Any more Detroit Auto Shows?...the city goes bankrupt.
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Any more Detroit Auto Shows?...the city goes bankrupt.
The City of Detroit officially folded and filed for bankrupcy yesterday (which is not surprising, as it has been deteriorating for years). Unfortunately, many city employees, creditors/debters, and municipal bond-holders (except for insured bonds) may be left high and dry, at least in the short run. But an interesting question from this might (?) be what happens to the future of the Detroit North American International Auto Show each January...arguably the largest Auto Show on the planet. Obviously, the money that the city gets from holding the show each January (added to the diminishing local tax revenues and what money the city already gets from the state and Federal governments) wasn't enough to stave off bankrupcy. Detroit officials, of course, are also not known for being scrupulously honest when spending what money the city does make, either....the last Mayor, for example, went to prison.
I've long argued (even here in CAR CHAT) that there is little sense in having (or at least continuing to have) what is arguably the world's largest auto show in an economic basket-case of a city like Detroit. Despite the city's long-ago-past as the nation's "Motor City", those days are long gone, despite some clever new TV commercials from Chrysler. Even much of the auto industry itself has moved out of Detroit and Michigan...to newer, lower-cost cities in the South and West. The money, population, and auto culture that was once in Detroit simply is not there any more. L.A./Southern California (and, to a lesser extent, the Washington, D.C. region) is now where the money, car-culture, and sales are (and, of course, the nation's worst traffic-jams/commutes). The D.C. area, on the average, sells six times the number of new cars that the Detroit area does, and the L.A./SoCal region ten times as much. Atlanta also has a big and rapidly-growing new-car market, but not quite to the size of D.C. or SoCal. Those are serious numbers, and they have (seemingly) been overlooked in keeping the world's biggest show in Detroit just for tradition's sake and nothing else.
So, while the future of the Detroit show, if any, has not been formally announced, it seems like the auto companies are also going to have to decide if they will keep sending such a large amount of their show-budgets and all-new displays to Detroit, or to a more promising region like L.A., D.C., or Atlanta to replace it. Of course, the current L. A. show is quite large (almost to the size of Detroit's itself)...but most of the official new introductions still happen (needlessly, IMO,) at Detroit. And those decisions are going to have to be made pretty soon, as it often takes months to plan for a major show.
I've long argued (even here in CAR CHAT) that there is little sense in having (or at least continuing to have) what is arguably the world's largest auto show in an economic basket-case of a city like Detroit. Despite the city's long-ago-past as the nation's "Motor City", those days are long gone, despite some clever new TV commercials from Chrysler. Even much of the auto industry itself has moved out of Detroit and Michigan...to newer, lower-cost cities in the South and West. The money, population, and auto culture that was once in Detroit simply is not there any more. L.A./Southern California (and, to a lesser extent, the Washington, D.C. region) is now where the money, car-culture, and sales are (and, of course, the nation's worst traffic-jams/commutes). The D.C. area, on the average, sells six times the number of new cars that the Detroit area does, and the L.A./SoCal region ten times as much. Atlanta also has a big and rapidly-growing new-car market, but not quite to the size of D.C. or SoCal. Those are serious numbers, and they have (seemingly) been overlooked in keeping the world's biggest show in Detroit just for tradition's sake and nothing else.
So, while the future of the Detroit show, if any, has not been formally announced, it seems like the auto companies are also going to have to decide if they will keep sending such a large amount of their show-budgets and all-new displays to Detroit, or to a more promising region like L.A., D.C., or Atlanta to replace it. Of course, the current L. A. show is quite large (almost to the size of Detroit's itself)...but most of the official new introductions still happen (needlessly, IMO,) at Detroit. And those decisions are going to have to be made pretty soon, as it often takes months to plan for a major show.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-19-13 at 12:03 PM.
#2
Heard the news as well about Detroit going kaput. In California we got a few cities that went bankrupt this year as well and pretty much someone is going to prison when this happens. States are going to dig and so does the feds it's almost a certainty somebody currupt will be found out and made example of.
California already has the people running said bankrupt cities in trial and soon enough they will be going to a spa like resort (free soap and everything) courtesy of the tax payers.
California already has the people running said bankrupt cities in trial and soon enough they will be going to a spa like resort (free soap and everything) courtesy of the tax payers.
#3
Lexus Champion
The City of Detroit did not fold; it still exists. It is filing for protection from creditors to give it more time to negotiate with creditors; hopefully municipal employees and retirees will not be left high and dry.
Although much of the auto manufacturing has spread out to other states, especially the southern and Right to Work states, Detroit is still the centre of the American auto industry. The Detroit 3 are still in the area: General Motors is headquartered in the City, and although Ford and Chrysler do not have their HQs within Detroit itself, they are still in the suburbs of Detroit. The problem that Detroit is facing is one that many large cities in the United States face, and that is the hollowing out of the core, as businesses and the middle class that support the businesses move out to the suburbs.
