Don't Call Them Models: Auto Show Product Specialists Are 'Well-Versed'

Sure, they're attractive and usually wearing something sparkly, but as Syma Chowdhry of First Forecast Mornings learned, don't call the women on stage at the North American International Auto Show "models."

Nissan product specialist Tia Conner set the record straight.

"Our title is product specialist and we are very intelligent, friendly people and we have to know our brand," said Conner, who has a master's degree in business administration.

Conner said the best thing about her three-week job is "I'm able to interact with so many different people, and it's such a wonderful time."

But what is the pinnacle of the job?

"Driving the car, we get to drive the vehicles, so we get to know the feel of our product," Conner said.

So visit her at NAIAS, which opens to the public Saturday. But don't call her a spokesmodel.

"We actually have to be well-versed in product knowledge on all of our vehicles, be friendly and answer any and all questions...There's a lot of work entailed," Conner said. "We are all on it. We're all well-prepared."

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