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2015 chicago auto show By Parker Carr
just the facts
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935. Here’s a handy breakdown of the stats. For the most up to date information go to www.chicagoautoshow.com.
LOCATION
McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.
DATES/TIMES
Admission to General Public: Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 22. Feb. 14-21: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 22: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ADMISSION
Tickets are available at McCormick Place on public show days or at: www.chicagoautoshow.com/tickets. $12 for Adults $6 for Seniors aged 62 and older $6 for Children 7-12 Weekday discount coupons ($6 off the regular adult admission) available at various area car dealers.
SPECIAL DAYS
Monday, Feb. 16: Family Day. Tuesday, Feb. 17: Women's Day. Women are admitted for $6. Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Friday, Feb. 20: Chicago Auto Show Food Drive. Bring three cans of food for $6 admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation. Friday, Feb. 20: Telemundo Hispanic Day. More info. Available at: www.telemundochicago.com.
ACCESSIBILITY
McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place. Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe underground garages. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/ Upper and Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place. Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround. Call 888.441.7575 or go to. www.scootaround.com/rentals/c/chicagoautoshow.
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It’s February, Must be Auto Show Time! Back in 2013 Witeck Communications asserted the total buying power of the U.S. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adult population to be $830B. That’s B as in billion, a number that is certainly higher today. So it should come as no shock that the U.S. auto industry has started marketing directly to the LGBT community. So much so that Chevrolet aired an LGBT-themed advertisement for the Traverse crossover during NBC’s Olympic broadcast. It’s interesting to note that LGBT buyers as a whole don’t deviate from convention when buying vehicles. Automotive News pegged the top selling LGBT vehicles as the Ford F-150, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic – five perennial top sellers nationwide. Luckily, there’s a Chicago event each year in February that makes shopping for a vehicle a snap. The Chicago Auto Show celebrates its 107th edition this February and we want to welcome everyone to join us at the nation’s largest auto show and discover everything that’s new on four wheels. The average age of cars on U.S. roads is 11.4 years. Think about how much the world has changed since 2003. Back then you could still pick up a brand new Pontiac Aztek or Subaru Baja. Today’s vehicles are more fuel efficient, safer and pack all of the technology to help you stay connected in a 24/7 world. Plus we like to think they are a little better looking, too! Those in the market for a new vehicle will be interested to know that Illinois made a change to the way it taxes vehicle leases. Starting Jan. 1, new vehicle leases are taxed only on the up-front money and lease payments, not on the entire value of the vehicle. This results in a potential tax savings of 50 percent for people leasing for the first time. Whether you lease or buy, the Chicago Auto Show is the best place to see all that is new in the automotive world. This year we’ll have three indoor test tracks. Go for a ride at Camp Jeep, take a spin in the Fiat 500 or check out the Toyota Camry test track. Then, get behind the wheel at one of our six outdoor test-drive opportunities. This year, more than ever, you’ll get the chance to experience all of the latest connected technologies offered by each of the manufacturers including our first look at vehicles fitted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Use your phone to win prizes at the Scion Swag Machine or battle your friends in the full-size Dodge Charger Challenge. With more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, there’s so much to do at the Chicago Auto Show. Finally, the Chicago Auto Show is an incredible entertainment bargain. Tickets are just $12 for adults. Though it may be cold outside, it’s always 72 degrees and sunny at the Chicago Auto Show. Why not come on down to McCormick Place and have some fun? If you do, be sure to get social with us using our hashtag #CAS15, you just might win one of many fabulous prizes.
See you at the Show, John Webb, Chicago Auto Show Chairman Dave Sloan, Chicago Auto Show General Manager
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CHICAGO AUTO SHOW HISTORY By Parker Carr Two modest newspaper advertisements helped promote Chicago's first official auto show in1901. Under the auspices of Motor Age magazine, the eight-day event took place inside the Coliseum, an exposition hall located on Wabash between 15th and 16th Streets. Opening night was "invite only" for the "top 20,000 families" in Chicago. General admission for the public was 50 cents per ticket, and spectators could walk among the auto displays on the first floor. The Coliseum continued as the home of the Chicago Auto Show for 35 years. Beginning with the 36th show, held Nov 16-23, 1935, the show moved to the International Amphitheatre at 43rd and Halsted. During the 1940 show, ‘Dame Fashion’ made an appearance. Standing 18 feet high, ‘Dame’ wore a hoop skirt 16 feet wide which concealed the new cars. When ready to be introduced, her curtain dress opened and a vehicle drove out to the applause of the audience. From the 1936 show to the 1940 show, each ethnic group in the Chicago area selected a representative to participate in the auto show as a "Nationality Queen." You’ll note from the picture that only white ethnic groups were included.
