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I have been attending Auto Shows since my father took me to the NY show at The Coliseum (Columbus Circle). Later, I went on my own (such a big boy) as it moved to the Javits. Moving to Boston, I continued the tradition, first at the Bayside Expo Center, now at the new Boston Convention Center. Much nicer, but compared to the NYIAS, well, I miss the cheap, white plastic Chrysler key chains (Volare!) from the Big Apple shows... I do date myself so.
OK, the NE show: No surprises, but some disappointments. The first was that there was to be a collection for the Greater Boston Food Bank. I filled a plastic bag with non-perishables to donate, carried on the T with me and walked the mile from South Station to the show (interestingly, as I was debating having a quick meal at South Station, a gentleman actually dressed quite like myself i.e. clean jeans, warm jacket and new-ish looking Patriots cap, approached me and noted that he was quite hungry and wanted a bowl of soup. Would I buy him some soup? What a coincidence, as I reached into my bag and produced a large can of Progresso Chickarina! He just walked away. He looked far from emaciated and appeared to be in better shape than I...). The disappointment was that there was no food drive that day, it was for the weekend. So I carried my plastic bag of non-perishables, as well as my good intentions, throughout the day.
Disappointment number two: No Suzuki! Now, you may wonder how could this be a disappointment? You must understand that I am a cheap man and I take great joy in collecting free stuff (detritus to some...)! Each year, in Boston at least, Hyundai and Suzuki, through cute little "contests" had the best SWAG. Scion was next. But, I'll believe in a nod to the times we are all enduring (hmmm, maybe I should send my bag of soup to Richard Fuld. Or Rick Waggoner. Maybe Mulalley? Nah, they said to Congress that they were good...) Hyundai had no cookies in their cookie jar and Suzuki was just a no show. I did get a few of the standard Scion stuff and my family will be more than thrilled to find 'em in their stockings come Christmas morn. Oh, yeah. I got a decent "F-150" hat from Ford. Although, I'm fairly sure that I'm not "Built Ford Tough" as the back of the hat proclaims. More's the pity.
Other disappointments: Unlike last year, Maserati was behind the Velvet Rope. No great unwashed such as myself would be allowed to seat behind the wheel of a Quattroporte or Gran Turismo and make burbling engine noises. Also, the lovely Vapour Gray Jag XKR was verboten, too, as (drum roll, please) it was SOLD! Could that be the sign that we've bottomed! Probably not, there are still wealthy folks here in Beantown.
Now, lest you think it was all a waste of my valuable time, let me now tell you of the highlights of the show: The "Product Specialists!" Overall, the marketing firm hired to represent the Auto Companies fielded quite a lovely collection of experts! My personal award goes to Nissan as both their brands were populated by rather tall, fit and attractive Specialists.
Notably, I spent a bit of time discussing the new G convertible with a very pretty, willowy, strawberry blond of roughly half of my vintage I would guess. Had this been but 1988 instead of 2008, I would have spent the same amount of time trying and, as I had/have absolutely no game, failing to impress her with my limited charms. I likely would have fumbled in ultimately inviting her to dinner/drinks after her stint slinging Infiniti's and ended up being served with a TRO... But, as there was no pressure (as I'm Married...with Children. And happy, the EW tells me...) to attempt to impress or invite, we just had a nice conversation about Infiniti's, Boston vs. NY, her studies and hopes for the future. Just a lovely young woman, I wish her the best. Maybe in my next life...
I also had a nice conversation about life with an attractive, but vertically challenged, blond Floridian representing Audi. As we discussed the economic issues of the day, it became unfortunately apparent to me that she and her husband my have borrowed a bit more money than they could chew... que lastima...
The cars? Just some random thoughts:
Well, the new TL in profile is not a bad looker. Unfortunately, from almost any other angle not so much. The beak is an affront. On the other hand, the TSX is rather nice, the beak works much better. The RL? An afterthought.
