Midlands International Auto Show

[Coyote]

Midlands International Auto Show comes to CHI Health Center this weekend



Hundreds of cars will be on display at CHI Health Center for this year's Midlands International Auto Show. More cars are using less gasoline these days and event director Tam Webb said that’s just what customers want. “Last year we had maybe four EV cars here now we probably have about twelve," Webb said. Clean-up crews also spent the day making sure the vehicles, themselves are clean. Detailed cars are a must at any auto show, but the work to make the cars shine was a little trickier thanks to this week’s winter storm.


Car prices still high as automakers catch-up from supply shortages
Potential buyers at the Midlands International Auto Show say prices depend on several variables.

The CHI Health Center is loaded with new cars this weekend. The convention center is hosting the annual Midlands International Auto Show. Some of the dealers here say we should be seeing more vehicles on the lots around town. New car availability has been an issue in our area. Car dealers are still trying to work through supply shortages, as consumer demand continues to outpace production and sales. By and large, last year was very good for automakers. “We ended last year very well,” said Kelly Riegel with Toyota. “The industry sold 14 million vehicles, and this coming year we’re expecting the industry to sell 15 million vehicles...so we’re expecting an increase year-over-year for the industry.”

[MTO]

Woohoo. Next I hope they extend the convention floor all the way to MECA Drive. Every year I go to the auto show and every year a brand or two gets left out because there’s not enough exhibition space.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Woohoo. Next I hope they extend the convention floor all the way to MECA Drive. Every year I go to the auto show and every year a brand or two gets left out because there’s not enough exhibition space.

I'm not sure it's a lack of space. Auto manufacturers/dealers have been less interested in participating in auto shows lately around the world. I guess they think the internet is a more cost effective way to display and release product.

[Brad]

Woohoo. Next I hope they extend the convention floor all the way to MECA Drive. Every year I go to the auto show and every year a brand or two gets left out because there’s not enough exhibition space.

I'm not sure it's a lack of space. Auto manufacturers/dealers have been less interested in participating in auto shows lately around the world. I guess they think the internet is a more cost effective way to display and release product.

I agree. I heard they have been adding more classic/vintage cars to help fill the space.

[Bob from Omaha]

It's interesting to look at some other auto shows in comparison.

My son and I went to the Detroit show last Sunday. We've gone to most of them over the past 16 years. It was smaller this year. It's still a great show but this year there were definitely less brands.

Detroit still had the most brands represented, Omaha had less, Des Moines will have a lot less than Detroit and Omaha and KC cancelled its show altogether, citing lack of brands. Over the years Los Angeles and Chicago have taken some of Detroit's thunder with their car shows. Here's KC's announcement. KC Auto Show Cancelled

I don't think Omaha needs to expand the convention center for the car show. I've never felt Omaha is doing enough to promote the convention center. Over my career I've gone to events at convention centers all over the country and with many of them I felt that there was no reason many of them couldn't be held in Omaha. Getting the Olympic swim trials proved that Omaha can think outside the box. I never understood why the city wasn't getting more trade show, conferences, conventions, etc.

[remline]

KC cancelled its show altogether, citing lack of brands

That is unfortunate; KC had a good show. Luckily, "auto show industry advocates believe a recalibration of brands’ outlook on auto shows will shift more positively in the future." (Wishful thinking?)

I have really fond memories of the Omaha Auto Show when it was at the Civic Auditorium. I haven't been to the version at CHI.

[guy4omaha]

I hate going to auto shows. The few times I have gone, I had a new car within 12 months regardless of whether I needed a new car and the payments or not.

[Garrett]

I hate going to auto shows. The few times I have gone, I had a new car within 12 months regardless of whether I needed a new car and the payments or not.

Well, the first step is recognizing one has a problem

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I hate going to auto shows. The few times I have gone, I had a new car within 12 months regardless of whether I needed a new car and the payments or not.

I’m curious what types of cars the auto show enticed you to purchase.

[GenX]

The auto show is nothing but local dealers bringing their cars down to the CHI to show off (but not pressure you to buy). Manufacturers sometimes ship special vehicles, but they usually just go into the local dealer’s inventory after the show. Worked many auto shows back in the day when I sold new Hondas.

[guy4omaha]

I hate going to auto shows. The few times I have gone, I had a new car within 12 months regardless of whether I needed a new car and the payments or not.

I’m curious what types of cars the auto show enticed you to purchase.

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek. More in the vein of self deprecating humor. I go to a show displaying a bunch of cars and inhaling all that new car smell … and the seed in my mind is planted. I start thinking I need a new car. No one at the shows exerted any pressure. I don’t remember which cars I purchased as a result of the car shows. I do know I have attended two car shows in my life and then purchased two cars within months of attending.

[GenX]

No one at the shows exerted any pressure.

They are specifically forbidden from that at the auto shows. They enforce it too.

