2024 Chicago Auto Show

[Texchappy]

See the Mach E’s. Been looking at one at a local dealership. Don’t need one but it was somewhat fun to drive.

[Big Dave]

I read something a while back about millennials not being as interested in cars the way earlier generations were. If they decide to get one, they don't always test drive them, or even sit in them, they just order online, and get it delivered. Someone in my neighbourhood got a new Tesla on Friday, I saw it go past my house on a tilt tray, all shiny and new. I didn't see the truck leave so I don't know what they traded in. Imagine buying a car never having sat in it, or even one the same. I sat in FJ Cruisers at the motor show long before I bought one, and test drove one about 2 years before I bought one, I even spoke to other owners if I saw them around.

I used to go to the Sydney International Motor Show every year, then they made it every other year, alternating with Melbourne, then in 2014 they just stopped. They tried to keep something going in Melbourne, but once Ford and Holden stopped manufacturing, it died.

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[Klasse Act]

I also noticed the people who rep'd the companies at the show yesterday, seemed to be going through the motion. It certainly had a different feel yesterday and I hate to admit it but dying a slow death seems to be "a thing".

As far as virtual and millennials/GenZ and cars, cars aren't and will never be VIRTUAL. Get in something that makes you feel alive, maybe with 3 pedals and play a song from a band with testoerone and go for a looooong drive and report back️

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[Setec Astronomy]

Trade shows in general have been in decline a long time, whether they be industry or consumer shows. I think for a lot of products the ability to watch a video online of someone touching and feeling and using something, rather than touching and feeling it in person, is enough for a purchase decision, without having to travel somewhere. I mean that's basically the Amazon business model, coupled with free returns.

[Setec Astronomy]

So Klasse, those Mustang Mach-E's, were those production models, Ford concept cars, or someone else's customizations? I always found it amusing that Ford was so afraid of its customers that they had to call their first electric SUV a Mustang, we see a few of them around here and I've been in the car with a friend who saw one and got very confused, thinking that's what Mustangs are like now.

[Klasse Act]

So Klasse, those Mustang Mach-E's, were those production models, Ford concept cars, or someone else's customizations? I always found it amusing that Ford was so afraid of its customers that they had to call their first electric SUV a Mustang, we see a few of them around here and I've been in the car with a friend who saw one and got very confused, thinking that's what Mustangs are like now.

The one with the big wing and rallye wheels is a concept, that green one is production, sorry don't know what that package is called, I don't pay too much attention to the Mocker-E

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[Setec Astronomy]

I don't pay too much attention to the Mocker-E

Me either.

[Ace22]

Thank you for sharing, great pics! I always appreciate your insights as you have great taste in cars. Cheers

[Klasse Act]

Thank you for sharing, great pics! I always appreciate your insights as you have great taste in cars. Cheers

Well thank you

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[Desertnate]

Wow! This brings back memories.

Many years ago, my oldest daughter and I would do a roadtrip up to Chicago for the Auto Show. We'd drive up, spend the night in the suburbs, ride the train into down town, and then spend the entire day at the show. Back then it took up a good chunk of the McCormick. Along the way we'd consume an unhealthy amount of good pizza and Portillo's hot dogs. We'd get to see stuff on display like exoctics that our crummy St. Louis show never had. We were there for the debut of the Toyota FJ Cruiser one year. I still think I've got a Toyota they gave me somewhere...

It's a shame to see this show too has shrunk, but it looks like there is still some quality stuff to be seen. I've quit going to our local show. Only a handful of automakers even show up and those that do, are just "phoning it in". It's just not work the time and money.