Mercedes had no brochures and I'm not sure why anyone would buy the C class after having viewed the interior. The new GLK appears to have the C interior and it was garnering little attention.
Beyond my (well, until now) secret puppy dog crush on the Specialist, Infiniti impresses. The G vert was look but don't touch. Top down. The rest of the lineup offers substantial vehicles with marked interior improvements from the prior gen.
I like the interior of the Caddy CTS. This is a car I would consider, should my next ride be a four door sedan. The first gen, to me, was a styling disaster of almost Aztek proportions and that interior was an insult. No more. This car almost makes me believe that GM can build a competitive car...
The Hyundai Genesis: Every time I see it, I think, "Ladies and Gentleman! The new Hyundai Infiniti G37/BMW 5 Series Genesis!" So very derivative. Yet handsome enough with a lot of goodies for not a (relative) lot of money.
The Jag XF exterior styling is just so ruined by those headlights. But, certainly on the list. And the XK, well, yes. Thank you. May I have another?
Audi? Why did all the cars have to have all black interiors? Very nice, no doubt, but given the realities of our harsh world, methinks a bit of color may have been in order. And, given my strange imagination, I believe that the A/S5 is the Bruce Banner to the new Chevy Camaro's Incredible Hulk...
It's late. I've rambled. Very busy day tomorrow, kid-wise.
Hope y'all enjoy your weekend. Clembo, if you read this and go to the show, say hello to Dre at Infiniti. But, remember. She's mine...!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Audi's generally have warmer and more inviting interiors than MB or BMW, but I agree that they can still look depressing in all black, though not nearly as much as the "bat cave" BMW look with the black wood.
I really don't understand the cheap, angular look that MB has been using in their interiors lately. I think the new TL has the worst interior in the entry-lux class, but the C-class isn't much better. The GLK looks like it was sent here in a time machine from 1987.
Godspeed, Jim. Wish I had thought of it first... Don't forget the bag full of canned food...!
Quite a subdued atmosphere at the show. Ford was aggressive, though, offering $50 debit cards if you test drive a Ford and agree to fill out a customer survey. Chevy had a sort-of magician. But, unlike years past, no singers/dancers, Jeep test track/drive and, as previously noted, a dearth of SWAG... More timeshare booths than in years past, though.
Some stunning classics (Dusenberg, Packards, RR) in a section representing the Newport Concours D'Elegance. Held at The Breakers, I believe...
Oh, yeah. The new VW CC is quite a looker, too. Taught and sleek. Acura designers should take note. Although it is strictly a four seater, unless a fifth wants to sit on a console, sans seatbelts.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I'll try to catch the Silicon Valley International Auto Show next month. I went there last year and, interestingly, it was Nissan that had a very nice young lady presenting the GT-R. Also Nissan's Infiniti division had a wonderful gal that had the nicest personality and terrific smile. And she actually knew about the cars as well.
I wonder if "Dre" will be travelling to California with Infiniti for that Silicon Valley show. I'll let you know next month. If so, I'll ask her if she remembers one partcularly "charming fellow" from the New England show... who, in addition to being charming, just happened to be carrying around a bag of food.
Thanks for the write-up and usual fun-to-read post.
TM
I keep reminding LD to project forward in those circumstances (similar the the "Dre Event"). What is really happening is discussions with a Pre-EW for some unsuspecting car nut who lands the beautiful car girl. Lets call her Dre-EW for short.
Keep this in mind and do carry and extra bag of food to all auto shows to quench the cravings!
This might be Dre herself next to the FX!!!
Regards,
OW
HUH?????????????? :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
Interesting. I'm inclined to agree with you.
We should reconvene next June over a round of virtual beers.
Tag, I agree most of the times they put the "eye candies" who know nothing about the cars. Its actually nice to meet "sales reps / eye magnets" who actually know what theyre talking about. I only met such person once last yr, I think she's a rep for Audi at Detroit Auto Show, she knew even the FSI engine technology and its merits. 23, gorgeous blonde, about 5'5, phone number #..... whoops, sorry thats classified, heheheh....
