Reporter's Notebook: NAIAS

Poking the Poachers

Volvo held its media dinner the last two years on the first press day of the auto show at Detroit's historic Elwood Bar and Grill.

It wasn't a big deal that this year's event was held one night earlier, on Sunday. But here's the back story: Months ago, competitor BMW snuck in early and signed a contract for the Monday night party slot at the Elwood.

Mildly chagrined, Volvo PR honcho Gino Effler grabbed a piece of chalk on Sunday night and scribbled these words on the Elwood's menu board, so the BMW staff arriving a day later would see what specials will be served: “Volvo Leftovers.”

Asked later why he felt it necessary to write this greeting, Effler takes a jab at the Bavarians for swiping the prime night at the 75-year-old burger joint. “Sometimes, you have to poke the poachers.”

No word on whether BMW folks found any humor in the message. We suggest for next year, the Elwood should schedule both auto makers on the same night, so they can settle the spat with an old-fashioned food fight.