Another one bites the dust: Mitsubishi pulls out of Detroit Auto Show
by Michael Harley on Nov 21st 2008 at 1:30PM 
Eight weeks from now, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show will open its doors at Cobo Hall. And... Mitsubishi won't be there. Like a handful of other high-profile manufacturers who have pulled out (including Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, Suzuki, and Porsche), the Japanese automaker based its decision on cost – the market for Mitsubishi automobiles in the Detroit area just isn't significant enough to warrant the expenditure in today's economy. The automaker's move is rather significant as the Detroit show is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. However, skipping the 2009 show doesn't prevent Mitsubishi from coming back in 2010. Regardless of whose left at the show come the second week of January (hey, at least Chinese automaker BYD will exhibit), Autoblog will be there to cover everything in detail.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Torrent 1:38PM (11/21/2008)
Looks like I ain't goin. Not that I care about Mitsubishi. I just wanted to see the Camaro. Oh well. What's a 4 month wait?
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Torrent 1:39PM (11/21/2008)
An an unrelated note, that RA Concept is hawt. It's angular (or angry, whichever comes first). I love it.
happy_penguin 3:40PM (11/21/2008)
I'll be there with my Nikon. :)
Torrent 3:46PM (11/21/2008)
lucky....
Jason G. 5:50PM (11/22/2008)
Apparently Suzuki and Mitsubishi do not need any related exposure or visibility that would result from participating in this critical auto show. Well... out of sight, out of mind...I suppose. Watch somebody else step up and fill that space...such as the Chinese automakers. Yeah, those guys may not have the finished, deliverable product for us right now, but by displaying what they DO have (in the now-vacant show space) they will push forward in making a name for themselves. Anyone on display in Detroit will certainly reach the eyes and minds of thousands of people. Thousands of everyday people - potential customers - who attend the 2009 Detroit show will come away from it with no lasting memory of a Suzuki or Mitsubishi product...further eroding those brands' awareness in the region.
DudeD 1:49PM (11/21/2008)
The $25 billion question: Will GM be there?
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Torrent 1:58PM (11/21/2008)
I highly doubt it. I mean my doubt is so high, airplanes will look at me and say 'damn that's high'
Luis 2:01PM (11/21/2008)
I don't think they'll have the $20k to fly their execs in a private plane there...
Jj 2:21PM (11/21/2008)
They do have the new LaCrosse and CTS Coupe that are presumably ready to be shown officially.
GM should make it priority to show new and innovative product like the Cruze and Volt to show that it is still a viable company that is worth helping.
Jackson 4:35PM (11/21/2008)
The REAL $25 Billion question... Will DETROIT be there?
Patrick 1:55PM (11/21/2008)
Hell, will there even BE a Detroit Auto Show next year?!
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Coco 1:59PM (11/21/2008)
with designs like the one above (alien toad monster) they can get out and stay out.
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Samus Aran 2:37PM (11/21/2008)
The toad monster above looks better than anything the big 3 have come up with in decades.
You=fail.
Talisman 12:09AM (11/22/2008)
@ Samus Aran
So the "toad monster" looks better than the ZR-1, Viper, Ford GT, GT500KR, G8 GXP, and CTS coupe?
Yea okay...
doc b 11:58PM (11/21/2008)
ZR-1, Ford GT, Viper (Coupe 1.0), GT500KR, and CTS coupe FTW!!!
G8 GXP....meh
Kevin 2:02PM (11/21/2008)
When one of the Big 2.8 pull out, then it's time to be concerned. When a second one of the Big 2.8 pull out it's time to worry. When all three pull out, bend over and kiss your job goodbye.
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Benfolio 2:07PM (11/21/2008)
Most innuendo filled post on AB in weeks. A+
2004m3driver 2:36PM (11/21/2008)
It might be a reason for a concern when the big 3 pull out. But if they didn't come you might be worried about how the economy is getting raped. Sometimes we just have to take it and give them a shot of money so it keeps things up.
HotRodzNKustoms 2:03PM (11/21/2008)
The Detroit Auto Show looks like it will be dead in short order. L.A. is where it's at anyways.
Disclaimer: I live in the L.A. area so of course I think the L.A. Auto Show is better.
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John R 2:17PM (11/21/2008)
"The automaker's move is rather significant as the Detroit show is considered one of the most prestigious in the world."
That's becoming increasingly arguable given the perceived gravitas of those who've bailed out (get it); Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls-Royce...
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