Large Crowds, Enthusiasm Mark the Auto Show's First Few Days
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Crowds have been large and enthusiastic in the opening days of the North American International Auto Show.
"I love it," said Carol Wardine, who drove down to the show from the Saginaw area. "It's very exciting, nice cars. It's a lot of fun."
Attendance for the third day of the show, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, was trending along a pattern set during the first two days, both of which saw attendance rise from the 2011 show.
Official totals for Saturday were 92, 106. That was the best opening day in five years. On Sunday 102, 918 people went through the displays at Cobo Center.
"This show, this year was absolutely phenomenal," said auto show chairman Bill Perkins. "We're very, very pleased, because people were there in droves."
Auto show attention typically eases a bit after the three day opening weekend. That's why you'll see different them days during the week.
Tuesday is photo day, which allows people with cameras to get into the show an hour early, at 8 a.m.
Wednesday is education day, a day with seminars for students.
Those attending the show on Monday came for a number of reasons.
"I love to see all the brands together," said Stacey Romine of Plymouth. "I love to be able to compare them, walk from exhibit to exhibit, and really just be able to see the differences."
Stacey was accompanied by her husband Roger, who also liked to compare different vehicles.
"For me, I just like to see the new designs," he said. "I love to see the cars, the new models. I love to see them super-clean like this."
While Roger Romine was eager to see the new Ford Fusion, John Kutchens of Warren had a different target. Not surprising, because he works for Chrysler.
"I wanna see the Dodge Dart," he said. "That's what I came to see, because I want to see what they did with that. Finally, Chrysler has a competitive small car."
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