Aahh, the benefit of being single
They practically never have any such event up here in the NW, darn it. Maybe I should hit cali and look out for this "lovely Dre" myself...
P.S: thank you LD for using the term "vertically challenged", a very considerate term for a 5'8 like myself.
Low rates don't work for everyone. Many of us count on interest payments from fixed-income investments. Either we're debt-free or the interest that we pay out to service our debt doesn't amount to much. (Think of someone who's nearly paid off a mortgage.) Low rates hurt us more than they help.
If my interest income drops, as it probably will, my spending will certainly drop as well. (For example, I have a 3-year CD coming up for renewal next week. Rates on new 3-year CDs are well below what they were in December, 2005.)
We fiscal conservatives may be a minority, but we're a large minority.
1) Many of the oil exporting countries rely solely on oil sales to make them prosper (what else do desert countries like Saudi and Kuwait have?).
2) Most of the oil we buy comes from countries that resent America.
3) If America (under whoever president) ever get stupid enough and decide to invade Iran someday, Iran will retaliate and cut all Hormuz oil supply. If that happens expect oil supply to shoot up like hell (possibly even higher than $150/barrell)
Rising oil prices is, and will always be, their major plan. Getting independent on oil? Forget it, most americans are just too stuck up with gas hogging vehicles its already in our culture. A shift in culture is hard, not to mention needs time. Someday, maybe, but not anytime soon... :sick:
TM
I expect them to stabilize, but I definately believe there is much more upside pressure and risks.
I'd be curious to hear ljflx's prediction for oil prices.
TM
One thing to note, each of the lovely Product Specialists I spoke to mentioned the five days of intensive product training in regards to the Marques that they represented. And they do travel the country with the cars, so it is possible that the future EW in my next life may indeed be coming to a show near y'all. Along with the other lovelies...
Also noted was that not all "gentleman" were as "nice" as I in conversation. I'm sure there are those who bully some of these young ladies to prove their superior car knowledge... Possibly they get tired of talking about the cars, fending off the creeps and just enjoyed a little simple conversation regarding them as people. I guess the lust in my heart was kept in check. Good for me! Isn't it just grand when an attractive young woman refers to you as "nice" and a "gentleman?" If the phrase, "You're just like a brother to me..." was mentioned, it would have been deja vu all over again for me regarding my college + years!
Alas, OW, that is not the Dre of my Infiniti dreams...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I hope that things are not nearly as dire for you as some of your earlier posts have alluded to... My post was an attempt to lighten things up a bit 'round these parts...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) -- Oil markets should brace for a surprise decision on output cuts when OPEC meets Dec. 17, the cartel's president said Saturday, suggesting that reductions could be deeper than expected.
"A consensus has formed for a significant reduction of production levels" by the 14-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC President Chakib Khelil told The Associated Press.
The OPEC head would not discuss how deep the output cut would be, but said it could be "severe," and noted that some analysts are predicting cuts of as much as 2 million barrels per day.
An output decision that startles markets would help bolster plunging oil rates, Khelil said.
Target: $70/bbl
Regards,
OW
5' 8" isn't vertically challenged. 5' 7", now that's another story!
I, myself, am rather "follically" challenged... :sick:
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Predicting oil on fundamentals and predicting it on some crazy investment schemes are two different things. If you trace oil on a 5-10 year barchart using demand fundamentals it belongs in the $40-45 range, maybe $45-50 if you really stretch it. In this economic scenario I could make a strong argument for oil based on fundamentals to be in the high $30's. So I don't consider this an artificial low. $25-35 oil I'd consider an artificial low but not $40-45. We may well get to $25-35 though because my understanding is hedge funds still have massive positions in oil to unwind. Remember that oil is a 20:1 leverage ratio investent so hedge funds loved it. The fact that some of the oil analysts at Merrill and Morgan are seeing oil potentially at $20 tells me they know there's some massive selling coming, probably near or just after the Christmas driving season. Some of my sources tell me these guys were just stooges for hedge funds. Remember how the Morgan prediction of $150 oil by the 4th of July was followed by the biggest one day gain in oil ever. The guy never said anything technical and in fact the next day Mastercard reported a 5% decline in demand on a dollar level (so 7.5% on usuage at that time).
