Return to the Auto Show

I consider myself a very lucky person. Over the last four decades, I have been able to be directly involved with one of my passions - the automotive industry. But lately, I’ve been so busy traveling with my job as the Local Marketing Manager for Universal Technical Institute’s campus in Glendale Heights, Ill. that it was only recently I realized I had not been to the Chicago Auto Show in about three years. I remembered how the auto show not only recharged my batteries, but also got me caught up with the newest technologies and gave me a small glimpse into the future with the concept cars.

I thought it was about time to ignite a spark and revisit the annual February event.The show started off great. Standing in line, waiting to get in, you could feel the buzz in the air…it was electric! There was a lot of talk about what carline was the best and my excitement was growing by the second. I couldn’t wait for that “Wow!” moment.

The show was divided into two halls. One side was mostly imports and the other was domestics, vendors and independent car companies. The first thing I saw was the Porsche display- what a great way to start the day! Being a performance enthusiast, there was no better choice. I was amazed that a company known for racing and performance also included a lot of safety innovations. As I made my way around the floor, there was one “Wow!” moment after another. And I was only halfway through the show.

As I headed over to the domestics, I couldn’t wait to see what was in store. Being familiar with the Ford Motor Company, especially due to UTI’s partnership through the Ford Accelerated Credential Training-FACT program, I was not disappointed. The Ford display was huge!  There was everything from the smaller hybrids to the large work trucks. There was one impressive moment after another, but I started noticing the technology inside the vehicle was even more impressive than the vehicle alone.

I was excited to see the radar systems - or in aircraft terms “TCAS” (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) - that were installed in the vehicles to make them safer. Since I have been teaching advanced automotive technology for the past 9 years, I know about “multiplexing” and “CAN” systems, self-learning and self-diagnosing computers. Companies today are now combining GPS systems with new radar systems and developing programmable self-driving vehicles. Back in the day we always joked about how cars are becoming so advanced that one day they are going to drive themselves, and well…its happening!

If there is anything that teaching at UTI has taught me, it’s that the automotive industry is dynamic, evolving and constantly changing – at an incredible pace. I’m glad that at UTI-Glendale Heights, we train our students to become qualified entry-level auto technicians that are ready to work on the cars of today and tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what new advances will be featured at next year’s Chicago Auto Show.

Mike Vivona is the Local Marketing Manager for Universal Technical Institute in Glendale Heights, Ill. For more information: www.uti.edu.