Cars For The Generations
This week, I took my grandson, Jacob, to a college information meeting for auto mechanics. And he made some choices I did not expect. As the one-hour presentation unfolded, I observed his reactions. He was tuned in!
Before the meeting, he and I visited the tool guys. MATCO, Snap-On, etc. Since we arrived early, Jacob had time to chat with the staff behind the counters. Following the meeting, he had time to speak to the guy who runs the Ford program he is interested in.
On the way home, I asked him about his fears (Finances) and his pluses (Enjoying what he loves). Supporting a generation is essential. We had a long conversation.
For many a year, I have told people that “my ceiling is your floor,” and when it comes to the realm of “all things cars,” I mean it a shade more.
And so, we spent the next morning looking at tools, clothing, finances, scholarships, and logistics. And because it is a co-op program, dealerships. He needs to be connected to a Ford dealership. Emails were sent, forms filled out, and calls were made.
Jacob wants to work on cars.
When an IS300 Stole the Show (and Jacob’s Heart)
As someone who attends numerous car shows and cruise nights, I find that the “absence” of young people is often noticeable. That night, Jacob and I went to a car cruise show at Frogg Brewing. A Lexus IS300 showed up. For Jacob, many other cars ceased to exist.
Let’s begin to think that “all generations” are important. While I “may not agree” and kid with Jacob about his scheduling the Euro Car show for himself, I do think cars are cars! (Unless it is Yugo!) As car guys, we may need to stop looking for our tribe and begin to band together on cars. 🙂
A car show is a car show, and a cruise night is a cruise night!
Cruise Nights & Cross-Generations: Why Cars Should Unite Us
Enjoy it! Have your preferences, but don’t be an idiot! Seriously!
A few years ago, I wrote a story about “car guys” investing in the next generation. I spoke about the historic and cultural thinking behind cars. I discussed the engineering and aesthetic thinking behind classic designs. What about that hands-on learning, community, and inspiration to move forward?
Let’s talk about the inspiration for the next generation. Let’s talk about participating in their education and their future. Let’s share the history. Jacob loves old cars, but he loves a lot of the new ones too.
In the article I wrote for Positive News For You, I discussed investing in the education of these young people. If we want young people to enter a trade like automotive mechanics, then we need to help them get there. We may need to part with more than knowledge.
What if we began to make one of our car shows directed at young people? I am not talking about sticky fingers dripping ice cream cones over a vehicle, but I am suggesting that perhaps we look more to the next generation.
Forget Tribes—Let’s Band Together for Cars (Even If It’s a Yugo)
In the past, I have suggested:
- Educational opportunities at the shows for youth.
- Incorporate some of the technology that was cutting edge in its day.
- Youth car displays. One of my granddaughters was enamored as a teen to see the car a 17-year-old girl built and drove to the Adirondack Nationals that year.
- Engage more with them through social media.
- Connect with schools and universities.
- Photos by kids at shows. (People love my grandson, Jacob’s photos and attention to detail.)
Those are a few of my thoughts over the years. Perhaps Powerless Over Cars should consider a more active role in this. Who knows?
For years, I have said car guys and gals are the best. This may be an opportunity for us to walk it out with a legacy of youth.
I would love to hear from individuals, businesses, and car clubs about your thoughts on this. Let’s consider sharing these thoughts with some young people.
Let’s make a difference. 
