New-York tribune., 1912-01-08
VALUE Of AUTO SHOWS
J. N. WiIIys Says They Aid in
Promoting Industry.
EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC
No Other Method of Reaching
People Gives Such Results to
the Manufacturer.
~ J. y. wiIlys Overland.

No one can deny that automobile shows
car industry. in creating enthusiasm and
educating the public as To the worth or
this modern mechanical invention. Few
probably realize the important part motor
car shows have played in the rapid devel-
opment of the automobile I'D the agency
they have been in introducing II 10 the
public
The interchange of ideas made possible
by the shows has 10 large extent made
possible the great strides toward the per-
fection of the modern road locomotive.
The mammoth shows have brought under
one roof the industrys leading cars and
given engineers the opportunity Of min
utely inspecting competing makes side ny
side. which would he impossible were the
shows not held
Another important feature which must
appeal to the live wire manufacturer and
dealer is the mass Of interested people
who attend the shows and the cheapness
with which they are reached when taking
into consideration with the cost 10 GO out
after the buyers rather than have ;hem
come TO the exhibitor. Manufacturers
meet the dealers. and the dealers meet
the buying public. make new acquaint-
.saces and secure the names Of those real
ly interested and who intend ~ purchase.
All this cpn he accomplished In no other
way at so small cost.
Thousands Of the rising generation are
always attracted 10 the shows by the daz-
cling and glaring features OF the decora-
tions. While they arc not buyers to-day.
tho enthusiasm created by tho beautiful
and highly polished cars with the accom-
panying attractions. makes many Of them
owners in the future. Tn" younger mem
bcrs Of families often coax their parents
into buying car.
Not only docs Young America" attend
automobile shows. hut "Old America" who
are owners OF cars. and those who arc not.
attend simply to inspect the exhibits. with
little idea Of buying, but when they leave
have either purchased or have made up
their minds 10 do so.
Automobile shows have been the direct
cause Of converting many carriage dealers
10 motor car dealers. Carriage dealers all
over the country have seen the handwriting
on the wall and the relegatlon of the horse
IN the farm. During the last season there
has been a general scramble among car
rlage dealers 10 secure a motor car agency.
The shows have become fixture and are
yearly increasing In popularity. The pub
IIc demands motor car shows, and the
shows have become such an important fac
tor that they rank with tho theatres in ap-
peallng TO the masses. From society
standpoint they have pushed the horse snow
into second place. The automobile show
stands next to grand opera, II attendance
and enthusiasm can be considered as cri-
terions.
The right time OF year for holding auto
mobile shows is a matter demanding serious
consideration The modern car has become
such a staple product and has proved its
worth as "A year round vehicle that a deh-
mite marketing season has passed 1t -
a question whether the show situation VIII
not resolve itself in a dealers convention
during the late summer months and prior
TO the fall buying. Nearly all dealers have
chosen their lines for the ensuing year be-
fore the shows are held on the other
hand. there Is no argument that winter and
early spring shows serve their purpose and
are valuable TO the trade and interesting to
The public.