Despite one fewer public day at nine, Chicago Auto Show attendance increased a claimed 7% year-over-year. However, the trade association running the show declined to reveal the number of visitors. Then they said it was up 20%, and then corrected it to 7%. We take all auto show attendance claims with a boxcar full of salt.
In addition to debuts of the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Pilot and Toyota Avalon, the show also saw world introductions of the Acura MDX, Chevrolet Silverado Custom and Midnight and Colorado GearOn. There was a heavily revised Ford Police Interceptor (explorer), as well as mildly changed Hyundai Elantra GT and Veloster Rally. The Kia Trail’ster concept, Nissan 370Z Roadster NISMO concept and GT-R LM NISMO Le Mans racer, Ram Laramie Limited and Toyota Camry and Corolla Special Editions were also revealed.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Statistics from same folks who count votes in Chicago.