[Stan]

I had no idea that the Detroit Auto Show was last weekend. There used to be so much more fanfare with it and media coverage. I know they had moved the date a few years back to the summer months instead, but even then it was a shell of its former self. That used to be the biggest one showcasing upcoming models and concepts. I think it used to get bigger buy in by the big three though and now that Stelantis is awful with Ford/Chevy playing things closer to their chest, the show itself is on its last legs.

[OverlookedFarm]

We went religiously for decades. There are a few reasons I think, ranked in order of importance:

1. Nobody gets excited about electrics or hybrids. They just don't.
2. Ticket prices to get into the arena were getting insane.
3. New cars are just out of the budget for most people.
4. Lack of interesting new cars, mix of cars. Performance, heavy duty, innovative design and even clever marketing.
5. More and more makers backed out of the show. Nissan was never there, and more and more fell out.
6 People today see car buying a necessary evil, rather than something enjoyable. They know quality is junk with any make.
7. Car buying is different. 3 outfits own 95% of the dealers in the metro. There is zero competition, so it was pushed the web. What incentive do dealers have it they can just collude up an internet price because they know there isn't another dealer for 300mi .

Cars and car culture are a major part of my life, and I think overall, interest in cars has declined the past 10-15 years. The new generations don't place importance in it.

Overall, I think its a reflection of the macro shifts in the industry.

[djc311]

We went religiously for decades. There are a few reasons I think, ranked in order of importance:

1. Nobody gets excited about electrics or hybrids. They just don't.
2. Ticket prices to get into the arena were getting insane.
3. New cars are just out of the budget for most people.
4. Lack of interesting new cars, mix of cars. Performance, heavy duty, innovative design and even clever marketing.
5. More and more makers backed out of the show. Nissan was never there, and more and more fell out.
6 People today see car buying a necessary evil, rather than something enjoyable. They know quality is junk with any make.
7. Car buying is different. 3 outfits own 95% of the dealers in the metro. There is zero competition, so it was pushed the web. What incentive do dealers have it they can just collude up an internet price because they know there isn't another dealer for 300mi .

Cars and car culture are a major part of my life, and I think overall, interest in cars has declined the past 10-15 years. The new generations don't place importance in it.

Overall, I think its a reflection of the macro shifts in the industry.

I'd certainly agree with some of those statements. In particular from the above list:

#2. I understand they charge to get in as they want to make a profit. However, given the price for admission, you're basically walking car lots without the sales pressure. I definitely appreciate the no-pressure atmosphere, but by the time you pay to park and get in the door, you're probably over $25-$35 per person. This doesn't include any concessions if you happen to choose a drink, snack, etc. I can shop online with no pressure or walk lots after business hours.

#4. Our show hardly ever attracts anything significantly interesting or fun. I understand it's not an exotic or classic car show, but we often miss out on basic new product intros. I remember when I wanted to go to the Omaha event a few times hoping to see upcoming new releases, and they didn't have them on display.

For example, I think when the New Beetle had been introduced I recall we didn't even get one at the show. I also don't think the New Bronco came, at least not right away. By "right away", I mean a full year or two before it will be available to buy. Essentially all engineering has been completed, and they're probably tooling the factories to make the cars - yet our auto show must be too small to draw in the cool, new vehicles.

#6. I despise shopping for a vehicle - especially if it involves going to a dealership and walking around to look at vehicles. I'd rather shop for a house than a car (understanding these are far from the same thing and not at the same level of cost, I just personally feel the experience is 10x better when buying a home).

#7. I agree - most of the metro dealerships sit within a few owners' hands. Occasionally they may pass them around (Baxter might buy one from Woodhouse, etc). It's not necessarily monopolistic, but it's close... especially if you'd like to buy locally.


I do feel that since covid has passed that the market has become perhaps a bit better for the buyer... the last new vehicle we bought was pre-ordered online and we paid sticker for (which I didn't enjoy doing), but some dealers were marking up way above sticker. I get a kick out of the stories I read on Jalopnik where a dealer takes a truck or car and adds on all sorts of "luxuries" and tries to nail the buyer for another $10-$20k... for PPF on the hood, or undercoating. These techniques are reasons why many car dealerships will be considered "slimy" for years to come. They're certainly not doing themselves any favors with consumers by trying to hose buyers out of unnecessary markups.

Lastly, I do feel one thing that should change is how the finance ppl work - when we picked up our vehicle 3 years ago we did finance it with the dealership's finance team. They "lowered" our interest rate because we added an extended warranty. IMO, that is at the very least a bit unethical, and possibly should be illegal. It's a shady practice, nonetheless.

[Stan]

We went religiously for decades. There are a few reasons I think, ranked in order of importance:

1. Nobody gets excited about electrics or hybrids. They just don't.
2. Ticket prices to get into the arena were getting insane.
3. New cars are just out of the budget for most people.
4. Lack of interesting new cars, mix of cars. Performance, heavy duty, innovative design and even clever marketing.
5. More and more makers backed out of the show. Nissan was never there, and more and more fell out.
6 People today see car buying a necessary evil, rather than something enjoyable. They know quality is junk with any make.
7. Car buying is different. 3 outfits own 95% of the dealers in the metro. There is zero competition, so it was pushed the web. What incentive do dealers have it they can just collude up an internet price because they know there isn't another dealer for 300mi .