We need to keep in mind a couple of things going forward:
1. the day of the large gas guzzling SUV is well past it's prime.
2. Next gen hybrids with more and more electric power is going to be here soon so MPG is going way up.
3. Obama. I firmly believe he's going to have a massive program to develop and bring to market alternative energy. Think of JFK saying we'd have a man on the moon in 10 years, with NASA not having a clue of how to do it. We beat his timetable.
BTW - I am really enjopying this MB GL. I turmed in the GX a week ago (I had about a 2 week lease overlap) so I'm driving it more and more. Very solid SUV and I'm very glad I went with it.
Who would have predicted that one?!! There was a point in time when I thought you might get that new LX570, but maybe the poor gas mileage rating on that LX was enough to discourage you, in combination with the GL's incredible comfort for ALL passengers. I certainly hope it is reliable enough, because I think you are used to driving vehicles with incredible reliability statistics. Personally, when I really love a vehicle, I'm willing to get it fixed now and then, as long as it isn't a constant PITA of course.
Based upon your analysis of the oil situation, I guess we're not about to see those huge prices for while longer.
BTW, when GM was below $3, I bought some GM stock... I suppose it's a gamble, but I do personally believe GM will survive, and there is now a slight glimpse of new hope that the Big 3 might get some limited assistance from Washington.
TM
BTW, the way you speak with such astuteness about the various markets, you must have at least dabbled into trading commodities. Am I right? You obviously don't have to answer this question. I'll tell you what. If you have not traded commodities, you market knowledge is such that perhaps you should.
In fact, if I lived in NJ, Len would find me hanging around now and then... LOL.
TM
I did the same, but with some Ford at a buck and a half. They've got the Fiesta, the Focus which should eventually arrive in the states, and some other stuff in Europe that's pretty good. On the other hand, every time GM tries to bring something over from Opel in Germany or Holden in Australia, it's a colossal bomb. The Astra in particular is just a mess, they lose money if it doesn't sell (which it doesn't), and even if it was a smash hit, they'd lose money on every one out the door. Who's in charge here?
Mr. Mulally at least seems marginally competent. Wagoner has been an utter disaster for GM, and the board should've booted him out years ago. If we knew for a fact that only one of the D3 would survive, my money would be (is) on Ford.
BTW, the Ford F-150 I bought about a month ago (for company use) is a very nice truck. We use Ford trucks at my work, even though I like the GM trucks also. The original price on our nicely-equipped new Ford F-150 SC STX was over $30K. I made a deal at $18K! Then I added a couple of items to that and got the single best deal I've ever made on any vehicle, from a percentage basis. I've been driving it around lately and it's so easy to see why so many guys don't mess with cars and just drive a truck.
The other great deal I made three years ago was the Jag. I drove it yesterday with my son aboard and realized once again what a wonderful car it really is. I'd be foolish to part with it. And, the original deal included a 100,000 mile service contract! Gas mileage well into the 20's is terrific for a long wheelbase car like this. All the wonderful amenities...even the color headrest monitors and rear seat entertainment, all factory installed... and the Grand Canyon trunk space... if it ends up that I have to sell all my cars, I'd keep the Jag as my last one.
Chrysler is a disaster, IMO... That's a shame, mostly because of Jeep, which is an icon. I'm not likely to buy any Chrysler stock.
It does now appear that Congress will finally grant some bailout loans to the Big-3... and I am thrilled for that. I support the assistance for two main reasons. Firstly, many of my company's clients are in the auto business... so that's an obvious reason for me. Secondly, I believe the whole process will have aimed our domestic auto industry a little closer to the right direction. That could be a good thing.
Low gas prices might help them sell out the big iron, while they shift gears towards producing better vehicles.
