2008 New York Auto Show Review

The Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago made a major move to showcase hybrid and green vehicles, that emphasis didn’t seem to translate to this year’s NYAS. While there were energy efficient vehicles and technologies scattered around Javits, many manufacturers chose the event to debut sedans and in the case of Dodge, three versions of it’s new retro muscle car Challenger.

New York didn’t miss on style though. The Hako Coupe Concept from Scion clearly stole the show. Scion has used the New York auto show to launch most of it’s concept cars and new models. In fact the Scion brand itself was launched at NY in 2003. The Hako Coupe could be called the big brother of the xB.  During the press conference, Jack Hollis, the VP of Scion said that sales numbers weren’t a major factor in determining the decisions about which direction the brand should go. He noted that providing affordable vehicles that met the style and functional needs of young consumers was the goal. He speculated that the line could grow to include several other vehicle types including maybe a pickup.

Smart set up a small underwhelming stand at the Detroit show. The micro car maker went big at NY though and captured what we feel was the best stand design at the show. The space was simple and clean. Most of the elements  like the concierge desk, lounge furniture, and meeting cube were in white. Several vehicles were displayed on low glossy white platforms. Smart was positioned right next to Mini’s typical all black booth creating an interesting contrast.

VW had the best take away from the show. To highlight its new Routan Minivan, the company gave away a large sheet of window stickers that allow you to create a portrait of your family on the window of your car. In case you can’t get one at the show, you can customize the family and make your own sticker set at VW’s Routan website.

PSFK has a full gallery of photos from the show floor on Flickr. We’re working on the labeling so check back to it if you want to id an image.