Cars on Campus: Northwood University International Auto Show
Paris isn't the only auto show in early October. The students of Northwood University are preparing for their 43rd annual International Auto Show, to take place at the Midland, Michigan campus October 6-8.
The college show is one of the largest outdoor shows in the US, and entrance is free of charge and open to the public. The entire event is planned and executed by over 600 students led by a 13-member team and attracts approximately 40,000 visitors each year. And it's not just the Big Three exhibiting their standard models, either. This year, participating manufacturers include Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley and Maybach, to name just a few.
A grassroots car show in the quad is a welcome and refreshing break from the glitz and glamour of the "major" shows. Makes us wish our colleges had car shows instead of poster sales and intramural lacrosse games.
Follow the link to the university's website for more information. We're sure anyone who has attended the NUIAS has good things to say about the students' efforts.
(Thanks for the tip, Ben!)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Den in IN 8:33AM (10/02/2006)
I used to live about 2 miles from Northwood. The show is a great deal because there are so many cars, so few people and most of the cars are open. About the time Lexus was new and unknown I started the LS400 and marveled at how quiet it was.
I also turfed the soccer field in my mom's Fiero. That was a long time ago.
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Kurt B 11:17AM (10/02/2006)
There's one in Barrie Ontario north of Toronto as well every September put on by the students of the Canadian Automotive Institute of Georgian college.. It's north america's largest outdoor car show. I go every year and it's a blast.
http://www.georgianc.on.ca/autoshow/
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JJ 11:44AM (10/02/2006)
Yeah it is a great autoshow, i'm helping out in the Dodge booth this year... so everyone come on by!
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Jonathan 12:34PM (10/02/2006)
It is quite the show! I am a sophomore and captain of Team Maybach. The students run absolutely everything; we don't recieve any help from faculty whatsoever. It's probably one of the most unique auto shows out there and definitely worth a look.
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Son of Dat 12:38AM (10/03/2006)
As a CAI grad, I can't stress enough how important these shows are to the students in terms of gaining experience.
Support these shows. Interact with the students. Just don't show up and play the "stump the students" game by asking stupid questions that you really don't need the anwser to.
I worked at the Nissan tent and had some guy who came up to me and started firing off questions in attmepts to make me look stupid and make him feel smart.
Who really wants to know how many BTU's a Pathfinder's AC unit punches out?
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