Denver Auto Show

by carman1970
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April 07, 2009

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Yes, this years Denver Auto Show was smaller than other years. Still, the collection of vehicles, débuts and concept cars was admirable. Denver is an important international market for vehicles as we have some of the most diverse climates and driving conditions in the world. In fact, some of the top automakers test in and around our fine state because of the diversity of road conditions. So, it's not as big or prestigious as the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is still a relevant and popular (not to mention, one of the oldest) showcases of automotive machinery and future planning.

This year’s auto show layout:

Open from April 1-5, the layout was much better than I expected. Yes, there were fewer vehicles to see than in years past, but using one room to encompass everything available was a smart plan.

Ford was situated right across from Chevrolet. The Ford display focused on the Ford Taurus SHO with several Mustangs and Fusions on display. Ford Transit-Connect small industrial van made its presence known. This efficient, Turkish built, 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder utility van is a potential home run for Ford.

Cadillac had the new Cadillac SRX crossover and CTS Sports Wagon on display along with the MONSTER Cadillac CTS-V – which you could sit in. Folks, this is THE fastest 4-door currently built. Seriously.

Jaguar had several vehicles on display including 3 different versions of their awesome XF. Right next to Jaguar was Aston Martin displaying rolling sex. Seriously, it was nearly impossible to pull myself away.
Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep had the uppermost concentration of concept vehicles at the show.

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Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) Vehicles of the Year

RMAP awarded 4 vehicles with best of the year awards at the press preview of the Denver Auto show. This is a fairly prestigious award as this is based on critical press evaluations rather than car sales or a sponsored periodical pick. The RMAP members are press professionals who curry no favor with any automaker and offer no sponsorship opportunities either.

The RMAP winning vehicles are:

Car of the year: 2009 Dodge Challenger
SUV of the year: Ford Flex
Truck of the year: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
Environmentally Friendly Car of the Year: Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Representatives from each automaker were on hand to accept the awards.

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A little of this, a little of that

I would say the average consumer should set aside 2 to 3 hours for browsing.

Food and drink were outrageously (priced) outside of the show and unavailable inside the venue. I think there were less than six water fountains for thousands of people and NO drinks allowed near the cars.

There were a few vendor’s booths and displays for those who are looking for something other than automobiles.

OH, even the Sham-Wow booth was there! Sadly, the freaky guy on TV was absent.

Add to this car toys, leather goods, clothing, trinkets a nifty collection of classic cars and hot-rods along with some antique machinery and you’ve got something for everyone.

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Colorado Convention Center

700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Set in the heart of downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center features 584,400 square feet of available exhibition space, divided into six major areas of various sizes and functions. In addition to its large group spaces, the center has 63 smaller meeting rooms and the 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Theatre. Services provided for attendees at the convention center include a full business center, multiple ATMs, Internet services and a gift shop. Viewed from downtown, the center's most recognizable feature is the sculpture of a large blue bear, rearing up on its legs as if peering curiously into the building. Located conveniently close to many hotels and at a hub of the city's light rail system, the center is close to the Denver Performing Arts Center, the Denver Art Museum and the popular LoDo shopping and entertainment district.

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The Takeaway:

Folks, I know the automotive industry is looking like stale cat food.

If this show is any indication, I can happily say that these automakers are working harder than ever to ear your business. In a way, this is a good thing. The best vehicles built under the looming pressure of the public and government is a good thing for the consumer.

Believe me, I was at the press junket and if I would have dropped my pen, some of the automotive reps would have wet themselves. HA! You the consumer can grab them by the neck and make that hard deal happen.

Bad for them – good for you!

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