amp;quot;I liked the balloon slide.amp;quot;
Not really a suggestion, but we're glad the cars made such an impression.

amp;quot;My husband wants more beautiful women modelling next to the cars like at the Fiat 500 :-)amp;quot;
Your husband has great taste, the Fiat 500 was a hit in Europe.

amp;quot;Remove all the carpeting! I was getting shocked by static electricity every time I touched a car!amp;quot;
I had the same problem, but I ran with it. Shuffle your feet, then shake hands with a salesperson.

amp;quot;ARRANGE FOR LESS SNOW AND COLDamp;quot;
We've got a plan for that. Next year, we're going to hold the show indoors.

amp;quot;Maybe have two Starbucks stands instead of just one?amp;quot;
Got it. We'll put them right next to each other so they're easy to find.

amp;quot;TOO MANY WHITE CARSamp;quot;
That sounds like a personal problem.

amp;quot;Free admission to people who submit this survey. That's the ticket.amp;quot;
What a shame, the survey's anoynymous and we're all out of time.

In all seriousness, thanks for the great responses. We're already abuzz with ideas and upgrades for the 2011 show.

Shoe goers can vote at the show on touch-screen kiosks and via text message. You can vote as home by going to www.ChciagoAutoShow.com and clicking on the Best of Show link.

Last year, Chicagoans selected the Ford Taurus as the Best All-New Production Vehicle, the Ford Fusion Hybrid the best Green Vehicle, and the Ford display the Best Exhibit. The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray garnered the remaining awards for Best Concept Vehicle and Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway.

Who'll be the winners this year? Only time will tell -- but you have the chance to vote right now at ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Just about every exhibit has at least one interactive display, many have three or four. In addition, exhibitors have contests and giveaways going all the time. There are musical acts, performers, and celebrity appearances. In short, the auto show offers entertainment for the whole family.

We've created a list of both the Interactive Displays and Events amp;amp; Appearances. So if you looking for more than cars at the Chicago Auto Show, you won't be disappointed!

In the weeks leading up to this internship, I was somewhat nervous about covering a press conference. I'd never been to a one and had only written press releases and coverage for a few musicians outside of classes and school projects. We were in pairs this week for each event we covered, and my partner and I made sure to arrive over 20 minutes early for our first conference with Ford. Much of the media had arrived that morning due to plane delays and cancellations from severe winter storms around the nation and were shooting photos and video footage everywhere. Though we sat with the rest of the media for each conference, I'm sure everyone wondered what media outlet had young women our age covering for them!

During our many trips around the show floor in the days before and while it was open to the media, I met people in marketing and public relations for several car companies and had the chance to interview the Product and Technology Public Relations specialist for Mercedes-Benz. Getting the chance to attend the First Look for Charity may be a once in a lifetime thing for me, but by the time we made it to Thursday night we felt as though we owned the place, having seen all the cars, presentations and people several times since we arrived Monday.

It has been the chance of a lifetime, and I have to say none of us are really looking forward to returning to school next week and are ready to head out into the real world instead.

Instead of just jumping in Suzuki is approaching social media by first listening and finding where their active consumers gather on social media. Currently they are reaching out to the surfing community and sponsored a movie called Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D. The trailer is currently on the Suzuki's Facebook page and the movie will open on February 26, 2010 at the Museum of Science and Industry Omnimax Theater.

It is great to see a company think carefully before joining social media channels. I don't mind when companies decide to plug products or their brand on social media as long as it is valuable and not only about them. Hopefully other companies will follow this model of listening and evaluating and reach out to customers more effectively.

David Sloan, President of CATA and Co-General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, kicked off a brief ceremony this morning recognizing former CATA President Jerry H. Cizek III's retirement after 37 years with the organization. Because of his extremely long history with the Chicago Auto Show, Cizek accepted a lifetime ticket of admission to the show represented by a one of a kind pin. With great memories of attending the show with his Grandfather, Auto Show Chairman in 1955, I am sure Jerry looks forward to taking his own grandchildren to the show with more time to enjoy the show as a very special guest. Only the sixth general manager of the Chicago Auto Show of the past 109 years, Cizek held the position of President of the CATA for 22 great years. You can tell Jerry has extreme passion for the show with his laid back sense of humor, yet prominent manner in which he presents himself.

'1-2-3,' Cizek counts off as the eight gentlemen cut the official ribbon to start the ignition of this remarkable show. Rev up your engine and attend this fantastic experience at the Chicago Auto Show 2010!

We had the privilege of meeting the Product and Technology Public Relations Specialist, Dan Barile, of Mercedes-Benz.

