North American International Auto Show 2011

If you have been following me on Twitter, then you have seen my notes and comments on NAIAS.  Right after I finished the live internet broadcast of the Toyota Prius v in LA, I jumped on a plane to Detroit to the North American International Auto Show.  This is the fourth year we have hit Detroit with Toyota Live and I have to say, I am having a better time this year than previous years.  Yes, service is still slow and things still close down early, but the economy is looking up in this town and the automotive industry is a whole lot happier versus January 2009.  I ranted and raved last year about my visit and an electrical fire in Cobo Hall dampened one of the days, but I think Detroit and I have turned the corner and happily, we have a new understanding.  Check out a few fun photos from the first weekend of NAIAS:

Thanks to Joe Neuberger and Jalopnik for giving me the secret sign via Twitter to get my free CFL bulb from BYD Auto.

 I am one big day-glow orange pumpkin head while being interviewed for a local news story. Ah, convention center lighting!

Hanging with NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series champion and Toyota Racing team member, Todd Bodine.  

Photo 1 & 4:  Courtesy of Trackside Tina.

Photo 2 & 3:  Courtesy of Matthew Troyer.

Prius v Launch

Hello, I'm back!  I know I usually post a little more, but my week involved a live internet broadcast for the launch of Toyota's new Prius v and then I immediately hopped a plane to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show.  I have spent the last two days immersed in the automotive press and industry all while trying to adjust to my Eastern Time Zone.  Yawn, it isn't easy!

See if you can spot in the photo taking a photo of me, taking a photo of me, taking a photo....it's very meta.

I was honored to be asked to co-host the first internet broadcast of Connect Live with University of Toyota veteran, Dave Lee.  We rehearsed on Saturday along with the producers, Creative Design Group, to help hype the newest member of the Prius Family, the Prius v.  It is no secret that I am a proud Prius owner, so it was thrilling to be on set that day--live on the internet immediately following the press conference in Detroit.  We had a studio audience made up of Prius Chat enthusiasts, Toyota corporate, and representatives from nearby dealerships.  I was a bundle of nervous energy, but the show went off without a hitch.  Thank you to Toyota for inviting me to participate in the "Prius Goes Plural" event and many thanks to Rodney Esteban for the additional photos.

With my pal, Joe Neuberger after the shoot.  We let everyone jump into the vehicle and check out all of the new features. 

After the big event:  James, Dave Lee, me, Rodney Esteban, and Jason Kong.

One of my favorite pictures of the day.  Me and Dave goofing around before the big shoot. He's got some great Karate Kid moves.  

Photos: 1, 4-7:  Courtesy of Rodney Esteban

No photos may be reproduced or copied expressly without my permission.