2011 Auto Expo Part 1

This past weekend was the 2011 Utah International Auto Expo. Here the automotive companys come together to show of the vehicles that will be for sale this up and coming year. I have been going to the Expo every year since 1997 and look forward to it each and every year as I love seeing what new and innovative ideas are being worked into new vehicles each year. Below is my observations and opinions on what the auto manufacturers are going to be offering this year.

Whats sad to see each year though is more and more auto manufactures dissapearing from the expo. In addition to the makes of Mercury, Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer no longer being produced this year other makes missing from this years expo were BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Mitsubishi. It sadens me to see more and more of the show floor being filled each year with vendors that have nothing to do with automobiles.

Mazda:

The only thing new in the Mazda section this year was there redesigned Mazda5 minivan. The van is still smaller then the mainstream vans and they uglyfied it even more by giving it the big grin front bumper that has been on the Mazda3 for the last 2 years. Unfortunatly that bumper design obviously isn't going anywhere and its likely only a matter of time until that grin finds its way onto other Mazda models like the 6 or even the RX-8. I do think the Mazda2 is pretty cool though dispite its small size. I especially look forward to finding out if the rumors of a Mazdaspeed 2 become true or not.




Scion:

Scion seemed to be the young and hip section again as it reaches out to the younger crowd its going for. In addition to always having the best handout items they were the only booth that had some modified vehicles on display. I was pretty dissapointed to see that they didn't have the new IQ on display but that was made up with the fact that the new TC was there. I actually really like the new TC. I havn't looked up what the engine specs are but based on looks alone its a huge improvement over the previous model. I love how they made it much more edgier and in my opinion much more sporty looking. My only complaint was the dash as it seemed very boxy.



Volkswagen:

Nothing interested me this year in the Volkswagen section. The Golf is still pretty cool and the Jetta was redesigned for 2011 but its pretty bland in my opinion. Nothing to get excited for. I was actually shocked to see that the vehicle Volkswagen is best known for was nowhere to be seen. That being the New Beetle. There wasn't a single one in the expo hall. Kinda odd if you ask me. I can only assume this is because a remodel of the New Beetle will be coming out soon.



Nissan:

I was also pretty dissapointed as well in the Nissans this year. There section was pretty large yet there was nothing filling it. They didn't have a GT-R. They only had 1 370Z and it was a convertable. Nissan didn't bring anything sporty and infact only seemed to focus on there green products. Missing was the new 2011 Quest Minivan but there 100% Electric Leaf was proudly on display. I'm very interested to see if the world is ready for a fully electric vehicle yet. Also new for 2011 is the Nissan Juke and this thing looks like it was designed by a 3 year old. Its hidious in design. I don't think anything flows. The only thing it has going for it is the Turbo engine and the All Wheel Drive system.




Ford/Lincoln:

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with all of the american companys. All of them have come a long way since there bailouts back in 2008. And Ford is no exception. Its no secret that Ford is my least favorite of the American Companys but I must say they have really impressed me these last couple years. In addition to already liking the Taurus SHO, Mustang, and Flex but this year it went even further with the introduction of the new Explorer, Edge, Focus and SVT Raptor. I don't think any of the new vehicles are game changers in anyway but Ford is finally realizing how to style vehicles. They also had a Mustang Boss on display which was pretty sweet.







Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram:

Chrysler suffered the worst out of the bailout. They were only saved at the last minute by the European company Fiat. However just as the other companys in the Big 3 Chrysler is back. Chrysler had all there vehicles together in one section this year showcasing there latest. However I was pretty dissapointed that not only was the new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 missing but also the vehicle marking Fiats return to the american market. The 500. One thing thats kind of an odd move is that the Ram Trucks are there own brand now. They no Longer carry the Dodge name on them and likewise the Dodge Cars no longer have the Ram logo on them. Although the new Charger wasn't present the new Dodge Durango was. And wow do I love it. Finally the Durango is looking good again and probably my favorite SUV at the show this year. Dodge also supossedly redesigned the Avenger as well but it still looks the same. Chrysler had the new 200 onhand which is much visibly different from the Sebring that it replaces. In Jeep there 2 redesigned vehicles were on hand. The Grand Cherokee and the Compass. Just as the Durango the new Grand Cherokee looks much much better then the one it replaces. When the Compass came out it was marketed as Jeeps "Car". However the new Chrysler thru that out the window and turned the Compass into another small SUV that can actually go off road.