I've been given the privilege to work as a sponsored (and not to mention PAID) blogger at the North American International Auto Show for ZF Friedrichshafen, a fantastic worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology with some 64,000 employees at 127 locations in 26 countries. <-- Pretty impressive stuff, right?
But wait, it gets even better.
It's profound how technology is changing vehicles inside, and out. It is making cars easier and safer to drive in ways that many consumers don't even realize when purchasing their vehicles.
The Auto Show may help educate buyers, but it seems to have a stigma that can drive people away from the opportunities surrounding them. Granted, they're standing in a show room with over 100 cars grossing a total value of over a million dollars - it can be a little intimidating. But isn't the purpose of having this in Detroit to remember where you came from? In fact, know where you came from was Chrysler's new motto when unveiling the new 300 (which has ZF front dampers and their ride height control system Nivomat to stabilize your ride).
As a consumer, it can be difficult to appreciate the multitude of options available when selecting a vehicle today because the overwhelming pressure to make a morally, politically, and economically acceptable decision. Finding yourself at the NAIAS in the midst of every option, along with some educated and persuasive professionals eager to share with you why their vehicle is best can have it's pros and cons.
So when it comes down to it, what do you look for in a vehicle?
Is it about looks, or performance, or something else?
For me, I want to drive a car that looks good, of course, but I don't want to sacrifice efficiency to obtain it. And vice versa. I don't care if a Prius is more aerodynamic, it looks like a pregnant rollerskate from an alien universe and I'm not going to be seen in public in it. Vehicles should meet somewhere in the middle, somewhere between functionality and fancifullness.
