It must be springtime
 | Keith Crain is editor-in-chief of Automotive News. |
| Sponsored by |
| » | ||
| » | ||
| » | ||
| » | ||
| » |
Reprints
Print
Respond
By now we all have recovered from the automotive onslaught otherwise known as the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was a barrage of new products, concept cars and automotive executives from around the world.
Some of us were lucky enough to squeeze in the Geneva motor show, so we have a lot of new products under our belt.
But now it's time to kick off spring, when everyone traditionally heads for New York. Media days were last week at the New York auto show, which has a springtime position right along with Major League Baseball.
After strong March sales, everyone is optimistic that the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate will continue to climb. There is little doubt that the auto industry is leading the nation's economic recovery.
There are plenty of question marks about whether the economy can keep going, but all we can do is satisfy the American public's appetite for new cars.
Not everyone in the automobile industry is booming. There are always soft spots among the winners. It is rare indeed when everyone is firing on all cylinders.
The industry has an insatiable appetite for new products, and press days at the New York show dramatically demonstrated that. The new models and redesigns just keep coming.
And there is no end in sight.
Although we'll have a bit of a lull until the Paris show this fall, there are plenty of exciting new models about to hit showrooms. That's one reason sales rates continue to increase. It's not a surprise, but it is remarkable.
The New York show generates lots of media coverage. I am amazed at the number of people who cover cars and trucks for some media outlets whom we see only in New York.
It's an exciting time and is the kickoff for what used to be called the spring selling season. Many people like to buy their cars when the snow melts -- although this year in many markets there wasn't a lot of snow to worry about.
It is funny when you realize that most folks coming to the public days at the New York auto show probably come by subway. But that's New York, and the car show fits in quite well.
You can reach Keith Crain at kcrain@crain.com.
