Ladies, Start Your Engines…An Insider’s Guide To The New York International Auto Show

The New York International Auto Show is quickly approaching. It’s an auto-enthusiasts playground full of cars, trucks and more happening April 18th – 27th, 2014.

In my work, as a journalist, I enjoy sharing my passions and insights. I am excited to team up with SheBuysCars for the NY Auto Show Girls Night Out Party, sponsored by Toyota, and Dr. Oz Magazine.

I must tell you the NY Auto Show isn't just a guy's thing; it's a shopping mall of cars filled with things that speak to your lifestyle including: more environmentally friendly cars, cutting edge technology, and cars that enhance personal style and reflect style trends. We want you to join in on the fun, so check out the end of this post for a twitter party on April 14, 9-10pm with great prizes including tickets to the show.

I regularly attend Auto Shows around the country and follow the international shows as well.   

Here are some things that caught my eye at recent auto shows:

STAND OUT CONCEPT CAR: Toyota FT-1

Designed by Toyota’s CALTY design facility on the US West Coast, the FT-1 was the only genuine surprise at the Detroit auto show. A traditional, rear-drive sport coupe format with proportions to match, the main surprising aspect of this car is the surface language which departs from recent Toyota concepts, moving towards the group’s upmarket Lexus brand. A full interior was shown, featuring an impressive mix of holographic and heads-up display, with race-car style steering wheel buttons. The car was designed superficially for the Playstation GT6 game, in an attempt to engage and excite youngsters with the brand.

Key Details:
- F1-like nose ahead of plexi-glass bonnet cutout showing engine
- Cockpit very digital, with heads-up and 3-D displays

Cars: Toyota FT-1

INTERIOR INNOVATIONS: Apple’s CarPlay

Apple’s CarPlay interface made its debut in Geneva with Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes acting as the launch partners. Demoing in Volvo’s own new interface in the Concept Estate, CarPlay has effectively been given ¼ of available real estate on the home screen, and then expands out into a familiar set of Apple icons. Interestingly, it runs alongside – not on top of – Volvo’s own system. In this regard, mapping and navigation could come either from Volvo or Apple.

Cars: 1,2,3,4. Apple CarPlay

KEY SHOW THEMES: Interactive Social Media

Trying to increase their reach and engagement with customers via social media remains a top priority for most car brands but whether the kids think it’s cool is another matter. With Audi recently becoming the most talked-about brand at CES 2014 (ahead of traditional consumer electronics’ brands), there are signs that cars are becoming cool again in the eyes of wider media and perhaps with online trend setters too—something that car makers are keen to exploit.

Cars:
1+2. Chevy’s Greenbrier photobooth proved popular on public days

3. Chevrolet also went old-school, handing out buttons and trading cards
4. Nissan encouraged visitors to snap a “Nissan selfie”
5. Honda’s simple but novel solution to display latest technology and HMI was to fit a large demo button in the car
6. Honda #hashtagged all of its cars

WHAT: Twitter party – Life in Cars- New York Auto Show

Join us on our April 14th Twitter Party when we chat all things auto as we get ready for the New York International Auto Show. From what cars will be the must sees, to how to stay healthy in our cars to what to wear and essential style trends, we will chat about what you need to know and give away tickets to attend.

WHEN: April 14, 9-10 pm ET (8-9 pm CT; 7-8 pm MT; 6-7 pm PT)

WHO: Panelists @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomOf3 @CindyRichards @ramblingstump@mommosttraveled @strollerincity @LeAuraLuciano @primetimeparent @savvymomnyc@HaveSippy @VictoriaPerricon @xoxoLizza @tarametblog @GlamazonDiaries @MacaroniKidNYC

PRIZES: We will be giving away 3 4-packs of tickets to the New York Auto Show.

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