On Second Thought, Nissan Goes to Chicago Show

Nissan North America changed its mind about having a display at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

According to a spokesman for the Chicago Auto Trade Association, which produces the show, Nissan decided late on Nov. 26 to have a Chicago display, after all.

The trade association cited this statement from Nissan: “At the national level, Nissan North America decided to withdraw from both the Chicago and Detroit shows. After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times.”

That probably means Nissan’s Chicago-area dealers will help with the expense and/or the staffing of the display.

Nissan said in the statement that it will stick with its decision to withdraw from the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in January.

“Given the extraordinary economic and industry climate, all well-managed companies have a fiduciary responsibility to review strategies and tactics for going to market. As everyone knows, the automotive industry is facing severe and prolonged headwinds in North America and around the world,” the company said.

“It’s a climate that demands decisions that are often difficult and even controversial,” Nissan said.