Greenville Revved Up for South Carolina International Auto Show
Credit Credit: Photos by Mary Alice Schultz and Nick Hensel
Photo Credit: Nick Hensel
Mary Alice in the 2012 Fiat 500
Mary Alice Schultz, Reporter
February 3, 2012
Filed under News
Numerous vehicles lined every side of the room. Bright lights shined above each and every vehicle. As I walked down the black carpet with the double yellow lines, I realized that no matter where I was, a distinct new car smell surrounded me. A few weekends ago, I attended the South Carolina International Auto Show along with many other car fanatics.
The South Carolina International Auto Show, sponsored by Motortrend Auto Shows, LLC, is held at the TD Convention Center every year. This incredibly popular show features new cars, exotic collectables, and old favorites. Spectators are able to compare and contrast almost all vehicle makes and models in a non-obligatory atmosphere.
This year the auto show’s atmosphere was more geared towards the newer models. Four 2013 models were featured; specifically, the Chevy Malibu, as well as Ford’s Mustang, Taurus, and Escape. Many 2012 models were also featured. These cars were picked and chosen carefully.
“…the manufacturer decides… the different lines of vehicles [that] they want in [the show],” explains Scott Perkins, General Sales Manager at Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep, who prepares Big O for the show every year. Big O was just one of the many dealerships that contributed to the show. Toyotas, Chevys, Fords, Hondas, and many others were also featured next to each other. Yet not only local dealerships contributed, but many collectors did, also. I, along with many others, was able to ogle at six classic Ferraris, multiple models of Mustangs, and even a newer Maserati. In turn, there were many unique vehicles, including the American Pride Camaro.
“…the American Pride Camaro… is a vehicle that’s been painted with a mural of all of the wars that the US has been in,” explains Sarah Thomas, Public Relations Coordinator with Motortrend Auto Shows.
The American Pride Camaro seemed to be one of the ‘prides’ of the show, as it was sectioned off and captured much attention. The artwork on the car was beautiful and truly moving.
Though the auto show featured many different popular and attention-grabbing vehicles, the show was more focused on the consumer unlike much flashier productions such as the famous Detroit Auto Show.
“…our shows are more geared towards people looking… to buy a car,” says Thomas.
This characteristic of the show was very convenient – one could compare each and every vehicle to the other without the pushy dealership atmosphere.
“…there’s no pressure to buy…” says Thomas.
I myself was not in the market to buy a car, so my experience was akin to window-shopping. I personally enjoy looking at a vehicle’s design; its aerodynamics, its appeal, even its personality. Yet attendees could also sit in the vehicles; after all, sometimes the interior of a car can be a huge game-changer. For example, I really liked the look of Honda’s CRZ from the outside. But the car was just as gorgeous on the inside, as my favorite aspect was the clean, sleek look of the console and dash.
Another model whose look impressed me was the new Fiat 500. The Fiats seemed to impress a lot of people; these sporty little cars were constantly mobbed, and I had to wait just to sit in one! This European car looked like a cross between the Mini Cooper and the famous Smart Car. To me, it seemed like a more practical alternative to the Smart Car. It’s small design would allow for good gas mileage and safer features. I mean, I’d rather not get hit while riding in a car as small as the Smart. The interior of the Fiat 500 was nice, but the vehicle wasn’t as roomy as some would prefer.
As for preferences, my favorite cars were the Honda CRZ, the Fiat 500, and many of the exotic and collectors’ cars. After the show, I spoke with Brashier Sophomores Will Raley and Jacob Helvey, who also attended the show and gladly shared their favorites with me.
“I’m an avid Acura fanatic [so] my favorites were all of the Acuras,” says Raley, who attends the auto show annually.
“I liked all of the classic cars… I [also] liked the… Honda Civic VTec,” says Helvey.
Yet though the show featured many popular favorites, some makes and models were missing from the line-up. Volkswagen, Mazda, Audi, Hyundai, BMW, Nissan, and others were not featured. My dream car being a white 2011 or 2012 Nissan Maxima, I was mostly disappointed in Nissan’s not being at the show. I was also surprised by the fact that there were no BMW’s featured, as BMW has a huge presence locally.
“…BMW should have been there,” says Raley.
Thomas explained to me the reasons behind whether or not a company participates.
“…we invite all manufacturers to participate in the show, however, it is up to them to allocate their auto show resources,” explains Thomas. “…many manufacturers like to concentrate their resources on bigger shows like Detroit.”
Though many companies did not participate in the South Carolina International Auto Show this year, the show floor was still filled with a variety of new vehicles as well as old favorites, and was worth attending. All in all, the show was a great experience. I highly recommend this show to anyone who is looking to buy a car or who just loves cars in general. You might just fall back in love with an old favorite or even find a new obsession.
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