Saturday 24 August 2013

Kalamazoo New Car Show displays latest models, offers 'no pressure' to customers


As soon as Barb Davis, a proud owner of a 2006 Ford Mustang named "Sally," sat in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro on display Friday at the Kalamazoo New Car Show at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, her husband Charles jokingly commented about her disloyalty.

"You realize your Mustang is going to sniff you and know you've been unfaithful, right?" he said.

If the car was given to her, Barb Davis sarcastically said she "would have to take it." For them, the event was a fun way to spend the afternoon and see the latest models available from local dealers.

The Kalamazoo New Car Show, put on by the Kalamazoo New Car Dealer Association, continues until 7 p.m. Friday and will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Seven local new car dealers have gathered at the event to give attendees a sneak peek of nearly 100 new cars.

One car in particular, a Western Michigan University-themed Nissan Juke, shined like gold in the middle of the festival site, which is traditionally brought to the first football tailgate every year.

"What's different about this than coming into the dealership is basically, they aren't coming to buy, but they're looking for information," said salesman John Olson of Cole Nissan. "We would love for them to buy, but it is no pressure."

Grand Valley student Noah Kramer, who will be transferring to WMU this winter, said he needs to save more money before he makes a purchase, but he wanted to see what's on the market.

"I am looking for a car with four wheels at this point, but I like the Chryslers though," said Kramer, who admitted his top criteria is good looks.

While many people just wanted to waft the new car smells, kill time during the beautiful day or gawk at the sleek 2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet, some were seriously considering their options.

"Nissan Xterras are pretty high up, but I want to be higher though. More control on the highway," Dianne Benitz of Portage said in the passenger seat of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. "If you go to a dealer, they follow you around and try to sell something, but here, you sit in it. It's good to just sit before you drive it. It has to feel good."  READ MORE

No comments:

Post a Comment