Over the past several years, New York’s Auto show has managed to remain relevant due to the city’s generous stock of media outlets and consumer population. 2024 felt as though the thinning out of participating brands was finally reducing the stature of the show. There were still two generous press days however only a small number of actual new reveals. It wasn’t quite the unrecognizable transformation the the Detroit auto show has become, but the backward slide feels stronger.

Best Stand: Infiniti

Budgets for stand design and construction may be a lot thinner now versus a decade ago but Infiniti have brought a series of stands to NYC recently that project an elevated tone, are visually distinct and seemingly very budget friendly (2022 is still a personal favorite).

A combination of trees and a colonnade of wood slats divided the Infiniti floor pad into vignette zones featuring current models and a central pad for the flagship QX80 SUV debuted in New York.

Several scrim layered volumes contained technology demos and hospitality components. Dynamic lighting played a key role in shifting the entire space from simulated mid-day sunshine to moody indigo hues of blue hour.

Showfloor Tour

Hyundai group overall made the biggest impression on the show both in terms of floor space they occupied and number of World Car of the Year awards they collected. The Genesis Neolun was the only new concept that was unveiled for the show. Genesis also brought a trio of vehicles that marked the beginning of the Magma performance division of Genesis, meant to rival BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG.

For me the biggest design story was the introduction of the Polestar 4. Hyundai group may be trying to set style trends as of late but none really connect with me beyond appreciating the quirky aesthetic experiments. The Polestar lineup is both gorgeous and forward looking. The Polestar 4 has wonderfully balanced proportions and interior room. Designers and engineers ditched the rear window and relocated a roof beam to achieve them. It takes design risks, relying on a rear camera to produce the only back view in the interior mirrors. It could be a visibility issue for bifocal wearers. But the car really feels like a step forward for vehicle design. I also appreciate that many interior finishes are labeled with their composition and recycled material content. A considerate touch.

They’ll be two follow up galleries posted in the coming days dedicated to forms and surfaces as well as interesting custom and supercars exhibited.

Photos and Text: Dave Pinter