Honda will be in Detroit, sans press conference
by Chris Shunk on Nov 26th 2008 at 8:28AM 
The latest sign that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show could quite possibly suck is Honda's decision not to throw any press conferences. The Japanese automaker still plans to unveil the production Insight hybrid, but will do so by simply adding its Prius-killer to the show floor with the rest of its line-up.
The move comes one day after Nissan and Infiniti pulled out of Detroit all-together, which followed dropouts by Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce. Honda doesn't want to spend big bucks on live introductions with special effects and big-time travel budgets when the U.S. auto market is in the crapper. The Japanese brand won't roll out any press conferences in Chicago, either. If Detroit is going to be slow, Chicago is shaping up to be a ghost town.
The question now is, who's next? The Detroit Auto Show has traditionally been the event where our Domestics bring out the big guns. With all the negative attention surrounding the financial woes of Detroit automakers, we're beginning to wonder it they too will drop the glitz and glitter. If they're getting grilled for taking a private jet to Washington, imagine the field day that would be had over big money productions that only benefit journalists.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado 8:38AM (11/26/2008)
The Detroit Auto Show seems to be becoming the Detroit Auto No-Show.
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Davin Black 8:46AM (11/26/2008)
I lol'd at this.
ebm14 8:49AM (11/26/2008)
I really like this car. Did you know they are also making an Accord SUV? Check it out...
http://www.thecarnerds.com/2008/11/accord-cuv.html
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Red 8:52AM (11/26/2008)
It's not an Accord SUV. It's a crossover based on the Accord, but likely won't look anything like it.
Jamarr 9:26AM (11/26/2008)
Somebody tell Dodge to get their Journey design back from Honda.
Red 8:52AM (11/26/2008)
There was a rumor floating about the LA Auto Show yesterday that Chrysler is going to file for Chapter 11 at 9am Friday morning. I wouldn't look for Chrysler to show up in Detroit at all. That rumor pretty much dominated everything else yesterday.
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Alex 8:54AM (11/26/2008)
I don't think they would get crucified if they put on a dog and pony show. It may only be open to the press but the press then turns around and (ideally) talks up the brand/models and gets a little excitement back into the public.
Private jumbo jets on the other hand don't serve anyone but those flying in it.
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Dustin 8:59AM (11/26/2008)
What does a press conference have to do with spending money? Can't it just be a guy with a microphone standing next to the car and talking? It's a shame they would put out such a great vehicle with no introduction. Talking it up is FREE publicity.
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Dude 9:01AM (11/26/2008)
Press Conferences are a waste of money anyway. Just post yourself on video revealing your new car on your own website.
Money saved. Fans happy.
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Smegley 10:11AM (11/26/2008)
I agree with Dustin. Fancy press conferences full of hors dourves and a grand unveiling are a pretty stupid waste of money designed only to impress the press folks. It adds no value. If the press can't objectively report on the merits of a new product's appearance and claimed performance with a guy next to it on the floor with a microphone and without the crackers, caviar, and champagne being stuck in his face, then that press should turn in its credentials and go work for a PR company.
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Omer 10:19AM (11/26/2008)
Honda knows fancy introduction doesn't do much to sales besides impressing the reporters and media. For example, everyone media basically trashed new Accord for its design yet it is one best selling cars in the country right now. Everywhere I go see normal people driving that car who could care less what some NYT or Detroit reporters thinks of the car as its is reliable, decent looking and affordable. Same goes for TSX and probably TL. Besides Honda will sell Insight Hybrid in loads since it is great car and doesn't need boasting from the media.
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Omer 10:22AM (11/26/2008)
p.s. anybody see those rims. they look great.
Frylock350 12:00PM (11/26/2008)
Those rims are leaps and bounds above anything Honda currently offers. I think a variant of them would look great on an white Accord coupe
As for Honda's reliability... They aren't perfect either. Their manual transmissions on performance vehicles have been plagued for years. Acura and Si owners will be able to testify to that. Their automatics haven't been so bulletproof either.
As for the media impact, its effect won't be immediate, just like the media's impact wasn't immediate for Detroit. But if Honda is consistently criticized in the media, it will affect their reputation. Many car rags will give Japan Inc a free pass on something they would criticize Detroit for. Then again these car rags are the same folks who when comparing minivans, made their decisions based on 0-60 times, slalom and sportiness, so what do they know?
IMO the Accord is a good-looking car, but the bucktooth Acura's are hideous. A chrome mesh would do wonders for those vehicles.
Matt Keegan 10:29AM (11/26/2008)
Hey, now, wait just a minute! If I'm going to give extra coverage to a craptastic car on my blog, then I want some free food for attending a press conference.
Seriously, making my own yogurt dessert at L.A. following the Kia Soul intro was worth the trip. Not a bad looking set of wheels too!
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