greater Milwaukee International Auto Show as a place to narrow their choices.

But it's that year that made this year's good news - attendance at the Feb. 23-March 2, 2008 show being up 16 percent over last and 4 percent ahead of 2006.

It was also last year that Hansen learned a valuable lesson: that media reaction to the weather can be worse than the storm itself.

"It really wasn't that bad," says Hansen. "But the media told people to stay home and that hurt."

What Hansen did was get on the phone and get the media to rectify the situation. Immediately.

"We were off 50 percent the first weekend, but we have to give the media credit: they did step in and take care of us. It shows you what a difference it can make in the way you talk."

But that was last year.

	For many auto shows, the logistics of getting vehicles "above the crowd" can be an interesting exercise.

Hansen once again did his best to make the event something his Milwaukee audience would appreciate.

That includes a display of vehicles from the 1950s, courtesy of the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.

With fuel economy being front and center these days, show goers were able to get their fill at a display of hybrid vehicles, courtesy of the Milwaukee Hybrid Group, said to be the largest not-for-profit hybrid owners group in North America.

Parents took note of a Kids Safety Display that highlighted a "Spot the Tot" campaign, courtesy of Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin and Children's Health Education Center.

	Ford’s F-150 auto show display.

It was a feature that's grown so much that show organizers have had to expand the field day event to two separate sessions, with groups coming in at separate times.

Hansen says it's clear that the auto show is helping automakers in their sales efforts, especially domestic producers who have seen tougher times. "It helps," he says. "It gets people motivated and excited. They see what's available and the auto show is a wonderful way of getting people excited. That's our job."

With an estimated 22 percent of retail business tied to automotive retail, Hansen says the $4 billion spent related to new car sales continues to drive the local economy.

"It really does make a difference, especially with the trouble in the housing sector. And it keeps the economy running."

The Smart car display at the Greater Milwaukee International Auto Show.		Automakers continue look for innovative and creative ways to show off their wares.		The auto show entrance: one of the busiest spots on opening day.

	Auto show organizer Jeffrie Schultiss-Fricke credits being in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans as one of the reasons for having its best show in the last five years.

Indeed, on a personal note, Schultiss-Fricke's own home is just being finished, some two years after the hurricane.

As far as the auto show is concerned, things are looking up. The most recent show, held Feb. 29-Mar. 2, 2008, was "the best show in five years," says Schultiss-Fricke, "and the best even two years before Katrina."

One reason is clearly the move to the Morial Convention Center (from the Louisiana Superdome), originally thought to be a very temporary one.

"They've now given us dates to 2013," says a delighted Schultiss-Fricke. Which means the show will maintain its new 250,000 square feet of space (up from the 160,000 available in the Superdome).

Schultiss-Fricke says attendance numbers were also up as the result of what she calls "more serious" shoppers.

"We're still down more than 200,000 people in the parish of Orleans," she notes. "But more residents are finally getting interested in buying new vehicles. Right after the storm they had either purchased or they were too busy to come back and enjoy the auto show. That has changed."

	Automakers have been generally very supportive of a post-Katrina auto show.

Schultiss-Fricke says she "was floored" to see just how strong attendance was at this year's event.

"People were coming from about a 100-mile radius to attend," she notes. "We were getting people from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile to Baton Rouge."

That reflects the fact that so many former New Orleans residents, who still work in the city, are commuting, something Schultiss-Fricke factored in with her marketing efforts.

"We used a lot of e-mail in our marketing," she says. "We know they're commuters and aren't necessarily going to see or hear local media the way they would if they were living in New Orleans."

Schultiss-Fricke, who also did "more regional advertising than we've ever done before," credits dealers who have "stuck with the show" through the obviously very rough times.

She hopes those days are well behind the New Orleans International Auto Show.

	Appealing to a younger demographic is Toyota's Scion division.

Reflective of that spirit, there was a real sense this year of a reborn city, with visitors experiencing a taste of the culture that's unique to New Orleans.

"We had a jazz band playing all three days at the show, which was something people just loved," says Schultiss-Fricke.

There were also notable returnees, including Mitsubishi, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Next spring, which is the 25th anniversary of the New Orleans Auto Show, she hopes to see even more evidence of the rebirth, with manufacturers being encouraged to send more and bigger displays, especially now that the Morial Convention Center appears to be the new home for the show.

In the meantime, Schultiss-Fricke says she'll continue advocating for full manufacturer participation in an event that is clearly helping with the renewal of a great American city.

