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Motown more like a ghost town

By Li Fangfang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-01-15 21:32

DETROIT: It was showtime again in the Motor City, but not as glaring, full-blown and bustling as before.

The GM building, the landmark of the Motor City, stands in gloomy and chilly downtown Detroit after a night of heavy snow. The US automaker is struggling to avoid bankruptcy with the help of federal loans. [Li Fangfang/chinadaily.com.cn]

A heavy snow on the eve of the opening day added to the chilly atmosphere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The annual event heads the list of international auto shows for 2009, which may just be the most difficult year in the history of this reeling industry.

As automakers emerge from the worst US sales year since 1992, many chose to save their dwindling funds instead of paying the high costs of participating in the Detroit show. Nissan, Suzuki Motor, Ferrari SpA, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Porsche have pulled out of the annual gathering, leading to the most subdued Detroit show in decades.

For those participating the show, it's quite disappointing. China Daily reporter Li Fangfang found the show, which used to be a big, loud celebration of industrial success, has now lost much glitz.

Some pictures Li took at the show underline the woes of the auto industry, as this year's theme is all about survival.

Visitors to the Detroit auto show are limited in number on the first media day, when most of the automakers debut their new models and hold press conferences. [Li Fangfang/chinadaily.com.cn]

 

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