LA Auto Show

bdeutsch · #1 (**permalink**) 11-19-2010, 04:26 PM

Yesterday evening, sons and I attended the Preview Night of the LA Auto Show. It had been a couple of years since we last attended.

Was a bit surprised on level of participation at the show. The lower level (Kentia Hall) is where all of the aftermarket type of stuff is displayed. Historically have started there first as it is the most fun. At least on past visits, the display area is usually filled, not so anymore it seems. Literally a quarter of the space was empty.

Also in the main areas of the show, most major manufacturers were present, but number of vehicles within each area was also on the lean side. Even more surprising is that all of the Italian marques, save for Fiat, were not participating.

Ford had no Shelby GT500s on display but did have at least three Boss 302s. Galpin Ford has a wide GT500 displayed in the basement, but that was about it for anybody flying the Shelby flag. Again, quite a surprise.

Given that the economy still remains weak, and for those who have attended the show in the last few years, has this been the trend? Given size of exotic market in California, was really amazed that Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati (not sure I spelled this correctly) were missing.

Bob

Bill Bess · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2010, 06:59 AM

My guess, it's the economy and the Convention Center probably raised the space fee so high that vendors said, "screw it, it's not worth the expense".

It seems that cities are trying to help the general fund by raising fees and charging for things they didn't charge for in the past. I know it's happening here in Lake Havasu City.
Bill

Mark IV · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bess

My guess, it's the economy and the Convention Center probably raised the space fee so high that vendors said, "screw it, it's not worth the expense".

It seems that cities are trying to help the general fund by raising fees and charging for things they didn't charge for in the past. I know it's happening here in Lake Havasu City.
Bill

The fees are set by the promoter, not the venue. Detroit (NAIAS) is run by the Detroit area dealers association and they determine the cost. The space fee is only a small part of the total costs, the display materials, the set up and break down and the fact that most of the larger shows are done in Union venues adds to the cost.

10 years ago we tried to do Detroit with AC and the union costs were mindblowing, you cannot plug anything in-that's a union electrician at a one hour plus charges fee. You can't go to the storage room and retrieve brochures-that's a union porter, again a one hour minimum plus. And then you can only rent carpet from the designated "house" supplier, etc.

I'm not anti-union in many cases, just pointing out that the floor space is only the tip of the iceberg.

bdeutsch · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2010, 07:33 AM

Bill, thanks for the response. Never thought about those fees you mention, but LA is in deep trouble financially and would not rule out what you suggested.

Lotus had an incredible display, Porsche was nice but smaller than normal (heard that they almost bowed out too from one of the staff working their room). Bottom line though is that with little or no confidence in the economy, people just are not going to spend like they once did I suspect.

Bill Bess · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010, 02:29 PM

I forgot about the Union fees' for their labor at these events. My son works for a company that produces motorcycle products and he say they must pay for union help for at these conventions.
Bill

SP01715 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010, 07:33 PM

The LA Boat show at the same location has been shrinking every year for the past few years. It was two levels, then one level, and last year was only about half of one level. It's not even worth it to battle LA traffic to go anymore. The space rental is expensive, and they are not selling much. Not worth it for most dealers.