I have been going to the auto show in Seattle since I was a kid back in the 1970s. I remember going to ones held at the Kingdome, and what is now called “key” arena. I always enjoy seeing next years models, getting bags full of brochures and handouts, and watching the spokeswomen (and men) talk while standing next to a spinning car. So it was with that enthusiasm that I headed down to Qwest Field on Saturday to take it all in:
The presence of hybrids and full electrics has increased, this year there were two Teslas on display, several full electric cars, a Fisker Karma, and conversion companies showing off their technology. The third party folks who pedal waxes, glass cleaners, toy cars and other items was down a bit this year.
The auto industry has been through a rough couple years, and the show reflects it. The brochures are few and far between. Very few models talking the key points of models as you walk by. The venue itself has also “shrunk”, they cut off access that went under the stadium, where Acura, Mercedes and others used to set up. Apparently the reduction in displays has driven that action. Still, this was much better than the 2008 show, that was frankly depressing:
© 2009, Bill Gillam. All rights reserved.