As budgets are tightening around the industry, it's no big surprise that most automakers are scaling back their presence at national auto shows. But a growing amount have taken the cost cutting measures a step further and have pulled out altogether from displaying their vehicles at shows. A recent report pegs Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki, and Land Rover as no-shows at January's Detroit auto show.
Of course, other shows are being impacted as well. According to the recent Los Angeles Times report, General Motors has canceled its only scheduled press conference at next week's L.A. auto showm which was to be highlighted by a speech from company vice chairman Bob Lutz. This announcement comes after the decision to downsize its presence at the show with the delayed debut of two future models, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe. Chrysler also is diminishing its presence and has asked its local dealers to front the bill for a display. Ford, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on its competitors' scaling back -- though it too is in dire straits -- and plans to debut six new models, including the redesigned 2010 Mustang. For that occasion, the Blue Oval plans on throwing a lavish celebration at the show. Just last week, Europe's biggest automaker, Volkswagen AG, announced the delay of its new Roadster to the Detroit show, rather than at the originally planned L.A. auto show.
