The Detroit times., 1915-01-21
AUTO SHOW AN OBJECT
LESSON IN OPTIMISM
CONTINUED from Page Oaeo

OF space than the largest previous
show But they took the chance
and
We'll, this is the answer" said
President c. c. Starkweather, OF the
d. A. d. A., Wednesday night. and his
broad features fairly beamed as his
eyes swept the vista OF booths swarm
ing with interested visitors. The
spectacle was convincing proof OF the
stability OF the motor car industry
and a fofceful object lesson In op-
timism.
This show is an eyeopener for all
OF u.s." continued Mr.. StarkNeather.
"It has far exceeded our expectations
i'll every way. Look at that crowd:
and IL you will go around among the
booths you will fnd that the, people
are not merely looking but investigat-
ing, for sooner or later many of them
are going to be buyers. The man who
already owns car is looking over the
improvements and making up his
mind whether he wants to sell his old
car and buy a new one.
"As matter OF fact, we are doing
a nice business right here at the show.
Az far as my company Is concerned
the show doesn't owe us a cent, and II
Is only half over. Dealers are here
from all parts OF the territory. and
they camp right around the booth to
get line on their spring business.
Along comes one of their prospects,,
man who has been talking car for
some time, perhaps The dealer calls
him by his first name and takes him
over to look 'at the new model In
many cases these prospects are closed
on the spot and the dealer gives us
his order for the car. This same sit.
Iation is true with reference to other
companies represented here.
This show ought to convince the
bankers that they are taking no
chances in loaning money to dealers,
to enable them to purchase their cars
in the winter for spring delivery"
That this is essentially selling
show there can be no question or
course, people do not buy automobiles
as they would buy shoes or neckties.
A man doesn't step up to salesman
and say: 81 like that car; send II up"
But it is fact that several contracts
show, and every salesman--there are
has a list OF real. live prospects that
will keep him going all spring and
part of the summer. He will close
large percentage OF them, too.
Many OF the visitors who stand for
hours at time looking over car
are already sold, but will not acknowl-
edge IT, They listen eagerly as the
earnest salesman dilates on the supe-
~f l. L. oil sb
while these future purchasers are say.
ing to themselves: That's my car
he's talking about; some bus. too, be-
lieve me"
The percentage OF women visitors
is larger. than ever this year, and 1t
is revelation to hear some of them
discuss details of motor car construc-
ton. They push right into the crowds
gathered around the cut-out chassis,
of which there are several on exhibit
ton, and listen attentively while the
de- monstrators dllate on the functions
of the various parts of the engine.
Their interest in tire problems, three.
point suspension, carburetion and
kindred subjects Is real.
One woman was especially interest
ed In the demonstration OF a patent
tire remover.
THAT is just what | need" she re-
marked. IL punctured an inner tube
six times trying TO get the casing of
the wheel"
Wednesday was the banner day OF
the slow thus far. This afternoon
and this u still larger crowd
is expected. The association has
abandoned the former plan OF desig.
mating one evening OF the show as
society night" Every night Is so.
ciety right now.
A good many persons are discovering
that the best way To see the show ia
to go again. You will discover lot
o. things on your second visit that you
overlooked or passed by hurriedly on
your first inspection Go out tonight
and see for yourself. And II you've
ALREADY done the show, go out again.
IL Will do YOU good.