The biannual Dutch car show at the RAI complex in Amsterdam continued its transition from a dealer oriented presentation to a genuine car show in 2003. The organizers had to cope with a decline in interest from the exhibitors side, BMW and Daihatsu decided not to attend, but in effect this was remarkably unnoticeable. Looking back to past shows it has to be said that BMW didn't made much of an effort the last few times anyway, so their absence didn't really hurt the quality of the show. But still it's a shame because BMW proves they do know how to make a quality exhibition two times a year in relatively nearby Essen, Germany (at the Techno Classica and the Essen Motor Show) with elaborate and expensive displays, often even bigger than those of Mercedes. In Amsterdam however the BMW display is usually dwarfed by that of Mercedes, and apparently now BMW has thrown in the blanket completely. This can't be good for their image...
The space Daihatsu was leaving was eagerly picked up by the Korean manufacturers, with Daewoo moving to Daihatsu's old spot and Kia and Hyundai presenting themselves with larger displays. Since they're all competing in the same part of market it's obvious Daihatsu left more than just space, they left an opportunity which may cost them dearly.

I have to say the more car shows I attend (and that's a lot) the more I appreciate this venue and especially its location. The RAI complex is huge, bright and makes for wonderful photographs. It's actually a larger (and older) car show than most of the other, more acclaimed, European car shows, and really deserves more international respect. This year the show was more spacious in set-up, presenting much better photo opportunities (which clearly is the way to go looking at the abundance of people with cameras present) than before and most makes turned up with wonderfully designed displays which were a pleasure to look at. Which make had the best display? Hard to say this time really, the general standard was pretty high. Which had the worst then? Hmm, I think this title has to go to the display of Toyota on the account of being dark and boring (just regular cars on display).
To continue a RitzSite tradition I present the 2003 edition of the AutoRAI to you by showing the special show and concept cars on display in this tour. I hope you'll enjoy...

...continue by clicking the arrows pointing right...