We learned that one of the most important things in customer service; it's the basis for building a successful company. Every single Mercedes comes with a roadside assistance package, no matter where a person is in the U.S., if something happens to the car they'll come pick you up no matter what. Dan started with Mercedes in 2007; he talked about how networking and meeting different people is crucial to a person's future. He stresses the importance of being outgoing and friendly because you never know who you'll meet.
At Mercedes there is a three-part public relations department break down. Dan works in the product and technology department. They're main concern is how the car performs and who's noticing that performance. Other departments include a corporate department and an 'entertainment' based department. One very special and exciting event that Mercedes holds for their press is driving presentations. Mercedes brings in journalists from different countries and has them drive the new vehicle for roughly 300 miles to get a feel; it's a unique marketing tool that gets journalists buzzing about new Mercedes vehicles.

Rose and I learned that as a PR professional you won't have all of the answers. Dan said that the important thing is to be prepared and accommodating to the media and public. They are your life support and the same goes for any large automaker. When a new product comes out Mercedes will release a long lead which means the event will be happening in several months. This type of media tool is more suited for large print publications while a short lead is for local events such as a new dealership opening or closing. The fact is Mercedes-Benz is a world-class automaker with offices all around the world. They are dedicated to continually creating luxury vehicles and will remain one of Forbes '100 Best Companies to Work For.' If you have a chance, check out the Mercedes-Benz floor space at the Chicago Auto Show!

Recent examples include the amp;lsquo;Transformers' (1 amp;amp; 2) character Bubble bee which transforms into a Chevrolet Camaro. Also, there is the amp;lsquo;Twilight' partner, the Volvo XC60. In the movie amp;lsquo;Taken' Audi cars (the A3 and an S8) are driven by Liam Nieson as he speeds down the streets of Paris. It's almost hard to see where the film begins and the advertisement ends. It seems that slowly movie makers are incorporating more and more product placement into the films we love. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing I'll leave it up to you to decide. But, if you want to relive your favorite movie scenes come on down to the Chicago Auto Show!

The show will provide the venue and mic, any thing else that you need -- bring it with you! NBC 5 Chicago will videotape performances between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m on Friday, February 12. Highlights of performances may be recorded and/or edited to be part of a segment on the Auto Show special that airs Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. and other times and other stations around the country. Master of ceremonies will be LeeAnn Trotter, entertainment reporter.

For more information, visit: http://www.nbcchicago.com/around-town/cars/chicago-auto-show-talent-search-83973162.html

Those in the know will be quick to point out that Bridgestone is a huge racing backer. They are the sole tire supplier for America's premier open wheel racing series, the IZOD Indy Racing League (IRL), and the IRL is looking for a new chassis to debut in 2012. Could this be that new chassis?

Quite possibly. The vehicle under wraps in the Bridgestone display is but one proposal for a new IRL chassis. It was developed by Ben Bowlby, Designer and Chief Technology Officer at DeltaWing Racing Cars. Other builders competing for the right to supply the IRL's chassis include Dallara, Swift, and Lola.

Of those, the DeltaWing design is rumored to be the most radical. We'll find out at Bridgestone's press conference tomorrow at around 12:30 Central time. Stay tuned. . .

The scene on the floor is an extravaganza. There are crates, tarps, ladders, cranes and cars everywhere you look. It's amazing to think that the entire show is put together in only four days! The CAS set-up crews are working diligently to make sure that everything is ready by tomorrow night. Here in the media center we've already met some high-profile media such as Charlie Wojociechowski from NBC5 News.

(Check out his report http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/AutoShowFacebook-83830162.html )

We've also been greeted by Dave Sloan (CATA President and Co-Auto Show General Manager) and Jerry Cizek (Co-Auto Show General Manager) from the Chicago Auto Show Executive Board. The entire CAS staff has been extremely helpful and so inviting. This week looks like it will be a lot of hard work but it will be great fun and very rewarding!

Everyone is hard at work getting each exhibit set up for media previews on Wednesday and Thursday. As I walked around the South Hall, trying to stay out of everyone's way, cars drove as slow as possible down the aisles to get to their destinations. Everyone worked around them until a bright green Lamborghini turned the heads of everyone in the vicinity. I stood in awe as it roared to a stop next to me. This is probably the closest I'll ever be to a vehicle like that! I asked the man driving how he landed that sort of job. 'It wasn't easy,' he replied. Shame it was only driving at about three miles per hour. I'm sure the driver would have loved to take it for a spin around the city.

If you want a chance to win the Prius, you must register for the amp;quot;The 2010 Chicago Auto Show Prius Giveawayamp;quot; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chicagolandtoyotadealers. Between now and February 18, 10 semi-finalists will be selected with the chance to win a Prius on the final day of the Chicago Auto Show, on February 21. That day, all semi-finalists will meet at the Toyota exhibit and be provided identical envelopes. The envelope containing a picture of the Prius will be named the grand prize winner.

The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents, 18 years of age and older, in the states of Illinois (residing only in the counties of Cook, Dupage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendal, Lake (IL), LaSalle, McHenry and Will) and Indiana (residing only in the counties of Jasper, La Porte, Lake (IN), Newton and Porter).

[Source: Fisker Automotive, Inc.]

