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What We Saw at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show

on March 7, 2018

The Chicago Auto Show has come and gone again: but not without debuting some impressive new models and unique exhibits to car enthusiasts. Some team members at L2TMedia had the opportunity to go check out this year’s Chicago Auto Show to see these latest trends in the automotive industry.

A huge trend for the largest auto show in North America was showing off exactly what technology can do to enhance the overall experience. Virtual reality was a key player in many brands’ exhibits, including Honda’s partnership with Microsoft’s HoloLens which showed off the specs and features of new Honda cars.

Chevrolet had a Virtual Dynamics Lab, Ford used VR technology to help guests experience the new Transit Connect features, Infiniti had a VR station, and Volvo had a VR simulator of an autonomous drive. Brand display and interaction-focused experiences were a big way automakers showed off their vehicles to attendees.

Some vehicles that stood out from the pack included the Ford GT, the new Kia Stinger, the Hyundai Veloster that was decked out Hot Wheels style, the Toyota FT-4X concept model, and the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon.

Notable exhibits were Subaru’s 50th Anniversary limited edition models, all donned in the Heritage Blue exterior paint color. The Jeep® Test Track was also a favorite for those who braved the long lines to ride the rugged track in a Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Nissan’s setup included a collaboration with Star Wars and a winter wonderland area complete with “snow” that debuted the new Nissan Armada Snow Patrol concept.

The importance of auto show season goes beyond just new model releases and fun test drives, though; according to a 2015 study by Foresight Research, 57 percent of people who attend an auto show said they intended to purchase or lease a vehicle within the next 12 months. Specifically, for the Chicago Auto Show, that number was 68 percent.

For many, the Chicago Auto Show is a chance to view all types of vehicles from all types of brands, all in one place.

“It was an amazing experience for checking out new vehicles in one location. It was especially great to have every vehicle brand to view up close and have the chance to ride in cars I normally wouldn’t have considered,” said Sheree Rubens, a Reputation Management Associate at L2TMedia.

For others in the L2Tmedia team, the Chicago Auto Show was a chance to get personal with the automotive industry that they work with every single day.

“Attending the Chicago Auto Show was a great learning experience for our product specialists,” said Brendan McGee, a Social Media Senior Specialist. “Seeing the makes, models, and styles first-hand, really allows us to have a more personal connection with our advertisements and understand what our audience members go through during the car shopping cycle.”

One thing’s for sure: we have a lot to look forward to in the industry in the next year, and even more to look forward to for the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

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What We Saw at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show