Nissan Abandons 2009 Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows

Automotive News is reporting that Nissan is pulling out of the 2009 Detroit and Chicago auto shows, citing poor economic conditions as the reason.

Nissan spokesperson Alan Buddendeck said the decision "is not a commentary on auto shows or any cities. When we looked closely we determined that this is not the best place to put our marketing dollars," given the slow market.

Nissan had been expected to show two new light commercial vehicle concepts in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including a van, dubbed the NV2500, and possibly a heavy-duty pickup.

According to Nissan spokesperson Tim Gallagher, the decision not to attend the auto shows has no impact on Nissan's short- or long-term LCV plans. The commercial concepts are expected to be shown to journalists outside the events.

Nissan's new LCV family has been designed for the North American market and will be manufactured starting in 2010 at Nissan's Canton, Miss., factory.

Nissan produces and sells the Frontier midsize and Titan full-size pickups in the U.S.

Mitsubishi and Suzuki have also said they will not exhibit their cars and trucks at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Their trucks include the Mitsubishi Raider, based on the Dodge Dakota, and Suzuki Equator, based on the Nissan Frontier.

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