On the Road

Just when I thought I was jaded

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:01:43 -0600

I've been covering the Chicago Auto Show for seven years now. And I still remember the first launch event I went to. It was the Saturn Sky concept, which looked nothing like the production model that eventually emerged. But I remember being thrilled by the lights and the media and the car. Then, when I went to the show itself, there were waterfalls in the Jeep display that spelled things and interactive displays and interesting concepts and ... I was dazzled.

Grillin' with the Acura RL

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:58:59 -0600

During the media preview at the Chicago Auto Show, I'm surrounded by hundreds of opinionated journalists who love to criticize the launches at the show. And the biggest grumblings I heard after a launch centered around the all-new Acura RL. My fellow media members disliked the grille.

The alternative to cars at the auto show

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:15:18 -0600

Every year I drag some unsuspecting person to the auto show in one way or another. And I do mean drag. From Toyota to Ford to Honda to Chrysler ... and so it goes. Look at this display, now this one ... oh, you've got to see this car. I have a feeling there are a lot of friends and significant others who get dragged around similarly. Well, you're in luck, if you're not into cars or you've seen one car too many in the 1.3 million square-feet of showroom space, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained while your friend drools in front of the turn table.

These shoes aren't made for walking

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:28:02 -0600

I admit it's not the smartest move, but I do it every year, and I'll do it again next year. I spend the two media days at the Chicago Auto Show walking around the show floor in 2- to 3-inch heels. Men can complain about suits and neckties, but women get the shorter end of the stick with the high heels.

More than corn in Illinois

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:02:32 -0600

Let's face it. Gas prices are hovering around $3 a gallon, and they're not like to go down again any time soon. Any time soon, who am I kidding, ever. From here on out I think the price of gasoline based fuel will continue to spiral upwards. Hence, General Motors has taken a very proactive approach in their quest for a solution.

GM's launches at the show

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:57:38 -0600

I just learned which two vehicles General Motors is planning to reveal at this year's Auto Show. While I can't tell you what they are just yet, I can tell you what they're not launching: a production model of the Camaro. Which, I suppose, is a very good thing for Dodge, since they are launching their production model of the Challenger.

My hair smells like diesel fuel

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:41:05 -0600

Not that I'm complaining mind you. The reason it smells like diesel is because I made the trip down to McCormick Place on day 1 of the Chicago Auto Show. Well, OK, not actually day 1, really, but kind of pre-auto show day 1. Ish. Today is the first day that manufacturers begin moving into the 1.3 million square-feet of show room space. So, rather than all the pretty bejeweled displays, there were a lot of boxes, crates, forklifts and harried workers scurrying around as they hustled to unload about 400 semi trucks worth of stuff.

Breaking the embargo

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:15:10 -0600

It's inevitable, I suppose. Especially when the auto show hits town. Everyone is eager to see what hot new cars will be launched at the show. And auto journalists are in rare form as they try to beat their colleagues to the wire with the latest news. Sometimes this is their only chance to get that "breaking" story. But, in their overzealousness, they do a disservice to those of us who know the meaning of embargo.