There may be the worst unemployment in the country (7.9%), higher gas prices and taxes than California and an all time low morale of the residents of Detroit but even with all the impending doom, the 2008 Detroit Auto Show MUST go on!
And the Spies are here first, prepping the best photo gallery, insider coverage, videos and general buzz (or lack of it) surrounding this show.
So let's lead off with our first big rumor...
Sources are telling the Spies that the big rumor going around Detroit is that they could lose the auto show to Los Angeles because of a number of factors.
The main one is that LA is building a huge new convention center and surrounding it with hotels like the Ritz-Carlton (A Spies favorite and where we stay in Detroit) and other high end properties.
Add to it the amazing weather, booming economy, amount of cars sold and the reputation that SoCal IS the place to be when you talk about cars and you can understand why Michigan residents are VERY uneasy about this rumor.
Secretly, just about every manufacturer DREAMS about this rumor becoming reality because frankly they are embarrassed for the international visitors who have to come into an economically depressed place with crappy weather (although today it is oddly in the 50's)
Give us your thoughts.
Should be Detroit be shaking in its boots?
Has the time come for the biggest and best USA auto show be moved to Los Angeles or somewhere else?
Look for your all access pass to our full coverage beginning late tonight with photos going live in our 2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery, even BEFORE the actual show opens to the media tomorrow!!
And yes, that is Agent 001 with Doug Savant of the hit television show Desperate Housewives.
Doug is in town doing some great charity work for a hospital here in Detroit and was very gracious to us.
The AutoSpies.com 2008 Detroit Auto Show photo gallery is sponsored by Lexus.
2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
2008 San Diego Auto Show Photo Gallery