They’re one of the smallest automakers in terms of sales in the US automotive market, but Suzuki has managed to attract some attention of late especially through its zero percent financing and its US sales increase for May 2008. While other automakers struggle to ratchet up production of their fuel efficient cars, Suzuki doesn’t have that problem. Every vehicle they sell is fuel efficient, just the kind of wheels American drivers are flocking to these days.
One thing that Suzuki won’t be doing in 2009 is attending the NAIAS, commonly known as the Detroit Auto Show. The Detroit show is one of the top events on the auto show calendar every year, but it won’t be a priority for Suzuki.
According to The Detroit News, Suzuki will bow out of the upcoming show, citing an inability to secure enough space to launch display their vehicles. With three new models set to come out over an eighteen month period, Suzuki’s show floor needs have increased. Unfortunately, the Cobo Center, where the show is held, is maxed out.
Porsche also chose not to appear at the show beginning in 2008 citing that the Detroit area isn’t where many of their customers are. Suzuki is saying the same thing, but there is another problem that very much needs to be addressed: the Cobo Center must be expanded.
At the 2008 show, space was very tight with a few manufacturers assigned to the basement or lobby areas. Though these were Chinese manufacturers who don’t yet have a toehold in the North American market, it is clear that more space is needed or the unthinkable may happen — Detroit could lose its status as the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) host, a title New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or some other city wouldn’t mind wresting from the Motor City.
Crain’s Detroit Business reported in May that a $287 million, 120,000 square foot expansion of the Cobo Center is being hashed out with participants of regional governments who are needed to support the project. At issue was a proposal to accept no-bid contracts for the project, something opposed by several government leaders.
The NAIAS has an estimated annual economic impact of $500 million and produces some 13,000 jobs. The annual show boasts the most unveilings of new models and concepts of any other show in North America.
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