In photos: Behind the scenes of the New York auto show with Jeremy Cato
Globe Drive columnist Jeremy Cato is in New York for the media days of the annual show. He gives us a look at what most cameras don't capture, plus commentary on the vehicles.
The 2015 New York Auto Show opened its doors to the hordes of media accredited to attend. But there was no stampede at the gates because...Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
...all the journos were lined up waiting to collect their press passes -- for as far as the eye could see. To keep costs under control, the organizers had five staff members on hand to help what we'll estimate were several thousand journos. Hmm. Who doesn't love the media?Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
This may not come as a great surprise to many of you, but just in case you were not aware: Alfa Romeo sells sex appeal. Not everyone applauds this marketing approach, though not a dissenting voice was heard among the primarily male voices on the show floor for media days. Surprised?Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Accredited media types each received this lovely canvas tote. Good for carrying USB sticks from the press conferences -- and later at home, groceries.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Belly being the operative word, of course. BMW served a very nice lunch: beef, buns and salad.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
These distinguished University of London (England) cuff links were sported by Aston Martin public relations and marketing guru Simon Sproule. He's a graduate of Kings College. Could a PR man of a legendary British car brand be better fitted than this? Impossible.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Looks like the Bloomberg TV people were off chasing a story somewhere at Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre. Or the Fox News people scared them away.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Get your ride: These "handlers" were at the exit to the Javits Centre, holding signs designed to steer their charges to the many various chauffeured cars parked outside. No transit for car bosses.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
The two faces of BMW: Here's a fine expression of the breadth of BMW AG of Munich: an S 1000 R motorbike from the Motorrad division and an i8 electrified car in the background.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
The convention centre where the New York auto show is held bears the name of this former New York Senator. He was a Republican who generally voted with the Democrats -- earning him a very low rating from the American Conservative Union. He was legendary in New York.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Yes, Lincoln had everyone doing a second take. The Continental Concept was a real hit in New York.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Passengers in back of the Mercedes-Benz Metris enjoy their own cappuccino machine.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
...some pretty comfortable reclining seats. Take me to the airport in this, please.The Globe and Mail
Santana play in the back seat of the Metris: Surround sound and a big screen for those settled into the two big executive recliners.The Globe and Mail
MKX under glass: The last time I saw a car company hide a new model under glass, it was Daimler's Maybach in Geneva years ago. Daimler eventually killed the Maybach brand, though this year it's bringing back Maybach models in the Mercedes-Benz line.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Shiro Nakamura explains the updated design of the 2016 Infiniti QX50 to a TV crew from Japan. Nakamura is the head of design at Nissan Motor.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
These lovely sign-carriers steered the wandering journos from press conference to press conference, buffet table to buffet table.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Ralf Speth, head of Tata's Jaguar Land Rover, works his tablet between interviews. No rest for even the top bosses at these shows.Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail
Meet a key member of the security detail at Jacob Javits Convention Centre -- Shea the sniffer dog with his handler. Shea is named after Shea Stadium, where the Miracle Mets of 1969 pulled a World Series upset and became beloved throughout New York. The team also won a World Series with the late Gary Carter behind the plate catching. Carter played for the Montreal Expos. So just a couple of degrees of separation between Shea the sniffer dog and Canada, correct?Jeremy Cato/The Globe and Mail