Profile: New Orleans International Auto Show Dates: Feb. 29-Mar. 2, 2008 Next show: Mar. 20-22, 2009 Place: Ernest P. Morial Convention Center Exhibit Space: 225,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $7; Seniors, $6; Kids under 12, free Show Hours: Friday, 1 pm-10 pm; Saturday, 10 am-10 pm; Sunday, 11 am-6 pm Produced by: Greater New Orleans New Car Dealers Association Show Contact: Jeffrie Schultis-Fricke Greater New Orleans New Car Dealers Association jeffrie@schultisenterprises.com 504.831.8863 Show Website: www.neworleansauto.com/autoshow.html

	Regis Philbin and Michael Gelman, executive producer of Live With Regis & Kelly, check out the Audi R8 at the NYIAS.

Little wonder then that Mark Schienberg, who heads the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, Inc., owners of the New York International Auto Show, remains focused on the primary reason for the show: to bring consumers who are ready to buy, and to motivate those who may be on the fence between waiting or making a purchase.

"There are two sides to the show - the trade aspect and the consumer side - both of which are enormously important," says Schienberg.

And like other large auto shows, one feeds off the other, starting with the media attention given to new vehicle introductions, in New York's case some 47 world and North American debuts.

Schienberg estimates media coverage to be about four percent higher than last year.

"Print, radio, TV… they all had nice bumps this year for us," he adds. "Being in New York, we have all the national networks, and we were able to benefit from that."

	Crowds poured into the Big Apple to experience the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center.

One example: a weeklong series on the "Regis & Kelly" show, where every day four of the vehicles being introduced were showcased.

In the Javits Center, consumers who visited the show out of concern for rising fuel prices weren't disappointed. Among the displays were those featuring clean diesel technology that promises to deliver significant savings in the near future as well as the ultra small vehicles (like Smart and Honda Fit) , hybrids and E85 capable vehicles.

Schienberg says exit surveys at the show revealed a keen interest in fuel efficiency, specifically related to clean diesel.

A 2.19 percent increase in ticket sales would suggest the interest in the auto show continues to be strong.

"That's good for the industry," says Schienberg. "It shows that people are still interested in buying cars, even during a tough economy. And that's why manufacturers come back every year. They want to make sure they reach the portion of the public that will be buying."

Highlights of the auto show included features that, while it maybe not directed at the general public, did serve to underscore the overall importance of the event from an industry perspective.

Marking the economic significance that the auto industry and the New York International Auto Show has on local, state and the national economies, NASDAQ invited representatives of the NYIAS to ring the Closing Bell. Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association president Mark Schienberg officially ended the week of trading as he closed the markets and ended one of the biggest exhibitions in the show’s history on March 28, 2008.

Those included the World Car of the Year program (the winner: the Mazda2/Mazda Demlo) and the opening press breakfast (co-hosted by the New York International Auto Show and the International Motor Press Association). The breakfast was also where inductees into the Automotive Hall of Fame were announced and where Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli made his "industry debut."

Another key event surrounding the New York International Auto Show was the annual Wall Street Dinner.

The auto show was also the backdrop for the 2nd annual IAG Automotive Advertising Awards program, which measures the effectiveness of automobile ads.

"It's starting to take off as an event," says Schienberg. "We had a number of CEOs there, many of whom were hoping their company's products were featured in the winning ads."

Another highlight of the show was the announcement by the X Prize Foundation of an automotive version of its inaugural award: the $10 million it gave to the team that was able to launch a manned, reusable spacecraft. The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize will award $10 million to the team that develops a 100-mpg vehicle along with various environmental and speed-related criteria.

Schienberg said the X Prize Foundation's choice of the auto show to make the announcement was no accident.

	The World Car of the Year awards program (won by Mazda2/Demlo) was held at the NYIAS.

"We believe it reflects on our long-standing commitment to addressing important issues, including those dealing with safety and the environment."

Schienberg was equally pleased when auto show organizers were approached by officials of the NASDAQ exchange, who came with both a copy of a report that showed the economic benefit of the auto show - some $200 million annually - and an invitation to participate in the "closing bell" ceremony.

"It was pretty neat," admits Schienberg. "NASDAQ recognized the economic importance of our event in having members of the auto show committee participate in this ceremony."

Looking ahead, Schienberg says the New York International Auto Show is already gearing up for an even more successful event next year.

