BMW. Mercedes. Audi. Porsche. VW, even

"PS9" (PS9) 12/20/2013 at 14:46 • Filed to: None

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What do these brands have in common? They weren't at the Central Florida Auto Show. Like at all.

Regionally speaking, Japan, Korea and the US all showed up in force. Europe was nowhere to be seen. The only Europeans available were all unicorns encased in a fence marked with this 'don't get your poor people grease all over the real stars of this show, please' sign. It isn't like there wasn't enough space for them; there was a huge rip-off concession area where a European car brand could have had a booth.

I live in the state where everyone comes to die. Americas wang and all that. There's a lot of old money down here. It's true that a lot of people are less prospective buyers and more enjoying the spectacle of a new auto show, but that's true on the lot as well as a massive all-brands car show. I wonder what gives? Any ideas, fellow jalops?

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > PS9 12/20/2013 at 14:47

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It really sucks (I was there too).. but Tampa has all the cars; Volvo, BMW, Audi, etc...

PS9 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 12/20/2013 at 14:48

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But-but-but we have all the people! Our metro area is way bigger than Tampa's! :(

Takuro Spirit > PS9 12/20/2013 at 14:50

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Same thing happens at our podunk Milwaukee show.

The only "exotics" that show up are privately owned, or are used cars being shown off by a local high-end used car dealer.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > PS9 12/20/2013 at 14:52

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I know! I'm in Venice so either was an equal drive but Orlando was better with my schedule!

I did love that old car exhibit though

Jagvar > PS9 12/20/2013 at 14:56

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Every automaker has a budget for auto show engagement, and there are a ton of auto shows in this country. Four international shows (LA, Detroit, Chicago, NYC), 17 national shows, and dozens more that occur on a more local level. I know that VW attended more than 50 shows in the U.S. this year, but I don't think any automaker can be expected to hit them all, unless they have an unlimited auto show budget.

VW was at the Tampa Bay auto show in November, so they are hitting the north/central Florida market.

PS9 > Takuro Spirit 12/20/2013 at 14:56

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Did someone Jizz white DuPont registry books all over the exotics at your show, too?

Even the engine bay wasn't spared. No fucking shame. :(

Takuro Spirit > PS9 12/20/2013 at 14:59

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Nope, didn't see a single one.

PS9 > Jagvar 12/20/2013 at 15:08

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It wasn't just VW; everyone in Europe was like 'NOPE'. I don't get the uniform about-face to what is the largest metro area in Florida outside of Miami.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Takuro Spirit 12/21/2013 at 14:15

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I'm from about 30 minutes west of Milwaukee...have to say I haven't been to the show in a while. Its just pathetic compared to the Chicago show, and even that isn't really that good compared to any of the big time shows. Its almost embarrassing. Yeah sure, I'd love to sit in 5 different Corolla demos, while needing a telescope to see the 2 exotics that are (maybe) there.

Takuro Spirit > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 12/21/2013 at 14:31

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I only go because I get in for free, since I work for a dealer.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Takuro Spirit 12/21/2013 at 14:32

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Oh ok I see. I have to say, it used to be better...or am I imagining things.

Takuro Spirit > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 12/21/2013 at 14:36

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No, it was never better that I remember. Reina brought a FF a few years ago, but yeah. It was only there to be oogled, and it was in the hallway so there was always 4,000 people around it.

Mostly all the German cars are locked down, and depending on when you go, you have a high chance of having some snot nosed brats climbing all over the car that you CAN sit in because their shitty parents are off having a Miller Lite at the concession stand.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Takuro Spirit 12/21/2013 at 14:42

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Oh for gods sake I hate that shit. Oh hey kids, why don't you go destroy that 70k car while I go feed my fat fucking face with the worlds nastiest hot pretzels and overpriced alcohol. Its like disneyworld but for cars. Its so sad. I remember when the W221 first came out, they actually had one open and on, definitely abused that privilege while it was available. I remember back in the 90s, there used to be lots of great concept cars...however I don't remember seeing any decent ones in recent years.