What We Saw on Day 2 at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show
The second media day of any auto show is usually quieter and less crowded than the first — especially when there aren't as many press conferences to attend. In fact, during the second day at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, auto suppliers took center stage due to the lack of automaker press conferences. We had time to walk more slowly from booth to booth and see what new, interesting products suppliers were displaying.
Related: More 2019 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
Whether you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, a trip to a local auto show is well worth the time and entrance fee. Not only will you get a chance to see all the latest offerings from the big automakers — without the high-pressure push from a hovering salesperson — but you're also likely to learn about industry trends and future technologies, especially if some powertrain and chassis suppliers are showing off their merchandise.
If you're able to attend the Detroit show, it opens to the public Saturday and runs through Jan. 27 at the Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 26, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Admission is $14 for adults, $7 for senior citizens 65 and older and children ages 7-12, and free for kids 6 or younger with a parent or guardian. For more information, visit the show's website.
Meanwhile, here's what caught our eye on Day 2 of media days at the 2019 Detroit auto show:
Toyota Tacoma Bed
The Toyota has done quite well promoting the composite bedliner it installs in all the Tacoma. The liner combats bed rust, dents and scratching. But we noticed something with the three models at the Toyota booth: None of them had the usual storage bin on the driver's side of the back bed sidewall. As it turns out, this is a change for all 2019 models, which will offer the full storage cubby unit only on the passenger side; a smaller cubby can be had if the inverter with weather-sealed three-prong bed outlet is ordered. We'll find out why this change was made and let you know.
Custom Trucks for Sale
We've noted that this year's auto show has a different vibe than in years past due in large part to the dearth of German automakers. Volkswagen is the only German brand at the show this year. That means there was a lot of extra floor space for show organizers to fill. As we've seen at the Chicago Auto Show, premium dealers are willing to bring their inventories to an auto show and set up a supercar and truck sales lot. Our favorite was the Laser Yellow lifted Hummer H2 and more traditional Gloss Black first-generation Hummer H1 with the Detroit Diesel power plant. Of course, there were plenty of Corvettes, Lamborghinis and Ferraris on hand.
Kia Grabs the Spotlight
With extra space available for a more creative display, Kia built a track to highlight some of the capabilities of the all-new 2020 Telluride three-row SUV. A monster high-definition screen towered over the length of the test track with the SUV's name emblazoned across it. You have to give Kia credit for creating an interesting small off-road track (really just a few dirt mounds with a single bumpy section) that lured many journalists into taking a test drive. Consumers will be able to do the same during the public days.
Old-School 4xFun
It's not every day you see a new vehicle with a pair of live axles and four-corner leaf suspension on an auto show floor. Mahindra Automotive North America's Roxor is basically a large side-by-side off-road vehicle that looks like a downsized 40- to 50-year-old Jeep CJ. The Michigan-built vehicle uses a sturdy, low-tech ladder frame and a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder diesel engine. Indian heavy-duty truck manufacturer Mahindra also sells agricultural equipment in the U.S., but this new offering looks like a ton of fun. There's no word yet on a Mahindra pickup truck, but it seems like a no-brainer to us.
Cars.com photos by Christian Lantry, Mark Williams
Comments
Agreed. The Mahindra looks like a blast.
We can only assume that the government safety-nannies and the bozos at the big insurance companies will try to get it banned, or at the very least prevented from on-road use.
Nothing that is so much fun should be allowed.
Please inquire with Toyota as to when we will have a redesigned Tundra. The power train in the Tundra hasn't changed since the truck was launch as a true full size truck as a 2007 model. The Tundra is dependable however its way behind in fuel economy. The big three have engines that have more hp, torque and better fuel economy!
The interior and features are way behind as well. No push button start, no Apple car play etc.
Thank you
Papajim. The roxor is not legal for onroad use and is speed liited to 55 mph.
@Dan
Thank God! For a second I thought that people might try to use it for transportation, instead of simply having fun. I can rest easier now. (Sarcasm fully intentional)
Mahindra came here several years ago and was a failure of epic proportions. Think before you type.
fake jeff
Fake news from papajim.
@Jeff s You are fake. My news is all facts and all real.
papajim--You are fake news. Get off the internet.
The roxor is not legal for onroad use and is speed liited to 55 mph.
Posted by: Dan | Jan 17, 2019 9:17:51 AM
Real news. papajim did not know that
Get off the internet.
Posted by: the fake Jeff | Jan 17, 2019
Get off the internet??? I AM THE BLEEPING INTERNET
Good luck, spazz
from the real papajim, if people don't stop using my user name I am going to report you to the authorities.
The top pic is that a Toyota? or is it a Ford F-150 mixed with something else? Or ahh I see that’s the CHEVYOTA TUNDERADO. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
The top pic is that a Toyota? or is it a Ford F-150 mixed with something else? Or ahh I see that’s the CHEVYOTA TUNDERADO. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Surprising that show is such a turd given all the sales and money manufacturers are making from pickups and SUV sales.
Roxor --> leaf springs = rides like crap. Either buy a regular side-by-side or a used 1997+ Wrangler.
This is the real Jeff. The Mahindra Jeep is meant for off road use only. Just a simple vehicle that is off road vehicle. I do miss good and simple vehicles but with safety and emission standards they just don't exist anymore.
fake jeff
Holy jeez. You're site just allows kids like Chingon to post garbage here?
This site has more mentally Reta*rded posters then any other site on the internet, no joke.
@Snowman - Stupidity is not a crime so you are free to go.
fake Papajim
Roxor is legal for road use in AZ, but not divided highways or interstates.
The speed limiter is easily defeated.
It has safety features, but not the nanny features.
The ride isn’t bad, better than a 2seat RZR with the same sized tires. Simplicity>complexity. Just ask CanAm owners.
fake james
fake james
Posted by: papajim | Jan 17, 2019 8:44:59 PM
Fake papajim.
fake james
Posted by: papajim | Jan 17, 2019 8:44:59 PM
Fake papajim.
Posted by: papajim | Jan 17, 2019 9:11:19 PM
Fake papajim.
Sociopathic sheep rancher
I'm reporting you for bullying. This is the metoo era.
I'll give you the Bullying office phone number. Please reply with your email address.
We won't share it with anybody except legitimate marketers, political campaigns, russian tro*l farms and fund raisers.
The Ford fanboys have ruined this comments section, bigly. This is what happens when there is nothing new from Ford for them to get excited about. I guess it is going to take some time before the comments section improves.
Really gmsrgreat...you yourself have almost single handly ruined this site. Some of your comments could only come from a moron.
Papajim. The roxor is not legal for onroad use and is speed liited to 55 mph.
Posted by: Dan | Jan 17, 2019 9:17:51 AM
X2 that papajim had no clue. He then got his little closet snowflake feelings hurt and tried to make you look like the bonehead. It's just him. If he knew 1/2 as much as he claims, he'd have a colony thriving on a distant planet by now. The reality is he lives on PUTC and spreads useless, unrelated fake news.
I would buy the Mahindra and use it to take my sister out on dates, but I like workin' on my Chivy truck too much. Plus my sister won't see me no more.
@I would buy the Mahindra and use it to take my sister out on dates, but I like workin' on my Chivy truck too much. Plus my sister won't see me no more.
FAKE FAKE FAKE PAPA
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