Profile: New York International Auto Show Dates: March 21-30, 2008 Next show: April 10-19, 2009 Place: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Exhibit Space: 846,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $14; Children (under 12), $4 Show Hours: Sundays, 10 am-7 pm; Mon.-Sat. 11 am-10:30 pm Produced by: Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association Show Contact: Mark Schienberg, ATAE President, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association mark@gnyada.com, 718.746.5900 Candida Romanelli Show Director, New York International Automobile Show Vice President, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association candida@autoshowny.com, 718-746-5300 Show Website: www.autoshowNY.com

	Brad McAreavy

Brad McAreavy had already served for two decades as a field executive with GMAC Financial Services, and then ran a local six-franchise dealer organization for two years before starting his own securities and insurance brokerage business.

But McAreavy was there just over a year when opportunity knocked in the form of Lyboldt's move.

"I was in the right place at the right time," says McAreavy, who has now wrapped up his first Rochester International Auto Show, held Feb. 27-Mar. 2, 2008.

	The chance to sit in a variety of vehicles is one key factor that brings attendees to events like the Rochester Auto Show.

Although show manager Dick Sherman handles much of the details, as he has done for the last 20 years, it was a good first event for McAreavy.

Highlights included a Dodge and Chrysler minivan promotion with two families selected to live in the vehicles for a 24-hour period (with designated bathroom and shower breaks).

If they succeeded, and they did, they'd drive away with the vehicle, courtesy of the local dealership marketing group and a local radio station.

Along with a select few concept cars, local custom car manufacturer EM Motors displayed its EM578 sports car, a street legal race car that's reminiscent of LeMans and Can-Am greats.

	All the vehicles in one spot, the essence of the auto show.

Also on display at the Rochester show was the 2009 Bullitt Mustang, as well as a wide variety of vehicles, current and upcoming, one of which — the 2010 Chevy volt hybrid/electric car — promises to redefine the way Americans get from place to place.

McAreavy uses one word repeatedly to describe the Rochester show: consistent.

"The end of February can be a bit iffy as far as the weather is concerned, but it precedes the selling season and dealers look forward to a spike in sales come March. It gets things off on the right track."

Currently, business in the Rochester area, like other regions in the U.S., is down, if only moderately.

	This year's Rochester International Auto Show helped dealers get a much-needed kick start to the spring selling season.

But with the formerly dominant employers like Xerox and Kodak giving way to a more diverse economy, the area has "a much smaller cycle of ups and downs," says McAreavy.

And while any automotive retail woes may be related in part to an "over-dealered" situation, McAreavy says his members are survivors.

"They'll find a way to work through the tough times," he predicts. "Those who come out on the other side of that are going to be very healthy operators. They'll be successful, but as a whole, dealers know how to survive in tough times."

Profile: Rochester International Auto Show Dates: Feb. 27-Mar. 2, 2008 Next show: Feb. 25-Mar. 1, 2009 Place: Rochester Riverside Convention Center Exhibit Space: 72,000 square feet Tickets: Adults, $7.50; Seniors, $5; Children (6-12), $2.50; Five and under, free Show Hours: Wed., 5 pm-10 pm; Thurs.-Fri., noon-10 pm; Sat., 11 am-10 pm; Sun., 11 am-7 pm Produced by: Rochester Automobile Dealers' Association, Inc. Show Contact: Brad McAreavy, ATAE President, Rochester Automobile Dealers' Association, Inc. bmcareavy@rochesterautodealers.com, 585.272.7232 Show Website: www.rochesterautodealers.com

Albany
Empire State Plaza Auto Show
11/7/2008 - 11/9/2008

Albuquerque
New Mexico International Auto Show
4/17/2009 - 4/19/2009

Anaheim
Orange County Auto Show
10/2/2008 - 10/5/2008

Atlanta
Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show
4/19/2008 - 4/27/2008

Austin
Austin American Statesman Auto Show
4/17/2009 - 4/19/2009

Baltimore
Baltimore International Auto Show
2/5/2009 - 2/8/2009

Bethlehem, PA
Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show
3/27/2008 - 3/30/2008

Birmingham
Alabama International Auto Show
11/13/2008 - 11/16/2008

Boston
New England International Auto Show
12/3/2008 - 12/7/2008

Buffalo
Buffalo Auto Show
2/4/2009 - 2/8/2009

Calgary
Calgary International Auto & Truck Show
3/11/2009 - 3/15/2009

Charleston
West Virginia International Auto Show
1/16/2009 - 1/18/2009

Charlotte
Charlotte International Auto Show
11/20/2008 - 11/23/2008

Chicago
Chicago Auto Show
2/13/2009 - 2/22/2009

Cincinnati
Cincinnati Auto Expo
2/19/2009 - 2/22/2009

Cleveland
Cleveland Auto Show
2/21/2009 - 3/1/2009

Columbus
Columbus International Auto Show
3/8/2008 - 3/16/2008

Dallas
Dallas Auto Show
2/18/2009 - 2/22/2009

Davenport
Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show
2/8/2008 - 2/10/2008

