Nissan Back on Chicago Show Floor

CHICAGO – The trials and tribulations Toyota Motor Corp. is undergoing may have helped a change of heart at rival Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., which on Thursday evening opted back in as an exhibitor at the Chicago auto show.

The Japanese auto maker now is planning a 20,000-sq.-ft. (sq.-m) exhibit for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, reversing an earlier decision to stay out of the show.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Assn. was approached by Nissan yesterday about whether space still was available, says Jerry Cizek, retiring president of CATA.

“We were glad to find it for them and glad that they'll be here,” he says.

Cizek declines comment on whether the troubles at Toyota is prompting Nissan to have its vehicles in the show.

Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman says the troubles at Toyota didn't influence the decision.

“Dealers brought some new input to the table about the show, and we saw an opportunity to reach consumers at a time when we see a slight sales recovery in the market,” he says.

The exhibition opens next Friday after media preview days Wednesday and Thursday. One auto maker still out, however, is Saab Automobile.