Biz X Was There – Detroit Auto Show 2018

For many in the Windsor/Detroit area, the New Year brings more than just a new calendar or some lofty resolutions. For those folks, it also means the arrival of the North American International Auto Show!

The Biz X team arrived nice and early (thanks again to FCA and their media shuttle!) to Cobo Center and had a blast checking out not just the new cars from familiar manufacturers, but many of the fun and interactive displays from the many auto parts and technology companies in attendance.

I was was in auto-heaven in “The Grand Tour” themed “Mayhem Hall Pub,” which was sponsored by Amazon Prime, who produces and distributes the show on its video streaming service. It was a fun treat for the on-hand automotive journalists. The British themed food was delicious . . . as were the pints of on-tap beers!

There were three big winners this year for Truck, Utility, and Car of the year. Lincoln tagged this year’s Truck of the year with its sharp new Navigator. Volvo’s versatile and attractive XC60 snagged the Utility of the Year trophy. While Honda’s new Honda Accord, a frequent award winner, earned Car of the Year.

It was a full house, with nearly every major automaker was on hand. Notably absent this year was Porsche and Mazda, who are two pretty large players in the industry. Some other automakers, such as Volkswagen, had much smaller displays this year. On the other hand, Chinese newcomer GAC had one of the larger displays at the show.

For movie buffs, you’ll want to get your cameras ready, as Ford revealed a piece of cinema history long thought lost….the original Steve McQueen driven Mustang from the classic movie Bullitt! It was in no way buffed and cleaned up, and looked pretty much exactly the way it came out of the barn. Alongside, and looking much newer, was a modern interpretation of this classic car based on the current Mustang.

I could go on, but you’ll have to wait for the whole review of the show in the February issue of Biz X Magazine, but for the next two weekends, you can see it for yourself in Detroit! Share your auto show pics with us!

The Detroit Auto Show is open to the public January 20-28, 2018 at Cobo Hall, Detroit. Doors open daily at 9am and close at 10pm, except on the final day when they close at 7pm. There will be no admittance to the show one hour prior to closing.

Photos by Rod Denis – Biz X magazine