When it comes to auto shows, the media days are great for a multitude of reasons. One of which is the fact there isn't a mob, so, that makes photographing cars MUCH easier. In addition to that, the press has access to just about every vehicle with minor exceptions.
That said, it also does have its downside. While we can speculate and ponder which vehicles folks will like or dislike, it's far better to crowdsource and channel check information. One way to do that is to actually attend a consumer day and see what's REALLY going on at the booths.
This is ONE way to take a snapshot -- literally and figuratively -- and see which brands are HOT, and which are NOT.
It's also interesting to see if companies rearrange their stand.
Take, for example, the Acura stand. On media days, it prominently displayed the RLX front and center. This past Saturday -- which is a MAJOR traffic day because of the holiday weekend -- things were different as the NSX took front and center gaining PLENTY of attention while the RLX sat on the side. You wouldn't of even of known it was there.
I don't think the crowd did either as maybe one or two heads turned to look at it.
Other notables:
- BMW's stand was moderately packed with folks VERY interested in the new 3-Series and X1. The usual horsepower freaks and gearheads made sure to give the M6 Coupe and Convertible attention as well.
- Audi's booth was slammed. Here's the intriguing bit though, it wasn't around any specific product. Every Audi product was being swarmed.
- Miller Motorcars' station was mobbed. What else can you expect when you have automotive pornography on display?
- Infiniti's booth was pretty thin, thankfully, the the LE Concept managed to attract some eyeballs.
- Honda was a wash. Folks were more interested by the bike and race car.
- Lincoln was thinly populated as most folks came to see the absolutely stunning Model 40. Note to Lincoln: You probably should try to configure the booth so folks HAVE to pass the MKZ to get close to the Model 40. Don't put Edsel's car up front so you can glance at it and NOT EVEN ENTER the Lincoln stand.
- The SRT Viper was, predictably, turning boys and men into mush as there were more flashes from photographers than in Los Angeles. I am pretty sure I saw several gentlemen fall in love.
- Subaru's BRZ had a L O N G line of approximately a handful of young, flat-brimmed individuals eagerly awaiting the chance to get inside.
**The 2012 New York Auto Show Photo Galleries are exclusively sponsored by Lexus
2012 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery
