2010 NAIAS: Spotlight on Detroit

The spotlight will soon shine down on the city of Detroit once again this year and this time it's for all the right reasons. As maker of news, this city is near the top of the list. Detroit repeatedly makes headlines not for the accomplishments, nor for the turn around the city has seen in recent years, nor for the steps taken towards returning this city to its once illustrious form.

No, Detroit tops the list of newsworthy cities for the woes that the automotive companies here have faced for years now. Seemingly nothing positive happens here in the city of Detroit. We march people to Washington asking for help only to be ridiculed for how they arrived there. We shutter CEOs of our major automakers in an attempt to please those who have funded these American institutions. We sign agreements with an Italian automaker allowing them to try to bring an American company back to profitability. We try everything to show that we are willing to do what it takes to succeed.

But our efforts, more specifically the efforts of the Detroit Three go virtually unnoticed. There is always a decision to question, a move to ponder, and a downside to every story. This is what makes news. News is not written about the successes here, rather only about the failures.

Come January, the spotlight shines bright on Detroit once again as the North American International Auto Show rolls into town. The nation as well as the world has their eyes on Detroit seeking some bit of news to report. Are they looking for that small piece of greatness that is Detroit, that small glimmer of hope within the auto industry that could spell relief for the Detroit Three? The answer is no.

Undoubtedly reports will state that this year's NAIAS has been downsized compared to past years. Reports will focus on less spending, less product reveals, and less interested people. They will bring you stories of despair, of empty hall space at Cobo, and manufacturers who have pulled out of the show. They will tell you how the groundbreaking Chevy Volt does not make sense for a company with struggling financially and present stories of struggle for our Detroit Three. Beating them when they are down makes headlines. But there's a side of the story that they won't tell you.

Detroiters are proud of their city. Proud of the automakers who have contributed their part to making this a great city, and proud to stand behind the automobiles we make and sell here.

The NAIAS is our time to show the world this great city and for a few weeks of time, to overlook the economic situation and instead focus on the potential future outlook for American automakers. As the outside world focuses on the downfall of Detroit and the Detroit Three, you're urged to head on down to Cobo Center in early January and see the Detroit Three for yourself.

Enter those doors and look around. Thousands of people within, millions of dollars spent on displays, concept vehicles everywhere and the glimmer of a bright future within. What you will not see is the so called downsizing of the show. You will not see the lack of displays from our automakers, and you will not see a city in despair. Head down to Cobo Center and see if you can spot the budget cuts and downsizing of the event. Once inside Cobo, your reaction is sure to be a "wow", Detroit has done it again.

In previous years many people have talked about a possible cancellation of the NAIAS, this year is no different. Discussions still question whether or not the city of Detroit deserves the NAIAS. When asked about this Lyle Dennis, founder of GM-Volt.com responded, " I'm not aware of any consideration of NAIAS being cancelled, the show is important to all of the world's automakers. It is center stage."

The Detroit Three have been hit hard in recent years and struggles are sure to ensue. But the show is one place where all automakers have the chance to momentarily forget about their struggles and instead focus on their accomplishments. Rather than seeing a struggling company, show goers see dazzling displays complete with all the glitz and glamour. The automakers proudly show off great products even though a bleak future is still ahead. Likewise, automotive industry employees are proud of their achievements regardless of their companies financial struggles. Trying to find a Detroit Three worker who doesn't support their company and doesn't pull for company success is virtually impossible. Here are words from Kevin Loveday, a proud Chrysler employee for 18 years, "I take pride in my work and stand behind the company. I want Chrysler to succeed and become a world class company. Becoming the best in the business is something I strive towards."

As these trying economic times have been especially difficult for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan, automakers have bared the brunt of the blame. The Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Michigan's unemployment rate, the highest in the nation, is at a whopping 14.7 percent for November. But how can you blame the industry that has been responsible for a significant amount of revenue and jobs statewide. The auto industry has been the driving force of Michigan for a century and only recently have they been blamed for unemployment. Unfairly blamed for the states lack of employment is simply another attempt at finding a scapegoat.

Media has been critical of the Detroit Three's every move. But there are journalists, web sites, and bloggers who recognize the continuing efforts of the automakers. The Chevy Volt has made positive headlines for years. Though many have doubted that the General could produce such a groundbreaking product, realization of their achievement is less than a year a way. The Volt, to be displayed at the show, will draw the attention of show goers, but just months ago many had concluded that GM would drop this product due to insufficient funds. GM execs and industry insiders understand the overall importance of the Volt. They understand that this single product could showcase the technology and innovation that American automakers are capable of. And they understand that this single vehicle is representative of the entire American automotive industry. As Lyle Dennis founder of GM-Volt.com said, " The Volt is an important investment in the future, when electric cars become the norm, the Volt will be well established." If the Volt, a vehicle years in the making fell victim to the financial cuts what would be next?

No other automotive product receives more media attention that the Volt. It's center stage right now and for good reason. The vehicle is more than just a car, it's a symbol of the American automotive future. The outlook may be dim, but the innovation will not stop. The NAIAS is the center of innovation. Pride, integrity, and dedication is on display for the entire world to see.

To those outside of the state of Michigan, the millions spent yearly on the NAIAS may seem an extravagance given the condition of the automotive industry, but those residing here know that there is no single event in this city more important than this auto show. Surely the show brings revenue to the city of Detroit, but spending from the troubled automakers is incredibly high. Should we be concerned about the millions spent to put on the show? As Lyle Dennis said, "You can't make money without spending money." However, it's not all about money, the NAIAS is more than just a show, it's an event that defines this area. Outsiders may be bitter and show discomfort in the outrageous spending that occurs at the NAIAS each year. Some may even wish that GM, and Chrysler, and Ford reduce their spending and their presence at the show during the tough economic times. But if they pull back from this show, what is next? As Chrysler employee Kevin Loveday said, "The show is who we are. It defines us."

So remember this when you walk through the doors of Cobo Center and are struck by the outright glitz and glamour and frenzied spending that is the NAIAS, it's more than just a show. It's a showcase of the best we have to offer. It's a highlight of what is still left of the auto industry here in Detroit. It's our last effort to rebound and become successful again in this area. It's our time to shine and have the world look down upon us in a positive light. The spotlights are shining on Detroit and we couldn't be prouder. The future is bright.

Head on down to the 2010 NAIAS at Cobo Center which kicks off to the general public on January 16th and closes it doors for this year on January 24th and see the best of what Detroit has to offer.

Sites Used for Reference:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, AllCarselectric.com (utilized for general information regarding Chevy Volt), GM-Volt.com

Additional References:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/detroit-city-council-kills-plan-to-expand-naias-home/

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/ANA08/902249963/1115

http://www.autonews.com/article/20090413/OEM/304139898

http://jalopnik.com/5416333/detroit-auto-show-pretends-it-has-aston-ferrari-rolls-porsche-and-lambo

http://jalopnik.com/5143014/2010-detroit-auto-show-press-preview-cut-to-two-days