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At the 77th annual Chicago Auto Show in 1985 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable debuted and Ferrari introduced the Testarossa. The 1990 Chicago Auto Show offered visitors a glimpse of the 1991 model Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle, still one of the most popular vehicles on the road. A year later, the Saturn line was introduced. During the 2000 Chicago Auto Show, the hot topics were hybrids and fuel cells. It was also the year that the Fist Look for Charity event raised more than $1 million. Last year, at the 2014 show, the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4, a 21st-century, sports car that generated a whopping 1,001 horsepower and $1,487,640 price tag was the car to see. What will be the big draw this year? You’ll have to attend to find out. After WWII, The Chicago Auto Show was the first official new car automobile show to be held, in Feb. of 1950. One of the major displays was an enormous illustrated scene depicting the cloverleaf interchanges of the Congress Superhighway (now the Eisenhower Expressway) set to open in 1956. Among the inaugural events at Chicago's new McCormick Place was the 1961 Chicago Auto Show. The nine-day extravaganza took over 850 man-hours to assemble. Four weeks prior to the opening of the 1967 show, a catastrophic fire destroyed McCormick Place. A rapid reorganization returned the event to its former venue, the International Amphitheatre, where it would remain until McCormick place was rebuilt/ reopened in 1971. boiMAG 19
CONCEPT CARS
FOUR ON THE FLOOR
By Parker Carr
Concept Cars We’re Hoping to See at the Chicago Auto Show Concept cars first appeared at auto shows in 1938 with the Buick Y-Job. A concept car is a prototype made to showcase an idea, test a new styling direction, or highlight advanced technologies. Many of these vehicles are feature hybrid power-trains or are electric vehicles. Others highlight the use of renewable materials or energysaving technology. While the list of concept cars on exhibit wasn’t released by our deadline, you can bet that some of these beauties, seen at the Detroit Auto Show a few months ago will make an appearance. Here are four we’re excited to see on the floor of the auto show. The Hyundai Santa Cruz concept might just create a whole new market, the demi-pick-up truck. It’s certain to be aimed at young urban buyers. The Santa Cruz features a small open bed for hauling bulky items such as bicycles (or drag queens and boys in their underwear during the Pride parade), while also containing a small back seat for carrying friends for at least short trips.
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Acura NSX will come packed with innovations, including a slick hybrid allwheel-drive system with two electric motors in the front, a V6 engine in the back and computer-controlled power vectoring, to distribute thrust between the left and right sides of the car, depending on the conditions. It’s easily one of the most dramatic cars of the year. The street version of the NSX will debut later this year.
Luxury gets taken to the next level with the futuristic looking MercedesBenz F015. It’s not just the looks that have people talking; it features nearly autonomous driving capabilities. Mercedes presents the F015 as a “private retreat,” complete with wooden floors and swiveling chairs that can face each other in order to create a lounge-type atmosphere.
