Dispatches from the North American International Auto Show

Alex Snyder, Director of E-Commerce for Checkered Flag, is in snowy Detroit at the Auto Show this week, along with Gary Gullickson, Corporate Career Consultant, and Pete Lively, Vice President/Variable Operations.  Alex called The Checkered Blog to gloat give us an update on all the sweet vehicles they saw during their two days at "the industry" portion of the show.    Here's the scoop...

Alex thinks Hyundai is really "letting loose" with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept.  He told me that he thinks if Hyundai puts the right motor, rear wheel drive and stability into this car, it's going to be a smash.

He also likes the just debuted Toyota Venza, the new crossover SUV.  He said he was "pleasantly surprised" by the design and feels like, as long as its MPG is competitive in its class, it will be a huge hit for Toyota.

Gary was psyched about BMW's new 1Series as well as the unique X6 (see pic), which he claimed to have  to wade through huge crowds to get to.    He missed our smart soiree last fall and so finally got an opportunity to get up close and personal with the smart car.  He, like most, was surprised at how spacious the interior was.

Other highlights included an Audi R8 TDI (yikes!) and VW's Passat CC (verdict=classy).  Oh, and I'm supposed to mention that Pete really loved the Honda Pilot concept (???).  Think there is something here that I was missing, but I'm not asking questions...that's what you readers are for!

Alex has promised me a more in depth debriefing as well as pics when he gets back to town.