Last week, I took the opportunity to spend a day at the 2008 North American International Autoshow in Detroit, MI. Like every year, it’s an opportunity to take a peek at the body styles of upcoming vehicles as well as to marvel at concept cars and “high-dollar” vehicles like a $250,000 Bentley.

But your obvious question is probably, “what does the autoshow have to do with my business”? Well, quite frankly alot.

By growing up and still living in the “automotive capital of the world” you gain a sense of strong branding and customer loyalty. I mean, we’re talking the strong, fisticuff-type loyalty to a particular automotive brand. Some only drive Ford vehicles. Others are partial to the Chrysler or Dodge nameplate. And still others will only consider driving a GM product such as a GMC or Chevy. In today’s day and age, many are now very loyal to the New Domestic manufacturer’s such as Toyota, Honda, VW, Hyundai, Kia, etc.

While standing around vehicle platforms at an Autoshow, it often doesn’t take long to figure out the loyalty of someone around you. Brief statements about likes or dislikes turn to disagreements and even heated discussions over WHY each person prefers one vehicle over another.

For me personally, I don’t have or demonstrate a particular brand loyalty when it comes to vehicles. However, many of you do. And if so, have you ever stopped to think WHY? (more…)