The Chevrolet Bolt, which will should be available to the consumer in two years, promises 200 miles per charge and will sell for roughly $38,000 (before tax credits) making it a possible competitor for the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i3. The Bolt EV is constructed of a trendy mix of aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber under a neon orange carbon-fiber body shell. In addition to these four cars, there are two other vehicles which straddle the line between auto and motorcycle. The Toyota FV2 uses a gyro sensor to determine the speed you should take a corner. The idea is that the vehicle ‘intuitively’ understands the rider so that aspects of trust and understanding develop which are “similar to those a rider will have with a horse.” There’s no steering wheel, the driver controls direction and speed by shifting their body weight while standing. At the moment, many safety issues remain unresolved, but Toyota insists this could be a reality within 5-10 years. The Toyota i-Road looks like a threewheeled scooter, but is a twoseat electric city car. At this point the concept version is powered by two electric motors and the batteries have a modest 30 mile range. boiMAG 21
AUTO MARKETING
TO THE GLBT COMMUNITY
Can any automotive company afford to ignore 10% of its potential market? If you’d ask automotive executives that question the response would be a resounding, “No.” Yet, that’s just what many companies do when they put together advertising and marketing campaigns that ignore the LGBT consumer. In 1995, Subaru became the first auto company to use ads targeted at gay and lesbian consumers. Nearly ten years later, its competitors are just starting to appeal to LGBT buyers. Why haven't more auto manufacturers dipped into this multimillion dollar market? "It was a way for us to connect with an under-represented consumer base," said Tim Bennett, director of Subaru of America Inc.'s marketing programs. "We felt it made good business sense, Gays and lesbians buy cars." Bennett said Subaru's LGBT ads have turned out to be a profitable decision, "We heard we were put on the shopping list because they (gay people) knew we supported the Human Rights Campaign," he said. "We were also the first auto manufacturer to offer domestic partnership benefits. We give back to the community." In 2009 General Motors hosted a gay event in the West Village to promote its new Camaro. Senior PR and marketing staff duly flew in from Detroit. The following year GM hosted “A Night OUT with Cadillac” at the New York Auto Show. Jason Laird, then Executive Director, Product & Brand for GM Communications explained why his company was reaching out to the LGBT community, “We’re marketing cars and trucks, and the fact of the matter is in the LGBT community, you’ve got people who are very brand conscious; very aware of the product they’re buying. The car generally is the most expensive thing you buy after a house, so it makes sense that you would have a direct discussion with any audience that’s interested in your product.”
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Jaguar, a part of Ford's Premiere Auto Group's luxury lineup, recently began its own ad campaign targeted at LGBT buyers. "I think it's very important that our marketing efforts match our customers," said Mark Fields, Chairman and CEO of Ford’s Premiere Auto Group. "They have to reflect our current and future buyers."
Backed be significant market research, that realization is slowly making its way through the industry. Harris Interactive, a leader in research into the buying habits of the LGBT community, reports that 88% of the LGBT and 70% of heterosexual consumers are more likely to consider a brand that is known to provide equal workplace benefits to LGBT employees.
Chart Provided by GayWheels.com
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) releases an annual list rating companies on their inclusiveness policies for LGBT employees. Many LGBT consumers use these figures when selecting a new car. The following companies scored in the upper echelon on the HRC survey: * Chrysler (Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram) * Ford (Lincoln) * GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC) * Nissan (Altima, Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, Infiniti, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue, Sentra, Versa, Xterra) * Toyota (Lexus, Scion) * Volkswagen (Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini) * Subaru (BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca)
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By Parker Carr
We’ve all heard the talk about “guy” cars and “chick” cars and we all know that it’s a lot of B.S. Still, you have to admit that sometimes you look at a car and you think it anyway. Well the same thing goes for “gay” cars. Let’s not leave out the lesbians; there are “dyke” cars, too. Sure, these play into the stereotypes; gays don’t have kids and have a strong sense of style; lesbians are practical and want sturdy vehicles. While it’s true that many gays, as with the mainstream community, view our cars as an extension of our personalities, the LGBT community also has to deal with stereotypes. Some won’t chose a car that is “too gay” while others like Judith Halberstam, lesbian professor of gender studies at the USC, don’t care. She drives a black Mazda 3 hatchback that she considers “butch” and says, “Not all gays want to present an image that is normative. A masculine woman might be excited about knowing how to fix a pickup, or drive a Mustang.” Adam Bernard, an exec at GM in 2007 stated, “Company executives do not seem to feel skittish about losing market share among straight consumers if gay buyers suddenly seize on a particular model. Frankly, 24 boiMAG
the money’s all the same color.” Since that time, more auto companies have marketed to the LGBT community and have found that as a niche market, its buyers tend to have higher discretionary income and stronger brand loyalty. So, just for a giggle, I Googled “gay cars” and found some interesting articles. One article stated, “…gay men like two door sports cars that have tops that can go down.” Maybe that correlates to the fact that gay men like to take their own tops down and go shirtless. The article, by Jim Hammel on the web site carconnection.com also stated, “…Subaru Foresters are loved by lesbians. That is part of why Subaru even makes TV ads directed at the Gay and Lesbian Community.” Hammel named the Mercedes EClass, Audi A4, Mazda Miata, BMW Z4 and Jaguar XK Coupe as the top five “gay” cars. I must be traveling in the wrong circles, as I don’t know one gay man who owns those cars, with the exception of the Miata. His pick for the top “lesbian” cars is more on the money; Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Saab Sport Combi Wagon, Ford F-150 and Hyundai Elantra. He doesn’t cite any studies.