TM
Are there ANY signs of improvement to the economy? Any positive indicators at all?
So far, I say none, except for the positive sentiment from Obama's victory. The sub $100/brl oil wont last, and there's definitely an agenda behind the scenes. Retail sales all over the country have dropped significantly, too significant its actually kinda painful to watch. I went to places like Marche during Thanksgiving week and found the place to be much emptier than last year (and this happened my state thats actually still surviving). Even the average Joes' Starbucks getting emptier everytime I visited. Then theres this huugggeee federal debt issue.
We're currently drowning in debt, federal debt already passed $10 trillion, and many of those debts are either overdue or due very soon (like the $700 billion we owe China and $200 billion we owe Japan). Soon, and I mean soon, those countries will come to Obama and collect their debts. What are we gonna do by then? Tell them to **** off and not paying? At the risk of damaging diplomatic relations??? Another point, doing so will cause US to lose the world's trust and the federal government will definitely have a very hard time getting loans next time.
Maybe its just me. I have faith that the economy will turn around, but I highly doubt it'll happen anytime soon. Yes Obama picked a great team, but I dont expect them to make great changes in short time.
I'm pretty sure you can't buy any
So, I will clarify... That point I attempted to make (without success) was that Chrysler is in terrible shape, and I wouldn't consider them to be a worthy investment under any circumstances (unlike Ford, for example). The actual availability, or lack thereof, of any shares has never even been a real consideration. If the worst ever should happen to Chrysler, I'd feel bad about Jeep, however, as I mentioned Jeep is an icon.
TM
Too bad though, I expect American brands to finally get it right with designs. In this regard the 300C is, arguably, the best looking American sedan to date, imo.
Oh well, I'm starting to think we're looking at another new Big-3 soon: Toyota-VW-Ford, or should hell really break loose: Toyota-VW-Hyundai... with Hyundai's massive progress it is possible.
The great thing about my workplace is you don't lose past years' untaken vacations, so you can imagine how many days off I can have should I decide to utilize all of them... :P
I wonder if marriage is even a foreseeable future for me, then again I've yet to discover the virtues of marriage. Maybe someday...? :confuse:
That's why I posted my concern about Jeep, which I described as an icon. Jeep is more than a label. More than the brand name itself. Jeep is a formula. IMO.
Too bad though, I expect American brands to finally get it right with designs. In this regard the 300C is, arguably, the best looking American sedan to date, imo.
You are right about that. It is no doubt, amongst the top players, and I would add the Cadillac CTS-V to that very short list... but by doing so, it shouldn't be misconstrued that I am somehow enamored by the vehicle.
Oh well, I'm starting to think we're looking at another new Big-3 soon: Toyota-VW-Ford, or should hell really break loose: Toyota-VW-Hyundai... with Hyundai's massive progress it is possible.
I'm always glad to see that you "get it" with regards to Hyundai. This is a company on a mission.
TM
That's cause you're single.
And... when you're finally married... well... you'll have a whole new set of questions for yourself.
edit: Let me tell you this... And I hope you believe me and trust me enough... cause out of everything I've experienced in my life... nothing, and I mean nothing can even compare to being a dad.
TM
Looks-wise, the CTS-V isn't my cup of tea either, but I do still believe that it belongs on any short list of the top domestic sedans. And there are those that really like the way it looks.
TM
Yeah, it's kinda cool cruising around in that big truck... I've gotta admit it. Nothing "green" about it, though, and that admittedly bugs me. I honestly don't expect I would keep it if a cool hybrid vehicle were to ever show up. But, I don't know of any... other than possibly the upcoming new Lexus hybrid, or the Honda CR-Z.
Gosh, wouldn't you just think that there'd be a shitload of 'em about to release any day now? I mean after all that's happened for years now... there ought to have been more alternatives by now from all the different manufacturers. Instead, every time a new car looks cool and fuel efficient, all I read is "not coming to America", "don't expect to see this on US soil anytime soon", "the manufacturer doesn't see a market for it in the USA as of yet", "there are no plans to export it to the States"... excuse after excuse.
