The 62nd annual Northwood University International Auto Show took place from September 19 to 21, 2023, in Midland, Michigan, showcasing a diverse array of vehicles organized entirely by students. This event not only highlighted the automotive industry but also provided students with invaluable experience to enhance their career prospects after graduation.
More than 65 car brands were represented at the show, featuring everything from standard vehicles to rare hyper cars. A notable attraction was a collection of hyper cars valued at over $12 million, generously provided by an anonymous alumnus. The excitement generated by these luxury vehicles drew significant crowds to the university’s campus.
Students played a pivotal role in the event’s organization. Nick Horn, a freshman and pitcher on the university’s baseball team, expressed pride in the student-led initiative. “If you walk around, you will see students everywhere and not much staff,” Horn remarked. As an entrepreneurship major focusing on the automotive aftermarket, he viewed the auto show as a stepping stone for his career.
Student Engagement and Career Opportunities
The Northwood University International Auto Show is unique in that it is primarily organized by students, with minimal involvement from faculty. Denielson Hernandez, a freshman majoring in automotive marketing, worked at the Infiniti exhibit. “Our students were assigned randomly or they pick which automaker they want to work with,” Hernandez explained. He emphasized the importance of such experiences for future job applications, stating, “Whenever you’re trying to work for a company and they see that you’ve worked at an auto show already with the company, it’s good for the resume.”
The show featured vehicles from dealerships across Michigan, with many cars available for spectators to explore. Each automaker had a student representative on hand to discuss vehicle features and engage with attendees.
Showcasing Modified and Rare Vehicles
In addition to regular and race cars, the event also highlighted modified vehicles. Attendees could see various aftermarket enhancements, including modified engines, suspensions, and turbochargers. This aspect of the show appealed to automotive enthusiasts and those interested in customization.
The Winkleman Collection served as the main attraction, featuring hyper cars that are often only seen in video games or on social media. The collection included a Bugatti Mistral, Koenigsegg Agera RS, McLaren P1, Hennessey Venom F5, and a Ferrari LaFerrari previously owned by rapper Drake. These vehicles, with a combined value exceeding $12 million, captured the attention of attendees and even had security measures in place to ensure their protection.
Food trucks dotted the campus, providing refreshments to keep both students and visitors energized during the event. The combination of engaging vehicles, student involvement, and community spirit made the 62nd Northwood University International Auto Show a memorable experience, reaffirming the institution’s reputation as “America’s free enterprise university.”