Sam Gomez, writing on the web site, gaywheels.com, proclaimed the Fiat 500L as “The Gayest Car of 2014” saying, “almost everyone here at Gaywheels has driven it, fallen in love with it… the European versions will come with an optional Lavazza coffee maker, right there in your front seat cup holder. How gay is that?” He calls it his “Manny Van.” In the end, we are single men and women, couples, couples with children, couples without children, folks with dogs, people who need to transport things, we buy cars to impress, or for performance, or reliability. The gayest car is your car. It reflects your personality and the personalities of the LGBT community are as diverse as any other niche market. However, if we were to pick the vehicles most popular with gay men and lesbians, I’d agree with chart from gaywheels.com, the web site devoted to LGBT gearheads. Of course, this list could be completely different next year. boiMAG 25
CAR INSURANCE
AND SAME SEX MARRIAGES By Parker Carr
Since married drivers are less likely to get into accidents, insurance for married drivers is usually about 10% less than if they were single. Same sex married couples can also take advantage of other savings that come with getting insured together. If the couple has more than one car, they can combine them onto one auto policy for the multi-car discount, which reduces premiums significantly. In addition, combining home or renter's coverage with auto policies can provide a multiline discount that can lead to hundreds of dollars in annual savings. Drivers who are in a samesex marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership need to be sure to ask their insurer if they are priced the same way that opposite-sex marriages are priced. In order to receive the reduced rate, the car insurance provider will likely require that the policyholder’s relationship 26 boiMAG
fall under its definition of “marriage,” which most major insurers say hinges on state law. So a car insurer may ask for a marriage license or certificate of the civil union or domestic partnership so that it can apply car insurance pricing under the married rate. "Fundamentally, it's a question of fairness," said Michael McRaith, director of the Federal Insurance Office. Esurance, State Farm and Allstate were once among the small list of insurance companies that allow policyholders to indicate that they are in same-sex marriages, partnerships, or civil unions when applying for insurance. A spokesman for State Farm, for example, says that his company—the largest auto insurer in the country— already offers rate reductions to men and women across the
country who are married or in civil unions, regardless of their sexual orientation. Lambda Legal reports that most major insurers now “rate same-sex couples as married if they are in a civil union, domestic partnership or samesex marriage” and live in a state that recognizes those unions. Esurance goes a step further. The insurer uses the married rate formula whether your state offers domestic partnership registration or not. “If you’re in a committed relationship with a domestic partner,” Esurance said in its press release announcing the new insurance discount, “we value that commitment. No matter what your home state has to say about it.” Esurance president and chief executive officer Gary Tolman went even further, “Esurance is firmly committed to recognizing and supporting diversity for its customers. Offering additional savings to consumers regardless of where individual states stand on the issue of same-sex marriage is another measure of those commitments.”