Go figure. :confuse:
In the meantime you and I will enjoy our good 'ol pickup trucks... cause that's what us Americans are supposed to drive, right?
TM
I do have one opinion about this. GM's biggest blunder is selling those Opels and Holden under brands that have terrible reputation, unlike Ford which is arguably on a rise. What GM should do is: instead of insisting on clueless brands like Saturn and Pontiac just to make sure the marques make a sale, sell them as Opels. Opel has reputation, regardless of it being a GM division or not, it's considered VW's toughest rival in Germany. That alone may be enough to shed some customers' doubts. The rest is up to customer service and quality.
The Astra and Aura (vectra) are good cars, but many people still turn their backs on Saturn thanks to its "selling same old last year's crap" image.
Well, the Aura is "based" on the Vectra, but they didn't make a carbon copy with a Saturn badge, as was done with the Astra. The problem is that both Saturn and Pontiac have no brand identity. Every now and then, GM throws them a few scraps and they get a rebadge from one of the "important" divisions. And then they wonder why they have a million too many dealers and can't make money. GM has enough market share for maybe 3 brands at the most, but they are still operating like its 1960 and they've got half the market.
And, it's obvious...
1. Chevrolet... full line of mainstream vehicles, including SUVs (excluding trucks), and keep Corvette, of course.
2. Cadillac... the upscale luxury division.
3. GMC... dedicated truck division, (no SUVs), both consumer and commercial.
TM
Where? What location are you talking about? Makes a difference.
TM
Anyone know a good lawyer
Why would your owner's manual attract traffic cops?
Unless, of course, you're waving it out the window as you blow by at 90mph in your 335! :shades:
Look at the bright side: Your auto insurer will be able to send their kids to better colleges now, thanks to your rogue 335!
I'm sure the Evil Wife has a good lawyer... :sick:
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Ouch! :sick:
It's not the tranny's fault, dude. Think about those twin turbos lurking under the hood. Think about full available torque all the way down to 1400 rpm! That's why the vehicle goes 90 mph in its sleep. Keeping it within the speed limit truly feels as though you have to constrain what is otherwise normal. It's just not easy with that kind of powertrain. It's inherently predisposed to going very fast. It's by design, essentially in the car's DNA.
The solution is to have a whole lot of self-control. Or...
get a different car, such as a 328i, or even something less powerful, as a 328i is a willing vehicle in its own right.
Sure hope you don't get any more tickets. That sucks. Are you using a radar detector?
TM
As you know a few of us here have the same combination of engine and tranny - do what we do - out run the damn cops!
Don't blame the car when you can use it to your advantage
Hey, thats the best advice. I did the same in my BMW (bless its soul) in Denver. Definitely a recommended piece :P
"I'm always glad to see that you "get it" with regards to Hyundai. This is a company on a mission."
Dont worry, Tag. I still think they need time and experience to get into the luxury game, but in the regular class it wont be rising, it already is. I noticed this when the 2005 Spectra came out, tested it a bit, and thought apart from the cheap interior bits, the car was solidly built, good fit-finish, and the big surprise was standard side airbags on all trims. Toyota and Honda "voluntarily" :P helped Hyundai-Kia by messing their own build quality, practically dropping the anvil on their own feet.
My conclusion at that time: "Whoa, these guys are loading their guns". I still dont like Korean car designs, but in the average joe's class its no more than a minor issue.
"cause out of everything I've experienced in my life... nothing, and I mean nothing can even compare to being a dad. "
Not sure I can understand now, but I'll keep that in mind
I also wish to add that you may want to think twice before getting one of those extra long limos. Here where I live you can rent one of those extended Towncar Limos per 12 hrs, but a careful look on the cars list and price revealed that I can get a shorter but much more luxurious bentley Arnage for the same price. Its a matter of taste, but I'd pick the classier car anytime over a bigger one.
Goodluck.