[cb804]

No BMW display at the 2019 Chicago Auto show - one of the largest shows in the country. Mercedes and Mini were a no show too.

I know that auto shows don't sell cars, but BMW has an all new 3 series, new 8 series, new Z4 and X5. Where else can you see all these cars and their competitors in one spot?

I was disappointed to say the least.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classi...117-story.html

[Tuxedo]

Nope, Merc is absent too

[BEM-S4]

Merc was at Philly but no BMW presence at all.

[eatsleepboost]

Our Boston show isn't the biggest but we didn't have BMW or Merc among others.

[litxus]

Haven't been to car show for years, as a decade ago (maybe even more time back) it was filled with lots of concepts and other cool stuff, but lately it is just a lot with new cars with nothing really that exciting. Oh yeah, and don't forget the kids and other clowns camping in decent cars for hours, where you can't even check it out. Most of nicer cars are locked now, and you can see why as some will have plenty of stuff stolen / missing.

[rccoleman]

BMW has been missing from the San Diego Auto Show at least the last two years. Disappointing, but it's not a huge show and happens soon after the big LA show (with a big BMW display).

[xlover]

Originally Posted by cb804

No BMW display at the 2019 Chicago Auto show - one of the largest shows in the country. Mercedes and Mini were a no show too.

I know that auto shows don't sell cars, but BMW has an all new 3 series, new 8 series, new Z4 and X5. Where else can you see all these cars and their competitors in one spot?

I was disappointed to say the least.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classi...117-story.html

It is on your local dealer franchise association to fund the auto show presence. Bmw corporate only funds the majors (NY, LA). If you want them there then go complain to your dealer principals/owners. I agree it's stupid they have been pulling out of shows but clearly they want the marketing dollars elsewhere.

[The Libertine]

Interesting.....surprised as well by the absence of presence.

[SCOTT26]

BMW AG Corporate Autoshow Attendance 2019

THE 5 BIGGEST
CAR SHOWS 2019:

01March - Geneva Motor Show
02April - Auto Shanghai
03September - IAA in Frankfurt
04November - SEMA Show Las Vegas
05November – LA Auto Show

The X3M and X4M although debuting within a few days will have their World premiere @ Auto Shanghai in April.

Geneva in March will have several World Premieres including the all new PHEV models of the 3,X5,X3, THE 7. BMW should also announce the details that many in Europe are waiting for both the 3er and 5er Touring in PHEV format.

[Germanauto]

Well that sucks. It was odd not having them in Detroit but I could understand it there are only a couple wealthy pockets in the metropolis where people drive them. But Chicago? It's like the 3rd largest metro in the country.

[Dabozo]

Toronto's show is next week...I expect BMW/Merc to be there since they appear on the venue map/directory. But maybe its their only appearance in Canada...

[detroitm2]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Well that sucks. It was odd not having them in Detroit but I could understand it there are only a couple wealthy pockets in the metropolis where people drive them. But Chicago? It's like the 3rd largest metro in the country.

I think the detroit auto show is the perfect place to showcase any vehicle, regardless of whether the local populace can afford them. the NAIAS attracts people from all over the world.

To be honest, I'm willing to bet they were absent this year (along with many other makers) due to the planned date change in 2020. Why go to an autoshow in the winter (in a cold climate) when you can go in Summer?

Only time will tell, but I think we'll see them back in 2020.

[SteveinArizona]

In Phoenix one company -- Penske -- has most of the luxury cars in one collection of dealerships including the super luxury RR, Bentley, Ferrari, etc. as well as BMW and Merc. So I suspect that I will continue to see BMWs and Mercs at the Phoenix show.

The show is essentially free. The admission is offset by a free one year subscription to Motor Trend.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by detroitm2

I think the detroit auto show is the perfect place to showcase any vehicle, regardless of whether the local populace can afford them. the NAIAS attracts people from all over the world.

To be honest, I'm willing to bet they were absent this year (along with many other makers) due to the planned date change in 2020. Why go to an autoshow in the winter (in a cold climate) when you can go in Summer?

Only time will tell, but I think we'll see them back in 2020.

I've actually read from a couple sources that lackluster local sales did play a role in BMW's decision. However if BMW pulled out of Chicago there's clearly other factors at play, the largest being the internet/social media.

NAIAS organizers scrambled to move the show to summer 2020 after all three German luxury makes announced their departure. I hope they return but I doubt it.

[Fritzer]

Probably not worth the money for them, I bet the costs come out of BMW NA's marketing budget.

[Dabozo]

was watching a local car show on tv the other day and they were discussing how the presser days (media personnel only) were down significantly in attendance...they attributed this to the internet/social media...basically all is already known about new models etc long before the show hits so there is no point for many of them to show up.
On the flip side, the commentary continued on to say that public attendance is still very high - no drop in attendance over the years.

[MoeTE87]

BMW only had a handful of cars at the Cincinnati Auto Show this past weekend. I don't remember seeing MINI there. I know Benz wasn't there. Was a pretty sad showing all together if you ask me. The BMW booth was all the way in the back next to the Oakley Sunglass booth.

Wife wanted to see the new x7, but all they had was a base model x5, new x3, a 2016 x5, newer m5 and a 2018 3 series. Pretty sad if you ask me. And the two BMW reps that were there were on their cell phones the whole time and never looked up to help anyone.

[allinon72]

Unless they're unveiling a new model, they don't give a shit.