Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY -- It's an event that draws thousands of people every year: the Utah International Auto Expo. The event got underway this weekend in Sandy, and the convention hall was packed Saturday.
The auto industry certainly has changed in the past year because of economic pressures. The show has made some adjustments too, but the outlook is good.
Jeep, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Volkswagon and many other automakers returned to the expo this year, but not everyone showed up.
"Nissan and Mercedes are not here. They corporately made decisions to, basically their budgets are tight," says Steve Freeman, the vice president of MotorTrend Auto Shows.
Attendees at the show will also miss some other familiar brands, such as Hummer.
"Pontiac is winding down, Saturn is winding down," says Craig Bickmore, executive director of New Car Dealers of Utah. "We do have some manufacturers that for some reason have chosen not to be in the show this year, but we anticipate next year they will be back."
After making those adjustments, many Utah dealers we talked with are excited about this show, as it signals the beginning of a new season with renewed optimism.
In 2010, they say, there will be growth.
Brent Bunkall, general manager of Larry H. Miller Ford in Sandy, is seeing positive signs at his dealership. He also saw an unexpected spike in business when the Ford Motor Company turned down the federal bailout money that other companies accepted.
"I don't think I ever grasped how important that was, but it happens on a regular basis," he says. "I get someone meet me on the showroom floor, thank me personally and say ‘I'm doing business with Ford.' Some people have never bought Ford's before in their lives."
The Utah show is one of eight currently underway across the country. The mood at all of them is positive.
"Everybody is saying the worst is behind them, especially with the product," Freeman says. "Everybody is being fiscally conservative with displays. However, everyone is in it for the long term."
Statistics show nearly 90 percent of those who attend these shows plan on making a purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle within three years. The show helps them narrow down a decision on which brand to buy.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