Cars and car culture are a major part of my life, and I think overall, interest in cars has declined the past 10-15 years. The new generations don't place importance in it.

Overall, I think its a reflection of the macro shifts in the industry.

I disagree about #1, but I also grew up around cars as my dad took over my grandfathers auto shop. I've also had strong interest in electronics and "new things" so that might be another reason I'm excited about EVs. There are a lot of new electric cars coming out in the coming years that are challenging the boring cars of today(forget Cybertruck as it's so freaking ugly). As you said in #4, car design has grown stale so with the benefits of what electric batteries has done to remove all the unnecessary components, this opens up the market for innovation and the ability to design them in new ways.

Also in regards to #4 because I agree, car design is stale - Car manufacturers are giving people want they want as a mode of transportation first and foremost so looks don't necessarily matter. You could debadge several midsize SUVs and have trouble telling which is which. I just wish people in the US were bigger fans of wagons. For every wagon that dies off, I too, die a little inside.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

We went religiously for decades. There are a few reasons I think, ranked in order of importance:

1. Nobody gets excited about electrics or hybrids. They just don't.
2. Ticket prices to get into the arena were getting insane.
3. New cars are just out of the budget for most people.
4. Lack of interesting new cars, mix of cars. Performance, heavy duty, innovative design and even clever marketing.
5. More and more makers backed out of the show. Nissan was never there, and more and more fell out.
6 People today see car buying a necessary evil, rather than something enjoyable. They know quality is junk with any make.
7. Car buying is different. 3 outfits own 95% of the dealers in the metro. There is zero competition, so it was pushed the web. What incentive do dealers have it they can just collude up an internet price because they know there isn't another dealer for 300mi .

Cars and car culture are a major part of my life, and I think overall, interest in cars has declined the past 10-15 years. The new generations don't place importance in it.

Overall, I think its a reflection of the macro shifts in the industry.

1. I dunno man, I was just at the St. Louis show and the crowds of people around the Tesla display, the ID Buzz, and the new electric Charger would make me think otherwise. I gave up on the ID Buzz for awhile and came back as I just couldn't get in. I didn't bother with the Charger; the passenger side even had too long of a line.
2.
3. Yeah but people still like to come and look for something fun to do. Though after looking at what makers were at the Omaha show this year, yikes. That wouldn't have been worth it for me.
4. How so? Sure manufacturers copy design elements of other manufacturer's cars, but that's nothing new. It's interesting to me to consider that the rental spec Mustang of today and its four-banger can outperform a V8 SVT Cobra from 30 years ago in nearly every way while while also offering as many luxury features as an S-Class of the same era.
5. True
6. Have they ever not viewed it as a necessary evil? As long as I've been alive, the stereotypical car salesperson has been sleezy, evil, and pining to squeeze as much money out of you as possible. Today's dealerships at least all have specifc branding to the car-make and are designed to be an experience. No more can you go to a place like Stan Olsen through the early 2000s and have a new Porsche 911 on display next to a new Mazda Protege in an anonymous showroom. And I don't think quality is worse. Car are more complicated, sure, but the amount that goes wrong with them is less. The average age of cars on the road is older than it's ever been, in part because they can last longer.
7. True, there are far fewer outfits anymore, but I don't think they're uncompetitive necessarily. And between Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines, every make has at least one other outfit competing against it. I think most car buyers are savvy enough to go online and see what other dealers a few hours away will offer and if it might be worth a trip, which keeps the local dealers in check on prices. Anecdotally, my mom recently purchased a car from Lexus of Omaha. Even though Baxter owns both Lexus of Omaha and Lexus of Lincoln, and they no longer haggle, my research showed their offer on the car she bought and her trade were good.

[Brad]

The last 2 cars I purchased, the sales people were super laid back and didn't push for really anything. However the finance people were super pushy/aggressive.

[djc311]

We went religiously for decades. There are a few reasons I think, ranked in order of importance:

1. Nobody gets excited about electrics or hybrids. They just don't.
2. Ticket prices to get into the arena were getting insane.
3. New cars are just out of the budget for most people.
4. Lack of interesting new cars, mix of cars. Performance, heavy duty, innovative design and even clever marketing.
5. More and more makers backed out of the show. Nissan was never there, and more and more fell out.
6 People today see car buying a necessary evil, rather than something enjoyable. They know quality is junk with any make.
7. Car buying is different. 3 outfits own 95% of the dealers in the metro. There is zero competition, so it was pushed the web. What incentive do dealers have it they can just collude up an internet price because they know there isn't another dealer for 300mi .

Cars and car culture are a major part of my life, and I think overall, interest in cars has declined the past 10-15 years. The new generations don't place importance in it.

Overall, I think its a reflection of the macro shifts in the industry.

Regarding #1, I forgot to ask... did they have the new electric Dodge Charger on display this year?