Dayton
Dayton Auto Show
3/21/2008 - 3/25/2008

Denver
Denver Auto Show
4/1/2009 - 4/5/2009

Detroit
North American International Auto Show
1/17/2009 - 1/25/2009

Edmonton
Edmonton Motor Show
3/5/2009 - 3/8/2009

Fort Worth
Greater Tarrant County Auto Show
1/29/2009 - 2/1/2009

Fresno
Central California International Auto Show
11/2/2007 - 11/4/2007

Greenville
South Carolina International Auto Show
1/16/2009 - 1/19/2009

Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Auto and Boat Show
1/22/2009 - 1/26/2009

Hartford
Connecticut International Auto Show
11/21/2008 - 11/23/2008

Honolulu
First Hawaiian International Auto Show
3/26/2009 - 3/29/2009

Houston
Houston Auto Show
1/24/2009 - 2/1/2009

Indianapolis
Indianapolis Auto Show
12/26/2008 - 1/1/2009

Kansas City
Greater Kansas City International Auto Show
3/11/2009 - 3/15/2009

Las Vegas
Las Vegas International Auto Show
11/28/2008 - 11/30/2008

Los Angeles
Los Angeles Auto Show
11/19/2008 - 11/30/2008

Louisville
Carl Casper Custom and Louisville New Car Auto Show
2/20/2009 - 2/22/2009

Miami
South Florida International Auto Show
11/7/2008 - 11/16/2008

Midland, Mich.
Northwood University International Auto Show
10/10/2008 - 10/12/2008

Milwaukee
Greater Milwaukee Auto Show
2/21/2009 - 3/1/2009

Minneapolis/St. Paul
Greater St. Paul & Minneapolis International Auto Show
3/21/2009 - 3/29/2009

Montreal
Montreal International Auto Show
1/16/2009 - 1/25/2009

New Orleans
New Orleans International Auto Show
3/20/2009 - 3/22/2009

New York
New York International Auto Show
4/10/2009 - 4/19/2009

Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City International Auto Show
3/6/2008 - 3/9/2008

Omaha
Midlands International Auto Show
1/22/2009 - 1/25/2009

Orlando
Central Florida International Auto Show
11/26/2008 - 11/30/2008

Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Auto Show
2/2/2008 - 2/10/2008

Phoenix
Arizona International Auto Show
11/27/2008 - 11/30/2008

Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh International Auto Show
4/17/2008 - 4/21/2008

Portland
Portland International Auto Show
11/22/2009 - 11/25/2009

Providence
Northeast International Auto Show
1/24/2008 - 1/27/2008

Richmond
Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show
3/7/2008 - 3/9/2008

Rochester
Rochester International Auto Show
2/25/2009 - 3/1/2009

Sacramento
Sacramento International Auto Show
11/6/2008 - 11/9/2008

Saint Louis
Saint Louis International Auto Show
1/23/2008 - 1/27/2008

Salt Lake City
Utah International Auto Expo
1/16/2009 - 1/19/2009

San Antonio
San Antonio Auto & Truck Show
10/2/2008 - 10/5/2008

San Diego
San Diego International Auto Show
12/31/2008 - 1/4/2009

San Jose
Silicon Valley International Auto Show
1/8/2009 - 1/11/2009

Seattle
Seattle International Auto Show
10/31/2007 - 11/4/2007

Spokane
Spokane International Auto Show
2/15/2008 - 2/17/2008

Tampa
Tampa Bay International Auto Show
11/6/2008 - 11/9/2008

Toledo
Greater Toledo Auto Show
1/22/2009 - 1/25/2009

Toronto
Canadian International Auto Show
2/13/2009 - 2/22/2009

Vancouver
Vancouver International Auto Show
3/29/2008 - 4/6/2008

Washington
Washington Auto Show
2/4/2009 - 2/8/2009

Kevin Mazzucola, ATAE President
mazz@adagp.com

Jennifer Lindsey, ATAE Executive Director
jlindsey@nada.org

ASNA Focus Group Steering Committee
Mike Gempp, Philadelphia International Auto Show
Holly Riedel, Greater Milwaukee Auto Show
John Sackrison, Orange County Auto Show
Shayne Wilson, Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show

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

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