Re: CNN & the NA Auto Show

[Mike Marion <mmarion@optronics-intl.com>]

>Anyone happen to catch CNN last night?  They did a lengthy program from
>the North American Auto Show in Detroit.  Got to see all the new tyos as
>well as some of the concept cars.

Yup.

>
>Did some interviews with automotive writers as well.
>
>Clearly the new Beetle seems to be the hit of the show.  One writer kind
>of panned the 911 replacement saying that in order to appeal to more folks
>Porsche took away some of the car's unique characteristics.  If I rememebr
>correctly she even said that Porsche made it more Lexus-like.

Yeah, the Beetle is going to make it big methinks.  I'd actually consider
one myslef (if it was AWD, 1.8t, w/17" wheels, and chipped - all a
possibility by the way  =)

>
>As one might imagine, not a word was spoken about Audi.

Actually, the same "industry expert" that panned (a little) the 911 did
mention the Audi Allroad - briefly.  If you sneezed though, you would have
missed it.

>But clearly as
>they were doing their wrap up to the prgram they were standing in the Audi
>display area.  On the left as you looked at the TV screen was a dark blue
>metallic something or other (I couldn't tell if it was an A4 or A6) and a
>light metallic green A6.
>
>Bill Murin
>89 100q

Overall I thought the show was poorly done.  The commentators didn't seem
to have a clue what they were talking about and the CEO's they interviewed
were ill-prepared and looked and acted dead in front of the camera. At
least the domestics.  I thought I would gag at the GM, Ford, and Chrysler
guys!  The germans and US reps for the asian cars were much more polished
and seemed to have some passion for the cars.  I guess I shouldn't be
surprised should I?

Leon Mandel was articulate as was the woman from the auto trade rag
interviewed at the end.

I watched it anyway in vain hopes of hearing something about Audi.  In the
end, I smiled throught the Beetle thing and would have just as soon slept
through the rest.

Mike






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Mike Marion, Optronics - mmarion@optronics-intl.com
1990 Coupe Quattro - Lago Blue
1984 BMW R100RS "Last Edition" - Pearl White
???? VW Quantum Syncro Wagon - maybe, or maybe not
1995 Mitsubishi Montero, RWD/AWD/4WD - almost new and FOR SALE!!!!!!
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