2008 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: 'Desperate' Rumors Circulating About Detroit Losing Prized Auto Show

2008 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: 'Desperate' Rumors Circulating About Detroit Losing Prized Auto Show
There may be the worst unemployment in the country (7.9%), higher gas prices and taxes than California and an all time low morale of the residents of Detroit but even with all the impending doom, the 2008 Detroit Auto Show MUST go on!

And the Spies are here first, prepping the best photo gallery,  insider coverage, videos and general buzz (or lack of it) surrounding this show.

So let's lead off with our first big rumor...

Sources are telling the Spies that the big rumor going around Detroit is that they could lose the auto show to Los Angeles because of a number of factors.

The main one is that LA is building a huge new convention center and surrounding it with hotels like the Ritz-Carlton (A Spies favorite and where we stay in Detroit) and other high end properties.

Add to it the amazing weather, booming economy, amount of cars sold and the reputation that SoCal IS the place to be when you talk about cars and you can understand why Michigan residents are VERY uneasy about this rumor.

Secretly, just about every manufacturer DREAMS about this rumor becoming reality because frankly they are embarrassed for the international visitors who have to come into an economically depressed place with crappy weather (although today it is oddly in the 50's)

Give us your thoughts.

Should be Detroit be shaking in its boots?

Has the time come for the biggest and best USA auto show be moved to Los Angeles or somewhere else?

Look for your all access pass to our full coverage beginning late tonight with photos going live in our 2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery, even BEFORE the actual show opens to the media tomorrow!!

And yes, that is Agent 001 with Doug Savant of the hit television show Desperate Housewives.

Doug is in town doing some great charity work for a hospital here in Detroit and was very gracious to us.

The AutoSpies.com 2008 Detroit Auto Show photo gallery is sponsored by Lexus.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

2008 San Diego Auto Show Photo Gallery

DrFill2001DrFill2001 - 1/12/2008 12:53:55 PM
+2 Boost
Sounds like a plan.
All I know about Detroit is it is not the most inspirational, progressive place in the world. Kinda contadicts the whole idea of the show.
Detroit's automakers are definitely on the run.


DaHarderDaHarder - 1/12/2008 12:56:54 PM
+3 Boost
"Sources are telling the Spies that the big rumor going around Detroit is that they could lose the auto show to Los Angeles because of a number of factors"

Huh?

Los Angeles already has its own auto show (GLAAS), so what would be the advantage?

If anything, what you're saying is that the auto show circuit will be minus one stop - Detroit.


Agent001Agent001 - 1/12/2008 12:59:32 PM
+1 Boost
We're saying that instead of most of the major announcements being made in Detroit they would shift to LA and the size and scope of LA would grow enormously...

001


Agent001Agent001 - 1/12/2008 1:03:08 PM
+1 Boost
And, Detroit would be trivialized and become just another localized auto show.

As we said, it is a HUGE rumor here...

001


DaHarderDaHarder - 1/12/2008 1:26:43 PM
+6 Boost
I certainly hope that this doesn't happen, especially given Detroit's place in the history of auto making.

Well Soon See...


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/12/2008 11:10:54 PM
+2 Boost
And really, does L.A. need more things? You already have the perfect weather, the flashy cars, the plastic people, the "glamor..."

Well, now that I think of it, yes, you do. Los Angeles is not a very happy place, at least not for me. Too fake.


Fadywwf316Fadywwf316 - 1/12/2008 1:11:04 PM
+3 Boost
eh, I don't buy this 'rumor.' I think it was made up for attention. Not to mention, it starts off saying Detroit has higher gas prices than LA, I was just in detroit (until 1/5), that's truly not the case! That said, Detroit can't lose its auto show, its a home of the 3 giants who are turning things around. I'm not particularly a fan of the big 3 as its said (although I now have a 2008 CTS and truly believe in the comeback), but believe me, I've hated fords and chryslers for my entire life, but its hard to go against what's obvious. Also, being employed in a top 5 (in the entire world) professional services firm, Detroit as a city is actually gaining more and more attention lately and is being revitalized. It's still at its start, but we've been seeing tons of investment being poured into the city contrary to popular belief. I think by the time the 2009 or 2010 show come along, Detroit will not only be blossoming but will probably be the biggest auto show in the world. Then again, opinions are like you know what...so flame if you want, but I think there's far more proof (not available on blogs and internet rumor mills) that proves this rumor wrong :)


Agent001Agent001 - 1/12/2008 1:17:44 PM
+1 Boost
Michigan gas prices highest in nation

Categories: Fuel, Gas prices

According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan garnered the top spot in the country's race toward the highest gas prices on record.

The Michigan average rose about 2 cents to $3.53 a gallon, marking another record for the state.
Michigan surpassed Illinois ($3.52), California ($3.43) and Hawaii ($3.40), which were the states with higher prices earlier in the week.

http://blog.mlive.com/michigan_travel/2007/05/michigan_gas_prices_highest_in.html

Read it and weep

001


no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 1/12/2008 7:38:48 PM
+1 Boost
Motown has lost its mo. They should have three major shows, NY LA and Chicago. East - Mid-West and West, what else do you need?


cdokecdoke - 1/12/2008 2:20:30 PM
+1 Boost
Tell me, if you don't mind, did you receive your degree from a Colorado insitution of higher learning?


