I had the privilege of representing Leikin Motor Companies at the Cleveland Auto Show tonight. It was a pleasant experience to talk with former (and potential) customers about the current and upcoming product line. We still don’t know when the V60 will arrive in the states, but people are really “digging” the new S60. How could you not enjoy 300 hp and AWD in a car that size? It really does drive well.
It was also nice to chat with salesmen from the various other dealerships. Mark and Dave were there tonight and when there was a lull in the traffic we exchanged interesting stories. We also chatted with a few of the Infiniti salesmen who were located right behind our spot. This being my third year at the Auto Show, I’m beginning to recognize some of the local fixtures in the industry and the flip side is that people are also remembering me.
During a food break, I stopped by the SAAB display and chatted with “Maddie.” Apparently, the show has been very good for the brand. She noted that the Cleveland Auto Show has already paid off with ten new sales and a pre-order for the 9-4x (due in May 2011). I didn’t ask where she got her information, but if it is correct, the SAAB display has certainly paid off for the brand. Response from the Volvo customers has been good for us as well.
I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I’m thinking that the Volvo XC60 and the 9-4x are almost the same size. These two pictures were taken two years apart (not to mention a few pounds on me), but you get the idea that the two are going to be similar in size. The engine specs are also similar. The XC60 offers a 240 hp I-6 and a 300 hp T6 while the 9-4x offers a 265 hp V6 and 300 hp 2.8T V6. Time will tell if the SAAB drives as well as the Volvo.