Welcome to Detroit. The outskirts, anyway. I’m in Romulus, Michigan. About 20 miles from downtown Detroit. The international airport is here and so are many people who will visit to the North American International Auto Show. Better known as the Mother of All Car Shows. Even out this far the economy gets a boost from the car show. And they need it. Since the cutbacks and bailouts of 2008 began, the trickledown effect has hit nearly every corner of America including the tri-state. Plants closing and cutbacks and businesses that rely on the big three started suffering. The say goes: The economy of metropolitan Detroit is a key pillar of the economy of the United States.
So, the first part of my auto show visit revolves around the economy and how the auto show injects excitement into frightening times and hope for the future. And the future will be a large part if not thee largest part of the auto show and in the history of the auto show for that matter. The future will mean green. More on that once I get to the show in the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.
For now…the economic shot in the arm. I am staying at a Hotel near the airport, the Crowne Plaza. Shuttle Driver Cliff Lance says the hotel is seeing more guests and he describes them as more “upscale” and to Lance that means they are spending more money. “Last week my tips were averaging about $50 a day. Now I am averaging $100 dollars a day in tips,” said Lance. Lance says everyone knows the auto show isn’t going to be what it used to because the carmakers know the road ahead will be rough and people just aren’t buying cars so they are tightening the belt and in many ways.
I am about to take off and experience the Auto Show for the first time. I have no expectations because, well I’m a rookie. But I do know the importance of what automakers are showcasing and hoping for in 2009.
That is all
