World-class engineering, ultra-sexy looks, and stellar technological innovations best describe what the Metro Detroit car buying public was invited to see, smell, and touch first-hand with a deep collection of 2020 models ready for purchase. This highly anticipated Southeast Michigan Auto Show was held the weekend of February 3rd-5th in one of the State of Michigan’s leading event convention and exposition center in Novi, Mi (approximately 20 miles from Detroit), named the Suburban Collection Showplace.
The expo space was transformed into neatly arranged rows and brand sections displaying state of the art, high performance and exotic automobiles brought in by national manufacturers and regional dealers. As an answer to the move of Detroit’s “Granddaddy” event, the North American International Auto Show, this allowed car aficionados a more intimate experience minus the massive lines experienced at the Detroit show. The Southeast Michigan Auto Show was certainly a win-win for both car enthusiasts to spend quality time in previewing 2020 cars and an opportunity for new and collector dealers to take advantage of a traditionally slower car buying period as a marketing and sales tool.
Detroit’s summer auto event will unveil in million dollar exhibits, the upcoming line of cars and concept cars still years out from production. When, the North American Auto Show decided last year to move their show from the winter month of January to June’s more attractive season of weather to host outdoor displays and activities, it resulted in a vacuum for a much needed replacement event. With great foresight, Suburban Collection stepped up to fill the void.
Unlike the North American Auto Show wrapped in glitziness and glamour visited by thousands of members of international press and luminaries, this Southeast Michigan Auto Show was a perfect “meet and greet” for attendees and the 2020 brands being currently manufactured, along with featuring automotive services and accessories. The showroom provided enough exhibits, from economy to ultra luxury, to satisfy the curious, as well as serious buyers wanting to talk with product specialists and dealers.
From Beau Satchelle’s standpoint, the intent was to share a few takeaways from our attending, if you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle.
The showroom hosted over 200 car displays representing 35 U.S. and international brands. A number of regional car dealerships displayed muscle and performance cars as well as electric models.
If your passion and tastes are more attracted to muscle and performance cars, several dealers including The Lingenfelter Collection, presenting a customized Eliminator Series 2019 Camero ZL1 which is part of the group’s collection of muscle cars, Corvettes and exotic European cars from around the world
As an amateur, this visit gave me a good education on features and benefits of hybrids or electrics across every brand displayed. For instance, Varsity Lincoln displayed their beautiful 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, their hybrid version of the new SUV and a divine red McLaren P1, a limited production plug-in hybrid sports car produced by British manufacturer McLaren Automotive
Being an previous owner of an Audi, I was immediately drawn to Audi’s exhibit of the gorgeous candy red, fully electric premium plus SUV E-tron incorporating all the bells and whistles of the latest in technology with an approximate charge time of 30 minutes which will provide an estimated 163 miles.
Jaguar of Troy also showcased a number of high end vehicles from their dealership including the heart-stopping Fuji White 2019 XJL Portfolio AWD with 340 horsepower, all wheel drive with 19” wheels.
Kip Sheward Motor Sports brought a broad collection of exotic performance racing cars including a luxury roadster, 2011 black Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Sport, a divine deep red, Ferrari 458 Spider, the exclusive 2018 Lamborghini Aventado Pirelli Edition (only one of one hundred shipped to the U.S.), with 750 horsepower, top speed of 217 mph and 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. I was giddy to view up close the turbo red and black Porsche 911 GT2 RS (only 500 units worldwide exists) which was the inspiration for the bespoke luxury duffel bag made T. Michael made with 700 horsepower and a top speed of 211 mph, going from 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. Also displayed, was Its kissing cousin the black and white Porsche 911 GTE R3 without a turbo, possesses 520 horsepower, with a top speed of 193 mph and 0-60 mph in 3 seconds. Kip’s collection also included the ultra-luxurious 2007 glacier white Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
Marketers who follow the habits of car purchasers note increasing trends of a high percentage of research done online, yet consumers still prefer a touch experience in determining their next car. Kudos to the Suburban Collection Showcase team in satisfying the needs of car buyers and what a way to kick-off the 2020 automobile season! -AJ
A warm thank you to Frank Novak, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Surburban Collection Showcase the location of the auto show for the media pass; the numerous product specialists who took their time in educating and allowing me access to take pictures of the cars closed off to the public. And, last but not least, Mr. and Mrs. Sheward, owner of Kip Sheward Motors who were gracious hosts during my visit to their exhibit.
SHARE POST
Customer Favorites
