New-York tribune., 1908-12-22
VALUE OF AUTO SHOW
KEEN DEM IND FOR SPACE.
H. O. Smith Says Do1HfaH Of the
Horse Is at Hand

H. .. Smith. chairman of tie show committee Of
the American Motor car Manufacturers Associa-
ton under the auspices of which the automobile
show will be held the Grand Central Palace on New
Years Eve and following days says in article
on The Value and Future Of Automobile Shows
that at time in the history of automobile shows
since their inception In this country in 1900 has
there been so great demand for space this
year.
He also predicts the downfall Of the horse, and
says that the automobile exhibition has relegated
the horse show into secondary position from
society point of view and stands next to grand
opera II attendance and enthusiasm may be taken
correct barometers. Mr.. Smith says:
Automobile shows are increasing popularity
Tr az 80 the die and tbt nutiic ali
automobile show has become such an important
9aF % the has It ITs # Ea %n regsed tie horse
into second position from a society standpoint.
as is amply demonstrated by the reduction IN a %
mand and prices paid for horse show boxes al tne
mobile show now stands next to grand opera II
attendance and enthusiasm may be taken as correct
The ndustrx has soH9 to IS such 1c Pr4R0ff9es fsoss
for CARRYING the exhibits all the manUfactur-
in one show 1t may he that the show situation
venton, TO held during the late summer
months an9 P%g ars to f 6aga S cRasan e lines and
made arrangements for the coming season before
tbeTe IS no doubt that winter early spring
the trade and very interesting to the puolc al
rev realize the important part automobile shows
| have PLAYED in the rapid and wonderful develop
they have been n introducing me automonie 10 aas
purchasing public ~ Is the 1nt-Ecns1sS VI Iii =
the experience of others which have made possible
| the great strides toward the perfection OF the
Most Of the practices employed IN the modern
merely put to new uses Autonohile shows are the
clearing house for new ideas They have also ecu
| effect Of fmpressing upou the pubic the Tnasnl-
tude and progress made by the automoohe IN
ous1a5 Another important feature which appeals to
ever manufacturer and dealer. IL the great body
of interested people who attend the shows and the
cheapness with which & tRey are Are s 4 so o g aftr
the buyers rather than have them so to the eX-
aifnmobfIe show The manufacturers who exhibit
practically every live dealer VINO goes 10 me
shows from the most remote points dealers mee1
the buying public. make new acquaintances ana
9eaiI Interested and intend to purchase This
not be ACCOMPLISHED in any other way al SO sIlal
S cadSSe 81 81 IitoI6nbiIa M disfri6uteTs
The handwriting on the wall Is plainly seen py
The carriage dealers and the inevitable downfall Of
the horse and its relegation to the farm us Is being
There ere carriage men who have attended auto
a contract but attended the shows through mere
with the intention Of having automobile
side line. but gradually the motor sales ever
finally awoka L. the fact that the automobile was
rage was side line rather than the automobile.
The glartng ana dazzling features Of the vel
decOrat ted show always attract thOUSa DdS Tf the
rising generation. While IL is true that they are
not buyers to-day. the enthusiasm created by the
highly polished cars. with the ACCOMPANYING a.
fractions creates in them desire to own an auto
mobile and makes many OF them future pIr-
ChaSerS.
Not only do carriage dealers attend automobile
shows from a standpoint Of curiosity. hut those
who are owners Of cars and those who are not at
simply inspect the exhibits and the beautl-
ful darora tions. with idea of making purchases.
but when they leave have either placed an order
o. have made up their minds to do 81 at later
date
There IS no question in my mind that interest
vii regarding aUtcmo bile shows and be
Eeve that great majority Of manufacturers and
believe that better returns FOR the money
invested secured through exhibiting At aUtono-
bile shows than in any otherrwe--