http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/ Wow - that's surprising? What's the % of all Fcars sold in the U.S. that end up in CA? Like 80?
Yep, several big manufacturers have pulled out. I have my press pass for the show, but I'll probably "pass".
Yeah - I have a press pass for it as well... I'll probably go, especially since it will be during work hours
" Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things." Things were looking up for the LA Auto Show last year as being the premier auto show in North America to the point of outshining Detroit. It kind of changes things now. This move seems a little short sighted as it's good to maintain a presence in this market regardless of the economy. So much for wealthy F customers not being seriously affected by the down turn.
Seems very short sighted of them. Strange decision, given that (I think) Ferrari and Maserati went to the SF show.
My GF and I were talking about it and may sit this year out. Cruising around in the F booth was half the reason to go to the show.
Is this the final word? I've heard rumors that Ferrari won't be there as well as rumors that Ferrari will be there. Is it possible to discover a 'final say' so to speak? I'm going no matter what - it'll my first time ever going to the Los Angeles Auto Show - but it would be nice to know before hand.
I doubt these auto shows help their sales. They get a crap load of press for every new car and have waiting lists for them before they ever come out. I think it's a good decision by Ferrari's finance dept. Of course from the perspective of fans of the marque, not a good decision.
They won't be there. I talked to several people who would know last night at the Maserati GT unveiling at Ferrari of Silicon Valley (nice car!) and apparently it is definite. Gary
Yes it's definite - I have the schedule press reveals / conferences for the show and no mention of either Ferrari or Lambo.
Very disappointing to hear that Ferrari and Lambo will not be at the show this year. I was really looking forward to seeing Ferrari display the 458. Not sure if I will attend this year or not as viewing the Ferrari and Lambo booths were the best part of the show to me.
F & L are a draw for the show to the point that you'd think they should get free space. Not sure if this is the case or they tried to push for it and talks fell apart? This is like losing your best anchor tenant's at a retail center. I know shows are expensive regardless but, it shows they didn't put a real high priority on the LA show. P.S. - it seems surprising that it's just coming to light now that they're bailing? Doesn't show management try to lock in these people well in advance to prevent this kind of thing?
You know, I never thought of auto shows - at least for exotics - as being directly about sales. I can't imagine any of the high end marques make many direct sales there (maybe I'm wrong). I always thought they were more about marketing than sales - creating excitement, showing off, maybe contributing to future sales. You're right about the waiting list, but that has been the case for years, so there has never been much of a direct sales reason. The fact that they are going to some of the other, smaller shows makes me think this is some sort of dispute (money or otherwise) with the show itself, not really a policy decision.
How can this be?? So, there really is only Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes to see? Let's face it, not all that interested in seeing the latest Spyker, or Chevy Colt, or green machine. I want to see the ITALIA! So, I am basically going to see some Porsches. Enough of a reason to go, but what a disappointment.
Porsche has their usual spot. It's a private prime location. Not sure you can get better than their spot.
http://public.fotki.com/dealwisl/2009-la-auto-show/ Porsche: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cygXCBuv3PY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mChZetEYjE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1jTqungeVw BMW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88qkdIo39Gw Audi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8dI40dkejc Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I saw him and the other two guys from Ferrari NA and asked him when we were going to see the 458 over here. He said June, which I took to mean something private instead of an auto show. I said that maybe they should bring it to NY at least in April. He shrugged and said maybe. Doesn't seem to be much of a priority to show the 458 when it is still a ways off. Still have to move those 430s I suppose.
Saw him last night at the Ferrari of Beverly Hills party. Spoke with a guy from FNA. Said it cost them around $500,000 to exhibit at the Auto Show. Big savings not to show.