The North American International Auto Show is a must see for all automobile enthusiast. This year’s show had over 700 vehicles displayed including 40 new concepts and attendance expected to break the 800,000 mark. My son Ian and I left early to spend the day at the Detroit show. I work as a Quality Engineer for a Tier 1 supplier to Honda and had my agenda for the day: Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. My 13 year old son had his agenda: Hummer, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mustang GT. Both of us did agree on one thing. The first stop would be of course Mini.

The display is fantastic with a silver MCS on its side displaying the stars and stripes surrounded by neon blue lights. We made our way through the packed display to locate the Chili Red JCW. After sitting in a Mini for 3 hours I was surprised to see my son get in line to sit behind the wheel of JCW. The car looks great. One thing you can’t help noticing while visiting the booth is the music. Mini has the only display with a D.J. that pumps out some great driving tunes. The club beat never stops and the lights are always changing. The display also features a video screen that wraps around the entire ceiling of the booth. Visitors can log onto one of four computer stations and build a Mini, send an e-card to friends, receive official rally number, and watch there creation motor on the big screen above. I am proud to say that Mini was the winner of the 2004 NAIAS Best Display. I met some really great people working in the booth for Mini. Robert lives in Texas and owns Indi-Blue S with over $12,000 in mods. He said the display is packed from 10 in the morning to 10 at night. They have to ask people to leave at night. I am looking forward to hooking up with him this summer at the West meets East Mini Rally.

While enjoying the rest of the show I could not help noticing many styling cues other manufactures have borrowed from the Mini. The Toyota Scion has the speedometer centrally located in all models. Chrysler’s Slingshot has a very similar Mini stance with the wheels pushed to the corners of the vehicle. With the success of the Mini other manufactures have noted one thing for sure. American’s will buy small cars. Reflecting back on an exiting day at the auto show the Mini has one thing other manufactures do not. Mini makes you smile. I’m serious it was the only display were people of all ages where laughing and smiling. Well done Mini.

Walking back to my cooper in the parking garage I was stopped by a couple who had many questions about my Mini. We all know about this. I was only too happy to share my experiences. As I pulled out of the Jo Louis parking garage my son turned to me and said, “You know what the best part of the day is? We still have a 3 hour drive.” I gave him a reassuring wink as I motored out onto the highway. (Future Mini owner in the making)


LETZMTR
DW

 

Nice review DW. Thank you.