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Rick’s AUTO SHOW edition Of course, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat at McCormick Place and the adjoining hotel. But sometimes you just want to get out for a little bit. Here are some nearby dining options. Chicago’s Chinatown is a short cab ride away and offers everything from traditional Chinese-American fare to more exotic regional cuisines. At Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer 312.326.5040), check out the “Crack Chicken”, which is as addictive as its namesake. Watching the chefs hand pull noodles is fun at Hing Kee (2140 S. Archer, 312.808.9538), but it’s even better to eat those noodles. At Go 4 Food (212 W. 23rd St., 312.842.8688), as unassuming as its name suggests, the hot and sour soup is a must. For the adventurous diner, the Szechuan cuisine at Ma Gong La Po (2215 S. Wentworth, 312.799.9173), located in the back of a bakery, offers an entire carp in a spicy broth that will make you sweat with joy. 28 boiMAG
Just a bit south of McCormick Place is another ethnic neighborhood, Bronzeville. Once the center of nightlife for the Black community, it fell on hard times, but has recently begun to reclaim its former glory. Check out Pearl's Place (3901 S. Michigan, 773.285.1700) for down-home soul-food in an up-scale setting. Jazz Country Kitchen, (518 E. 43rd, 773.924.2994) offers up similar cuisine in a more casual atmosphere with a side of music. Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles (3947 S. King Dr., 773.536.3300) offers multiple iterations of its namesake southern dish. On Sundays, the open air market on Maxwell Street offers everything from clothing to household items, but the main draw is the preponderance of food carts. Although the event started with Jewish push-cart peddlers in the 1920s, the majority of the food available now is Mexican. Try the charcoalgrilled al pastor, fresh tamales or quesadillas stuffed with huitlacoche, the Mexican version
of a truffle. If you’re hankering back for what they served during Maxwell Street’s heyday, order a Polish sausage sandwich, which is served grilled, slathered in yellow mustard and topped with grilled onions. Speaking of the old days, there are two Jewish deli/diners nearby. Manny’s (1141 S. Jefferson, 312.939.2855) is an old school cafeteria serving up gigantic corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes and every iteration of chicken soup you could imagine. Eleven City Diner (1112 S. Wabash, 312.212.1112) is a newer place, which attempts to recreate the classic Jewish Deli. While many prefer Manny’s, I think Eleven City’s food is actually better, if a bit pricier. Make certain to check out the food for which Chicago is famous, pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, sort of a Mediterranean version of the French Dip. For pizza, my favorite is Lou Malnati’s. The closest location is at 1120 N. State, midway between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue (312.725.7777). But there are many folks who swear by Connie’s (and there's an outlet of this south-side based pizza chain right in McCormick Place). There are many places to get an authentic Chicago style hot-dog (topped with mustard,
chopped onions, relish, pickles tomatoes, a sprinkling of celery salt and optional sport peppers, but never catsup). Portillo’s is a local chain that serves up a tasty version, the closest location is at 100 W. Ontario and, while it doesn’t deliver, you can call ahead (312.587.8930) and pick up your order at the drivethrough. While Portillo’s also serves a decent Italian beef, most folks thinks that the best in town is Al’s Italian Beef. The closest location is in Little Italy at 1079 W. Taylor, 312.226.4017, ask for yours “wet” and they’ll submerge the entire sandwich in the aromatic jus. Harold’s Chicken Shack is another local chain that dishes up some of the best friend chicken in the world. The closest outpost is at 2109 S. Wabash, 312.326.5575. For a sample of what the neighborhood used to be like when the R.R. Donnelly Company printed telephone books here, head down the street to the White Palace Grill (1159 S. Canal, 312.939.7167), open since 1939. The 24-hour diner attracts blue collar workers, cops, fireman and boozy hipsters after the bars close. boiMAG 29
FIRST LOOK
FOR CHARITY
For the past 23 years, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity benefit has raised more than $38 million for local charities. Those attending are among the first to see nearly 1,000 new cars and trucks, some of them on display for the first time anywhere, while enjoying global hors d’oeuvres and beverages. In addition, two attendees will win a 2015 Ford Explorer or a 2015 Ford Fusion. Black tie attire is mandatory. Prize vehicle winners must be present at time of drawings, at 8:30 p.m. The event routinely raises more than $2 million for Chicago area charities. This year, the money raised at First Look will benefit 18 local organizations. Those attending can direct the proceeds of their ticket purchase to any or all of this year’s beneficiaries, and $199 of each $250 ticket is tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Tickets for the event are $250. Contact 630.495.2282 or go to www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/buy-tickets to purchase tickets.
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