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December 01, 2016
WindRestrictor® is hoping your family is having a great Christmas. While your son/daughter/nephew/niece is either exuberant, or faking the feeling for fear of Santa Claus going down the wrong chimney next year, most of us are looking under the tree for something to make our vehicle go faster, or perform better or look cleaner. Cars are a status symbol and means of expression, just as much as a convenient means of transportation. The human need to peacock can be seen from jacked up trucks, to advertising banner adorned city buses, all the way back to the "my child is a student at" bumper sticker on a soccer mom's SUV.
So, a natural progression was born from man's love affair with his precious motorized carriages. Like an industrial place of worship, you can see scores of people the world over gazing sometimes solemnly, sometimes jubilantly, at these marvels of engineering like they were sacred relics.
Where then do we bow our heads in respect for these marvelous machines? Whether it be 33 people or 33,000, you'll find that answer in car shows! Car shows are more than just a few collectors getting together to ride around in vehicles from a bygone era (although those do still certainly exist and are very popular), they evolved to arena filling spectacles that can pack 1000s of enthusiasts together to swap ideas and praise. Let us take you on a global voyage to look far and wide for the most visited, and talked about, shows the auto industry has to offer. We'll start in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia: Tokyo Motor Show
If you want futuristic and over-the-top, you can safely look to Japan for both. Wondering how this would apply to cars? Look no further than the world famous Tokyo Auto Show! This year's show just passed us, and like every year before it, the show delivered.
This show is packed full of concept cars. Most of the Southeast Asian car companies and big name foreign corporations such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as well as Ford for a few years, have represented the future of automobiles. Ever seen a Bugatti Veyron? The Veyron is the fastest street legal car and was on display at their 2005 gathering. In 1997 the Maybach was a concept car revitalization at the motor show which brought about a new era of luxury for the automotive world.
While speed and luxury have certainly been on display, the absolutely bizarre have been more than represented as well. How about a Toyota Alphard Hercule? It looks like a Transformer was on it's way to switch from car to robot and gave up half-way through. What about a Toyota FCV Plus? I dare anyone to look at this vehicle and not once think "Tron".
The Middle East: Dubai International Motor Show
Really hard to believe a region swimming in oil would also have a major international car show isn't it? Yep, not so much. Dubai International Motor Show is held once every two years and attracted over 100,000 people over three days in 2015. The opulence the area is known for is on full display as you can look on at a plethora of vehicles and companies just eager to show off their latest engineering.
Ford, Chevrolet, Fiat/Chrysler, Bentley, Dodge, Ferrari...The list is almost as long as the line to get in. The show is packed with features as well! How about the exhibit for Motoring Nostalgia? Ignition Talk Live was a place where you could talk to experts about everything from drifting to technology and design. Are you into motorcyclist? Well, Dubai has that too! The Biker's Arena is the spot to get your fix of all things two and three wheeled.
Sure, The Middle East has a reputation for being a dangerous place. However, it can also be a place of extreme opulence, history and engineering. If this wasn't enough to make you hop a jet, we just gave you one more reason!
Europe: International Motor Show Germany
Frankfurt isn't just sausage and warm beer! The IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) AKA International Motor Show Germany, is known worldwide as one of the greatest car shows in Europe. Not a huge shock considering Germany is known as a mecca for automotive excellence.
Since 1979, the IAA has been showcasing the finest in production and concept cars. To give you an idea of how popular this even is, on no less than three occasions the event has hosted 1,000,000+ people and 100,000+ twenty different times. The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and Sistine Channel look out!
This show isn't just another tourist attraction however, there's meat and potatoes with that sauerkraut. The first fully electric powered Porsche (Porsche Mission E) made it's debut at this very car show. Jaguar rolled out it's first ever SUV (F-Pace) at a past IAA. Also, the smallest convertible on the road, the Smart Fortwo was displayed in all it's tiny splendor. If you want scenery in and out of a show, the IAA is definitely the destination for you!
Africa: The SA Festival of Motoring
Even in the most exotic of locales, car show are springing up and showing off the wares of top global automotive manufacturers. When people hear the word "Africa", they instantly think of safaris and getting closer to miles of untouched nature. But, in South Africa, The SA Festival of Motoring (formerly the Johannesburg International Motor Show) is all the rage.
A biennial auto show held in October, the exhibition has boasted over 48,000 square feet of space inside, and another 43,000 square feet of outdoor space. So, there's more than enough room to park the various vehicles making their African premieres. Vehicles like the beautiful BMW-I8 made their debut in shows past. Also, a very interesting waiter named Honda Asimo served libations to hungry and thirsty festival goers. A robot food server only miles away from live lions and zebras? Where else can you see such a diverse array of "life" besides a car show?
While the show had it's problems in the past, it seems that the rebirth just made the event more popular and stable. A welcomed addition to South Africa, a growing economic power on the world stage. The beautiful views don't end in the jungle, visit The SA Festival of Motoring to see the best Africa has to offer!
Oceania: MotorWorld Sydney
As if you needed another reason to journey to the land of kangaroos and koalas! MotorWorld Sydney is the place to be for friendly Aussies and awesome rides! This brand new exciting event is hosted in fabulous Sydney and promises to be a big player on the international scene!
MotorWorld Sydney is loaded with great events to ensure everyone is having a great time. The last event even sported family and ladies days. Welcome additions to the normal car show script to keep the whole brood interested. Dad, don't get nervous! There's still plenty to do for you. The Mega Test Fest allows you to test drive one of 50 different cars! Everything from Alfa Romeos to GMCs to Lotuses to Volvos are on hand to tear up the Aussie track.
In the past Australia has had trouble with sponsors and attendance when holding auto shows. But, with the unique features on display at this event, both should be rejuvenated to make this event a go for years to come. The sky's the limit and the future is bright for this great auto fest in the land of Oz.
South America: São Paulo International Motor Show
Brazil, is the home of Carnival, Vale Tudo and the world famous Christ the Redeemer statue. It's a mecca for sports and fun. So, if you're going to throw an auto show in South America, what better place than Brazil? The São Paulo International Motor Show is the número um destination for vehicles big and small.
As I write this, the auto show is happening right now! Hyundai's first compact SUV is on display, a restyled Chevrolet Tracker and Renault Captur are some of the fresh off the assembly vehicles on display. The event's organizers are expecting 750,000 people. That's quite a turn out and very believable considering the demographics of São Paulo alone. Check out the Dream Lounge, Test Drive Tracks or the Automotive Trade Area if you want to take home a souvenir.
Brazil is known as a place of immense beauty and a jubilant culture. Use the country's versatile appeal to get your significant other on the next jet. This is a car show that has it all in a nation with something for everyone.
North America: The WindRestrictor® United States Tour
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November 09, 2016
Hello there, to customers new and old, and those who have yet to discover what wonderful products Windrestrictor® provides. My name is Erica Kersey-Doherty, and I'm the Graphic Artist here at Windrestrictor®.
My role is to personally handle and assist individuals with their custom orders. I work with people from almost every walk of life, of all ages and interests, and from almost every country in the world. So many different people from so many different backgrounds, all with the same love for their cars. I also have the good fortune to help gift givers create something meaningful, beautiful and long-lasting to share with their loved ones and friends.