TO THE EDITOR:
I've been going to car shows for years, whether it's L.A., the North American International Auto Show, Chicago or NYC — I choose one every year. This year's NAIAS was a huge disappointment ("No warm memories from Detroit's final winter auto show," Nick Bunkley, autonews.com, Jan. 14).
I'd heard previously that a few automakers were dropping out, but I never expected what I got — or rather, didn't get — this year.
Let's count who wasn't there: Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini — just to name some notables.
While I'm sure that putting on a display and then moving it from city to city is hugely expensive, much less hiring people to man it, these shows have been a mainstay of auto marketing forever. Until now.
Is this another example of the Internet taking over? It sure seems like it's headed downhill, but time will tell. And yes, I'd much prefer Detroit in the summer vs. January.
KERRY McMANUS, Cincinnati