Detroit is still known as the centre of the American auto industry and I believe that it is going to take much more than a mere bankruptcy filing to change this. Because of this reputation, the Detroit Auto Show has become an icon of not only the American auto industry, but the international auto industry. As long as the Cobo Centre (not owned nor run by the City of Detroit as far as I know) is still able to host the Show, as long as automakers from around the world are willing to congregate there each January, and as long as show-goers and media (from around the world) are willing to flock to Detroit for a few days each January, I see no reason why the North American International Auto Show should be cancelled.
Although much of the auto manufacturing has spread out to other states, especially the southern and Right to Work states, Detroit is still the centre of the American auto industry. The Detroit 3 are still in the area: General Motors is headquartered in the City, and although Ford and Chrysler do not have their HQs within Detroit itself, they are still in the suburbs of Detroit. The problem that Detroit is facing is one that many large cities in the United States face, and that is the hollowing out of the core, as businesses and the middle class that support the businesses move out to the suburbs.
Detroit is still known as the centre of the American auto industry and I believe that it is going to take much more than a mere bankruptcy filing to change this. Because of this reputation, the Detroit Auto Show has become an icon of not only the American auto industry, but the international auto industry. As long as the Cobo Centre (not owned nor run by the City of Detroit as far as I know) is still able to host the Show, as long as automakers from around the world are willing to congregate there each January, and as long as show-goers and media (from around the world) are willing to flock to Detroit for a few days each January, I see no reason why the North American International Auto Show should be cancelled.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
The City of Detroit did not fold; it still exists. It is filing for protection from creditors to give it more time to negotiate with creditors; hopefully municipal employees and retirees will not be left high and dry.
Although much of the auto manufacturing has spread out to other states, especially the southern and Right to Work states, Detroit is still the centre of the American auto industry. The Detroit 3 are still in the area: General Motors is headquartered in the City, and although Ford and Chrysler do not have their HQs within Detroit itself, they are still in the suburbs of Detroit. The problem that Detroit is facing is one that many large cities in the United States face, and that is the hollowing out of the core, as businesses and the middle class that support the businesses move out to the suburbs.
Detroit is still known as the centre of the American auto industry and I believe that it is going to take much more than a mere bankruptcy filing to change this. Because of this reputation, the Detroit Auto Show has become an icon of not only the American auto industry, but the international auto industry. As long as the Cobo Centre (not owned nor run by the City of Detroit as far as I know) is still able to host the Show, as long as automakers from around the world are willing to congregate there each January, and as long as show-goers and media (from around the world) are willing to flock to Detroit for a few days each January, I see no reason why the North American International Auto Show should be cancelled.
Although much of the auto manufacturing has spread out to other states, especially the southern and Right to Work states, Detroit is still the centre of the American auto industry. The Detroit 3 are still in the area: General Motors is headquartered in the City, and although Ford and Chrysler do not have their HQs within Detroit itself, they are still in the suburbs of Detroit. The problem that Detroit is facing is one that many large cities in the United States face, and that is the hollowing out of the core, as businesses and the middle class that support the businesses move out to the suburbs.
Detroit is still known as the centre of the American auto industry and I believe that it is going to take much more than a mere bankruptcy filing to change this. Because of this reputation, the Detroit Auto Show has become an icon of not only the American auto industry, but the international auto industry. As long as the Cobo Centre (not owned nor run by the City of Detroit as far as I know) is still able to host the Show, as long as automakers from around the world are willing to congregate there each January, and as long as show-goers and media (from around the world) are willing to flock to Detroit for a few days each January, I see no reason why the North American International Auto Show should be cancelled.
The City of Detroit did not fold; it still exists
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-19-13 at 01:04 PM.
#5
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
as long as automakers from around the world are willing to congregate there each January, and as long as show-goers and media (from around the world) are willing to flock to Detroit for a few days each January, I see no reason why the North American International Auto Show should be cancelled.
This was the big show to unveil new models, for the past 5 years or more the LA show gets this honor to unveil a few models every year. Now that the LA show begins & ends before the Detriot show I'm sure more debuts will happen in LA. If you are a automotive journalist flying in to report on new vehicles, where would you prefer to go. Many car companies have already abandoned Detriot & I will be surprised if the show goes on as usual next time.
Detroit the city killed by UAW
#6
Detroit's bankruptcy will not affect the NAIAS/Detroit auto show:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
#7
Lexus Champion
Detroit's bankruptcy will not affect the NAIAS/Detroit auto show:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
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#8
Detroit's bankruptcy will not affect the NAIAS/Detroit auto show:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
#9
If there was real leadership in Detroit back in the 60's/70's/80's/90's that could have brought in other industries and businesses besides autmotive/manufacturing, things wouldn't be nearly this bad. There is an old Russian saying, the fish rots at the head. Nobody in their right mind wanted to relocate their business to Detroit proper in the past 4 decades because of the severe dysfunction in the city government. You can see it in the suburbs around Detroit. Granted they aren't flourishing, but they're holding on a lot better than the city itself.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Detroit's bankruptcy will not affect the NAIAS/Detroit auto show:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE
If it IS correct, IMO, they may just be pouring more money down the drain.
