AllAmericanHybrid Thrown Off Chrysler's Floorspace at Auto Show

OK, so all I wanted is to take pictures of the C200 and some of its cool features. I was out there with a few other journalists taking pictures of the C200 and the Dodge Circuit. If you notice to the right in this picture, there was some type of video being taken - as there were throughout the show.

Yes, I know... in the tradition of SUCCESS by DESIGN, we had to cause a little trouble! Apparently there is an unwritten rule in the Chrysler area that you must be elite media to remain in the area just in case you might be seen in the video (a large network show), or better looking than me (no ugly mugs!). So, a Chrysler representative came up and asked me to leave - I headed off, apparently the way he didn't want me to go, so he stepped in front of me and pointed the other direction and escorted me off.


I guess I caused a nuisance - wonder if they kept the footage. Even had Mr. Nardelli give me an annoyed look, which I made a point of catching on camera.

Does this sour me towards the fantastic products that were shown by Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep!

In general, we found the following attitudes by the North American Manufacturers we met over the past few days:

• Chrysler - A focus on PR. If you were a small journalist you did not get as much attention as the bigger guys. However, they didn't exactly turn you away - unless you were us! When I returned later to take my remaining photos one of the reps made a crack about how anyone could take pictures of the C200 - except me. Haha.
• Ford - Flashy, Approachable - models and marketing people, mainly. Had to look for people that could provide engineering level answers. They also tended to pander to larger media. Can't blame them, either (but they didn't clear you away). Problem was, not an exceptional amount of new information or leaps as found with the other manufacturers.
• General Motors - just plain bent over backwards for everyone regardless of who you were. What a change in general attitude! Open, excited about their products - and I mean everyone! If they didn't have an answer (I was asking technical questions of all of the manufacturers) the found someone who could. Of all of the CEO's, Wagoner entered the stage area with a whirl of photo journalists taking flash photos! Looked like paparazzi! He and all of the management were very approachable and took efforts to answer questions directly at the end of each session and would not leave until everyone was satisfied. Yes, I think they got the message.
• Meyer Motors - Hey, you get to talk to the owner! Lots of detail and willing to share information. They, plain and simple, needed more exposure. Relegating them to the basement was not fair by the show! However, they are directly where the line will have to form to ride the hybrids and plug in electrics for when the public arrives. I had looked them up after seeing them on a Discovery Channel show.
• Tesla - You have a question, they will answer even when elite media and foreign media are taking pictures or interviewing. In just about 10 minutes I learned a lot about their car and technology. I look forward to discussing their technology in the future!
• Fisker Automotive - OK, another electric sports car. Lots of pretty models (the cars too). Walked over and asked a few questions - very welcoming and don't let them fool you... they know their topic!

OK, folks, ready to get back in their on Tuesday for another day of abuse!