0to600to60 - 1/12/2008 3:42:31 PM
0 Boost
I agree, it would be nice if they hosted it at a different location every year. The one in Charlotte sucks as well.


Fadywwf316Fadywwf316 - 1/12/2008 1:40:21 PM
+1 Boost
I think you should then check the context of your article buddy. Michigan is a state. Detroit is a city. Detroit as a city still doesn't have higher gas prices than LA. States will always have far lower averages than major cities as the suburban areas bring down the average considerably and being that California is far larger than Michigan, the state brings down LA's gas prices considerably to appear misleadingly below Detroit's. I do realize you are comparing state to state, but why if the auto shows represent a city to city comparison. Oh snap, I guess that's why your just a blogger (that's probably why weep is a familiar term in your vocabulary).


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 1/12/2008 2:07:21 PM
0 Boost
Detroit looks like Gotham City. I drove up for the show two years ago. There were arctic temps, it was expensive, and Cobo hall was old and small.
T


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 1/12/2008 2:06:01 PM
+2 Boost
LA is a bad choice for that show. Chicago is soo much better. A much nicer city. McCormick place is freakin huge and its easy to get to from all midwestern cities because we have 3 airports (O'hare, Midway and Gary Int'l) and are centrally located between Michigan, Indiana , Wisconsin and to a much lesser extent Iowa. Plus there is Chicago nightlife and restaurants. Plus Chicago's show is established and I know Ford has huge plants here and Mitsu is downstate. I'm sure there are other makers in the general vicinities. I'm also positive that we have one of the bigger shows in the country if not the world.
T


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/12/2008 11:12:10 PM
+2 Boost
"LA is a bad choice for that show. Chicago is soo much better. A much nicer city."

YES! I want it here! Thank you!

McCormick Place is enormous, and it only makes sense that a more "major" auto show would be here. I don't only want truck debuts in our fair city.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 1/12/2008 2:50:22 PM
+1 Boost
is the agent with Lynette's husband from desperate housewives in the picture? lol


MateMate - 1/12/2008 6:05:53 PM
+3 Boost
IF the show leaves, Detroit will have nothing left


EvoAudiEvoAudi - 1/12/2008 6:32:50 PM
-1 Boost
DO IT!!!!DO IT!!!!!!!!!DO IT!!!!!!!!!


VISOVISO - 1/12/2008 9:23:30 PM
0 Boost
It makes sense that a show of this caliber be on one of the coasts. Most sales for imports come from the coasts and not in the midwest. Although, it would be a slam against the American car industry for symbolic reasons as if they are no longer considered significant.


fuelfoolfuelfool - 1/12/2008 11:21:53 PM
-2 Boost
As a Southern Californian, it has always been frustrating to see concept cars a year or two after they've already debuted in Detroit. It's about time the premier American auto show takes place in LA. Many of the cars are designed here and more are purchased here than any other region. Unlike other major American cities, LA was originally built to accommodate cars rather than foot or horse traffic.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/13/2008 12:40:44 PM
+1 Boost
Just because YOU live in SoCal, that does not mean EVERYONE wants a major show there.


TTRaceRRTTRaceRR - 1/13/2008 12:59:28 AM
0 Boost
Maybe the import manufacturers should have their big bruha in LA. That's all those people out there will look at anyway. Debut the domestic vehicles and concepts at home in Detroit where they are mostly conceived and built. What a tragety it would be for the Motor City to lose this show. The big three would be shooting themselves in the foot and pissing off their most loyal customer base. There should be rioting in the streets!


fuelfoolfuelfool - 1/13/2008 8:49:44 PM
0 Boost
Look S4cabriofoxone, whether you want to face reality or not, Detroit is dying rusting hulk governed by some of the most corrupt politicians outside of New Orleans. I would love nothing more than to see the domestic brands reconquer the American market. And the largest and most trendsetting market in the country belongs to Southern California. Convincing a bunch of laid off autoworkers in Detroit getting paid 90% of their salary to sit at home to buy American aint going to turn thing around. Getting Californians excited with the latest American concept cars can do nothing but help.


fuelfoolfuelfool - 1/13/2008 8:59:04 PM
0 Boost
One more comment for S4Cabriofoxone and TRacer. You display the same type of insular thinking governed more by nostalgia, fear of change and stubborness that has infested Detroit for far too long. Change is good if you have the courage and intelligence to take advantage of it. Stick your head in the sand and pretend it aint happening and you have American car companies in the state of desperation they currently find themselves in and people like yourselves unwilling to listen to the market.


fuelfoolfuelfool - 1/13/2008 11:37:13 PM
+1 Boost
Sure, why debate with reason and logic when you can just blindly deboost? Coward.
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