#11
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
NAIAS Exec Says Detroit's Bankruptcy Won't Impact Show in Any Way
At the same time that a Michigan state judge challenged the legality of Detroit's bankruptcy ruling the filing unconstitutional and ordering the city to withdraw said petition, in what looks to be a very lengthy legal battle that will continue for months, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) organizers came out with a statement attributed to Executive Director Rod Alberts.
You can read it in full below, but as an appetizer, Alberts says that Detroit's bankruptcy was in the making for years and that given the city's situation (and by that, he means the towering debt and limited tax revenue), it was "a good decision".
He continues saying that the bankruptcy filing "will have no impact" whatsoever on the show that brings over "$350 million in economic impact to the Southeastern Michigan region".
We'll remind you that the next edition of the Detroit motor show is scheduled for January 13-26, 2014.
Rod Alberts, Executive Director, North American International Auto Show:
"The Detroit Chapter 9 bankruptcy has been anticipated for some time and will have no impact on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The bankruptcy filing was a good decision, given the state of affairs of the city over the past decade, and will give Detroit an opportunity to move forward by relieving the city of a legacy of liabilities - giving it a fresh start. That was the sole purpose. The direction by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was the right one, and will help Detroit turn the corner. Although surprising to many, it was a bold and positive move.
Cobo Center is independent of the city and is managed and operated by a regional authority, so no funding from the city is needed for Cobo. The NAIAS is also an independent organization and will not be impacted in our operation or funding, although we do work with all the city municipalities in the region, including the City of Detroit, and will continue to do so.
An interesting aspect of this, too, is the fact that we are soon to complete the third and final stage of the $300 million renovation of Cobo this coming year. Again, this is because Cobo Center is managed by a regional authority and is funded accordingly with regional and state funds.
The city bankruptcy will have no effect on the show's ability to provide the venue that the world automakers have come to expect, and the event that each year brings more than $350 million in economic impact to the Southeastern Michigan region.
We will continue, as planned, to work side-by-side with international auto manufacturers, which continue to rely on Detroit's stage to make their worldwide product introductions."
You can read it in full below, but as an appetizer, Alberts says that Detroit's bankruptcy was in the making for years and that given the city's situation (and by that, he means the towering debt and limited tax revenue), it was "a good decision".
He continues saying that the bankruptcy filing "will have no impact" whatsoever on the show that brings over "$350 million in economic impact to the Southeastern Michigan region".
We'll remind you that the next edition of the Detroit motor show is scheduled for January 13-26, 2014.
Rod Alberts, Executive Director, North American International Auto Show:
"The Detroit Chapter 9 bankruptcy has been anticipated for some time and will have no impact on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The bankruptcy filing was a good decision, given the state of affairs of the city over the past decade, and will give Detroit an opportunity to move forward by relieving the city of a legacy of liabilities - giving it a fresh start. That was the sole purpose. The direction by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was the right one, and will help Detroit turn the corner. Although surprising to many, it was a bold and positive move.
Cobo Center is independent of the city and is managed and operated by a regional authority, so no funding from the city is needed for Cobo. The NAIAS is also an independent organization and will not be impacted in our operation or funding, although we do work with all the city municipalities in the region, including the City of Detroit, and will continue to do so.
An interesting aspect of this, too, is the fact that we are soon to complete the third and final stage of the $300 million renovation of Cobo this coming year. Again, this is because Cobo Center is managed by a regional authority and is funded accordingly with regional and state funds.
The city bankruptcy will have no effect on the show's ability to provide the venue that the world automakers have come to expect, and the event that each year brings more than $350 million in economic impact to the Southeastern Michigan region.
We will continue, as planned, to work side-by-side with international auto manufacturers, which continue to rely on Detroit's stage to make their worldwide product introductions."
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
This is the reason Detroit is in its current mess IMO. The city has been run for decades by corrupt mayors and council members. They have run it into the ground. Granted there are a bunch of other outside factors to blame for Detroit's decline, but IMO things NEVER should have gotten this bad.
If there was real leadership in Detroit back in the 60's/70's/80's/90's that could have brought in other industries and businesses besides autmotive/manufacturing, things wouldn't be nearly this bad.
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
I hope to make it there this year to see the debut of the RC F. Good to see it still alive. We had a thread here a few years ago about the demise of the NAIAS and it clearly was greatly exaggerated.
It is my hope Detroit gets it together after this re-org and the show shows the bright point/parts of the city.
It is my hope Detroit gets it together after this re-org and the show shows the bright point/parts of the city.
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
We had a thread here a few years ago about the demise of the NAIAS and it clearly was greatly exaggerated.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-22-13 at 10:03 AM.
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