LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – LANSING — For the nearly 750 new car dealerships in Michigan, this year’s Detroit Auto Show in their backyard is a big deal.
With the auto show now open to the public and in full-swing, Jason Cords, General Manager at Shaheen Cadillac, says they’re ready for the annual event’s impact on his business.
“I’ll tell you, having the auto show in the state of Michigan is huge for all car dealers,” Cords said.
The show is so important that Cords sends all of his sales people to the event to learn about General Motors’ newest vehicles.
“To get a preview of the futuristic cars that they’re thinking about, their upcoming lineups,” Cords said.
He said it’s also a valuable opportunity to study the competition.
“So it’s important that our salespeople are knowledgeable about all the different competitors, that they’re going up against,” Cords said.
From new interior designs to new car colors, Cords said the auto show produces a sales surge.
“Because people are excited about ordering a car, wondering if that car they saw there is on our showroom,” Cords said.
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Dealership owner Ralph Shaheen says customers often come in with specific requests after attending the show.
“This is what I saw, this is what I like, I want it… and so we do get a little surge,” Shaheen said.
Shaheen said Corvettes will be featured prominently at this year’s auto show, including high-end models like the ZR1 that costs $230,000.
From expensive to practical vehicles, Shaheen said the auto show appeals to car lovers and shows dealers what will soon arrive on their showroom floors.
“And not just in that year, but the next year, maybe in two or three years, you’ll see something,” Shaheen said.
The show allows visitors to experience vehicles firsthand.
“They’ll have them open and you can browse through them and see if they fit you… you look great in that,” Shaheen said.
According to Cords, GM keeps new vehicles secret, and dealers often see them for the first time at the auto show.
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