Just got back from a four day trip to Las Vegas, working the Mopars at the Strip car show for Hotchkis Performance. It was an interesting experience. Someone on a forum described this show as a "Star Trek Convention for Chrysler fans", and that seems to be the most fitting description I've heard. The three day event features drag racing, road racing, a car show, a swap meet, live bands (including members of Journey and Santana) and more, all catering to the Chrysler faithful.
I've never attended the show before, and was struck by the community that supports it. This was not like a typical Good Guys car show. Mopar (that stands for MOtor PARts, a Chrysler name) fans are fiercely loyal to their brand and their community, and by and large they are not wealthy high-rollers commissioning the construction of big buck show cars. These are hard working middle class Americans. Many of the people who showed up at the event came long distances, and are clearly stretched thin by the economy, but they came anyway.
I know the tough economic times have hurt a lot of people in this country and around the world. Some may think it trivial to focus on a big car show when thousands are losing their jobs - but I think its just the opposite. American have been sucked into the media-blitz of never ending bad news, and as a country we need to collectively lighten up. Go to a car show, attend a local game if that's your thing.
Most of the manufacturers and retailers I know are struggling but surviving. A few are thriving. Those who have the vision to continue marketing and reaching out to the core consumers that are still spending will emerge from this mess bigger, stronger and with a broader customer base than their competitors. To quote Harvey Dent, "The night is darkest before the dawn."
I've never attended the show before, and was struck by the community that supports it. This was not like a typical Good Guys car show. Mopar (that stands for MOtor PARts, a Chrysler name) fans are fiercely loyal to their brand and their community, and by and large they are not wealthy high-rollers commissioning the construction of big buck show cars. These are hard working middle class Americans. Many of the people who showed up at the event came long distances, and are clearly stretched thin by the economy, but they came anyway.
I know the tough economic times have hurt a lot of people in this country and around the world. Some may think it trivial to focus on a big car show when thousands are losing their jobs - but I think its just the opposite. American have been sucked into the media-blitz of never ending bad news, and as a country we need to collectively lighten up. Go to a car show, attend a local game if that's your thing.
Most of the manufacturers and retailers I know are struggling but surviving. A few are thriving. Those who have the vision to continue marketing and reaching out to the core consumers that are still spending will emerge from this mess bigger, stronger and with a broader customer base than their competitors. To quote Harvey Dent, "The night is darkest before the dawn."
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