Sneak Peek at 1999 North American International Auto Show
29 December 1998
Sneak Peek at 'Must See' 1999 North American International Auto Show ExhibitsDETROIT, Dec. 28 -- A Pennsylvania forest, a potential world record structure, and a three-level, oscillating turntable are just a few of the sights to behold at the 1999 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, according to the George P. Johnson Co. (GPJ), the world's largest independent custom exhibit and event company, which has designed and manufactured exhibits for ten car companies this year. Chief Executive Officer Robert G. Vallee, Jr., offers the following list of what to be on the lookout for at NAIAS '99. * Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep This impressive exhibit boasts more than 42,000 square feet in combined space, and embodies the international design and architecture for which Chrysler Corporation has come to be known. Although each brand is represented distinctively with specific materials and fabrics, a two-tiered structure is the common thread through the three divisions. Interactive display telescopes allow viewers to gaze at vehicles, video, graphics and awards. A massive 20'x16' mural depicting the 300M vehicle is actually a compilation of 2,800 smaller mosaic pieces of historic Chrysler brand photography. Look for a triple oscillating turntable mounted with a Chrysler concept car and suspended above the exhibit floor. This interactive component gyrates in three directions, and allows onlookers to tilt, rotate and control the speed of the mounted concept car. * Subaru GPJ takes the notion of "creating an environment" quite literally with this spectacular exhibit. The atypical auto show property depicts a Pennsylvania forest on a spring day, complete with 25' trees, a waterfall, and a pond. A second-story New England garden provides a panoramic view of Cobo Hall. Each sense will be tantalized through the use of scent machines, sound effects and tactile stimuli. * Cadillac GPJ has created a bold, contemporary image through the use of materials such as stainless steel, titanium and glass. The display is designed to underscore the sophisticated, high technology design of the new Evoq concept roadster and reflects Cadillac's commitment to blend elements of art and science in its products. The Evoq is mounted on a turntable designed with an angular, faceted look found in computer-inspired designs such as the Stealth fighter. The concept display is accentuated by a multi-media presentation using high technology projection and screen systems. * Honda Interactive is the name of the game at the 1999 Honda exhibit. The area boasts an inviting interactive center theme area located next to the Honda concept vehicle. A newly enhanced Champ race car display features race footage on plasma monitors, a race driver's helmet showcase and an integrated engine display, all of which celebrate Honda's championship victories and racing heritage. * Acura Acura's notion of "luxury and performance come together like never before" is reflected through its significantly European exhibit, which conveys luxury through the use of rich materials and performance through exposed metal architecture. The exhibit features glass showcases wrapped in a gallery environment. One of fifty Alex Zanardi Edition NSX vehicles will be highlighted with a unique motorsports exhibit. * Saab A raised glass floor and a whole lot of ice shape the centerpiece fixture on this pristinely distinctive and lovely exhibit. 1,500 fluorescent lamps embedded in the raised glass highlight the vehicles, which are literally suspended on the glass -- no steel is used in this display. 60 tons of ice manufactured by a local ice company is nestled into the glass floor. A 12'x40' frosted video screen rests on top of this post-modern ice castle. * Saturn Saturn uses an international architectural style to appeal to an audience ranging from baby boomers to Generation Xers. GPJ's designers created a layout of transparent walls made of plexiglas suspended on aluminum frames that allow passers-by to view the interior of the exhibit, yet, when lit, encapsulate individuals within the exhibit. An enclosed hexagon theater rises 25' feet above the exhibit floor and features six innovative 12'x18' rotographics. These eye-catching billboards project rotating images of the Saturn logo, tagline and a mural of the new Saturn vehicle. * Toyota Things are looking up (literally) at the Toyota exhibit. The company is using six- and eight-foot weather balloons perched above the exhibit floor as screens for full-color images of Toyota's new production and concept vehicles. A 16'x70' mural displays graphics consistent with Toyota's new approach to the younger buyer. * Nissan GPJ plans to unveil a structure of magnanimous dimensions to present its new Nissan Xterra production vehicle. Rumor has it that this particular auto show architecture may set a world record. * Infiniti Performance and luxury are the name of the game with the Infiniti exhibit, which features bold graphics and custom-composed music in surround sound. A 3'x5' rear projection screen formed with plexi material is flush mounted in the display wall and offers running footage of Media vision/I vision. Established in 1914 and based in Auburn Hills, Mich., George P. Johnson Co. is a full-service, single-source exhibit and event resource with divisions specializing in automotive, trade show, and international accounts as well as special events. The company produces complex shows and events worldwide through offices in Torrance, Calif., San Jose, Calif., Boston, and Brussels, Belgium.