The Daytona Pace Car edition adds a Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, and a unique paint scheme with painted wheels, special interior treatment and specially branded lit sill plates to the already fearsome 5.0-liter, 412 horsepower V8 Race Red glass roof coupe. Like a stock Mustang GT, it will also have specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and a pretty decent 25 mpg highway.

To commemorate the occasion, Ford will build 50 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Cars, to be sold to the public. If you want the actual car that touched tires to the Daytona International Speedway, it will be at auction on January 23 at the annual Barrett-Jackson Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. All proceeds over MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We probably won't see the pace car in Chicago (it'll be busy on the speedway,) but we promise that all you pony car fans will have plenty to love at the Chicago Auto Show.

This all-electric version of the lightweight C30 stores power in a lithium-ion battery that plugs into a run-of-the-mill electrical outlet, with a full eight-hour charge providing a 93 mile range. The C30 BEV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 11 seconds and tops out at 80 mph, well suited for commuters and city drivers (not that Chicago highway driving gets much faster.) Because the electric motor lives up front and the rest of the car is straight production C30, Volvo says that the electric handles exactly like the original.

Volvo still emphasizes the safety of the C30 BEV, as well. The vehicle is packed with the manufacturer's usual laundry list of safety features, but one of their most unusual priorities has been finding the best place to house the battery. Using a combination of virtual and real-life crash tests, Volvo is making sure their battery tech won't add insult to injury by zapping you after a collision. They've found that the safest place to put the battery is in the drive shaft tunnel, though putting it where the fuel tank would be is good too.
Because Volvo has stated that they're focusing more on plug-in hybrids, this will be a prime opportunity to get a feel for the electric portion of the hybrid they'll undoubtedly come up with next. This is one car you'll definitely want to check out in Chicago.

[Source]

[Source - NewsNet5]

Kris Marshall's Christmas truck, on the other hand, is a 25-year-old tradition. The central Iowa truck salesman hauls around a generator to power the 3000 lights taped all over the vehicle. While most police officers are pretty understanding, the whole business is not at all street legal and Kris has been ticketed a few times. In any case, nobody will be able to say they didn't see him coming.

[Source - Jalopnik]

Merry Christmas to all of you, we'll catch back up next week.

Available on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles as a $629 MOPAR dealer-installed option, Mobile TV utilizes the in-vehicle entertainment system to stream up to 20 different channels, including live sports, breaking news, kids programs and primetime TV.

The channel lineup includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, and Nickelodeon. Mobile TV is being offered on 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems, including the Chrysler Town amp;amp; Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle's roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants. The $695 purchase price includes a one-year subscription and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles.

You'll be able to see Mobile TV for yourself at the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. I wonder if Chrysler will demo Mobile TV in the line for the Jeep Driving Experience?

[Press Release]

Two other special editions have been announced as well. The Vooodoo Edition is a stock ACR painted black, striped silver down the driver's side, and limited to a ten unit production run. The 1:33 edition (of which only 33 will be manufactured) commemorates the car's record-breaking Laguna performance, featuring red and black detailing on the seats, console trim, and instrument cluster. Even more special editions are on the way, so expect a serious Viper showing by February's Chicago Auto Show.

[Chrysler]

[Source: NewScientist via AutoBlog]

[Source: Audi]

With the opening of the Los Angeles show this weekend, we are officially on the march toward Chicago. LA is the first major North American auto show to focus on the 2010 models and is home to nearly a dozen world and North American introductions.

After LA comes Detroit. Traditionally known as the industry show, it falls in early January and grabs the lion's share of new-vehicle introductions. Though Detroit's been down on its luck recently, things are looking up in the Motor City with Ford leading the charge and Chrysler and General Motors ready with a flurry of new-model intros.

Hot on the heals of Detroit is the granddaddy of them all, Chicago. The nation's largest show and the nation's longest-running show, Chicago is well regarded as the amp;quot;consumer show.amp;quot; Mixing the intros from LA and Detroit with more than a few of its own and stirring in the complete 2010 lineups, Chicago makes the perfect post-holiday cocktail for new-car shoppers.

Over the next two months, we'll make some exciting announcements about the Windy City's auto show and you can be sure they will be posted in this blog. So why not come back every now and then, we promise you won't be disappointed.

[Source]

All ZDX models have a 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 with 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, Acura's amp;quot;Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,amp;quot; and the world's longest panoramic glass roof. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with a full VGA display and voice recognition, real-time weather, radar maps and traffic with rerouting, a multi-view rear camera, an upgrade to a 415-watt audio system with a built in hard drive, climate control, and keyless entry with push button ignition. The Advance Package does one better, tacking on a new blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigating braking system, IDS active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats, and some upgraded detailing.

MSRP on the ZDX is $45,495 ($49,995 with the Technology Package, $56,045 with the Advance Package) and it gets an EPA estimated 16/23 miles to the gallon. Look for it at Acura dealerships on December 15, or check it out at the Chicago Auto Show starting February 12.

[Source]