Where the F was Porsche?!

[930LDR]

So I was at the Industry Preview of the Detroit Auto Show last night and was quite disappointed to see that Porsche opted not to make a showing!

The only upside was that Ferrari and Lamborghini both had some beautiful models (cars and otherwise) on display.

Oh and by the way, as if I had to tell you, look out track junkies for the new ZR-1 and GT-R. Porsche is going to have to step up its performance to begin justifying prices better.

[turbo6bar]

Porsche opted to showcase the Boxster LS at the North American Beauty Show in San Francisco. The LS features detuned flat six, vibrating seats, 45000 interior color combinations and standard 3 speed automatic transmission. Hairstylists rejoice.

[Chocaholic]

They stayed home to roll around naked in vast piles of cash.

[Tim Hancock]

I don't think they could afford the cost of the giveaway posters this year, as two years ago my daughters cleaned them out. They had the best looking bookcovers in the whole school! Luckily was able to save a few of the RS Spider posters from their scissors bonanza.

[JeremyD]

They opted out of the Tampa Bay Auto show this year too - I took a few friends and they were asking the same - Where's Porsche?

I guess they were there in spirit - at least Audi and VW were there.

[Craig 930 RS]

Don't waste too much time looking for the Porsche stand at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, because there won't be one. Porsche announced that it's "no longer expected to attend" the Detroit show in order to focus more on customer markets on the east and west coasts, where the majority of its U.S. vehicles are sold.

According to Porsche, 290 of its cars found homes in Michigan last year compared with 8827 in California and 2172 in New York. Porsche officially announced it'll focus its presence at the Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington shows, with a few others likely to be added. According to Porsche, limited marketing funds and a desire for more direct customer contact also are factors in its decision.
Space comes at a premium at the Detroit auto show, so Porsche also will forfeit its premium location at the event by not attending. Should Porsche decide to return to the show another year, it'll likely receive one of the less glamorous basement spots.

What do you think? Smart move by Porsche? Does Porsche's decision possibly signal the decline of the Detroit show as the preeminent auto show in the U.S.?

I think the Detroit show simply does not matter to Porsche. Makes sense to me -

[Jeff Higgins]

What about our Seattle show? This has to be a huge market for them. I see the goddamn things everywhere...

[m325ix]

Originally Posted by Craig 930 RS

Don't waste too much time looking for the Porsche stand at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, because there won't be one. Porsche announced that it's "no longer expected to attend" the Detroit show in order to focus more on customer markets on the east and west coasts, where the majority of its U.S. vehicles are sold.

According to Porsche, 290 of its cars found homes in Michigan last year compared with 8827 in California and 2172 in New York. Porsche officially announced it'll focus its presence at the Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington shows, with a few others likely to be added. According to Porsche, limited marketing funds and a desire for more direct customer contact also are factors in its decision.
Space comes at a premium at the Detroit auto show, so Porsche also will forfeit its premium location at the event by not attending. Should Porsche decide to return to the show another year, it'll likely receive one of the less glamorous basement spots.

What do you think? Smart move by Porsche? Does Porsche's decision possibly signal the decline of the Detroit show as the preeminent auto show in the U.S.?

I think the Detroit show simply does not matter to Porsche. Makes sense to me -

I agree ! If you don't sell there, why spend the money

[Craig 930 RS]

I think they always have a few at our Seattle show - pretty tame show, but it is fun.

[kqw]

It aalmost seems redundant for Porsche to attend the Detroit AND the one in Chicago....

[JavaBrewer]

I left the Pcar exhibit at this years San Diego auto show decidedly underwhelmed. I spent seat time in the Cayman, Cayenne turbo, and Carrera. Other than the Cayenne I was blown away with the cheap looking/feeling interiors. And folks complain about Corvette switches... Judging from the crowd reaction I'd say Porsche is losing ground rather quickly in the "dream car" segment.

The most exciting displays were owned by Nissan, Saab, and Audi.

[930LDR]

Overall I think the most impressive 'practical' exhibit (exludes Ferrari, Lambo, and Fisker) was Audi. The R8 is simply stunning and the Diesel prototype was a serious piece of equipment. However I think the vehicle that I was most intrigued with was the newly unvealed BMW X6 5.0 with the twin turbo V8. I also really liked the return of the 4-door M3.

[Komenda Fan]

I think Detroit's show has lost its place in terms of International shows, and so Porsche considers it a regional show now, and with the demographics of Michigan's market, not one Porsche is interested in pursuing.

[Chocaholic]

Of course, if you're interested in expanding your market penetration, being absent might not move you in that direction. Just a thought.

[CurtEgerer]

Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world ... we don't need no steeenking car shows.

The V12 TDI was cool. Matte silver finish.