The LA and Chicago shows have been making the case tat they, in fact, are the top dog.

Not helping this year is the fact that six marques will be missing from Detroit’s show floor this year – Nissan, Mitsubishi, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari and Suzuki. Nissan is also off the floor at Chicago, held in February, and based on what happens in Washington, others may follow.

Oddly, though, Detroit show officials point to the condition of venerable Cobo Hall, host of the show, as a reason for the decline. Perhaps the organizers should consider that total lack of excitement generated by recent vehicle releases.

I go to the Cleveland Auto Show, which is put on by the local car dealers, every couple of years. This festival of metal is by no means as good as Detroit, Chicago or, really, any of them. The nearly $20 ticket is enough of a turnoff that I really don’t need to see what I could pretty much witness at the local auto mile – uninspired design, poor finish and lack of practicality.

So while they are freshening up Cobo Hall, maybe automakers can take some time to freshen up their offerings, too.

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– Jim Smith