Armani pantsuit for her stint on the Ford Taurus stand. One of the more stunning trends at this year's auto show is the toned-down models gracing the turntables and vehicle exhibits. They don't even want to be called models anymore. To a certain extent, looks count less today than personality and technical know-how. In terms of apparel, sequins and satin are out while polar fleece vests and pant suits are in.
Presenters say they used to bring a leotard or an evening gown to Detroit show auditions.
Now, they bring a resume. The models have evolved. The person who comes up to you at the show will know the car better than the salesman at the dealership. Taking a new tack for the 2000 show, Ford Motor Co. set up a program for presenters that included a three-day course at the Bob Bondurant School of Performance Driving in Phoenix, Ariz., in September. The 26 product presenters working the Ford Division stand drove the Ford SVT Lightning pickup truck, Mustang GT and various Ford F150 trucks under the guidance of professional test drivers.