Auto enthusiasts will have their engines roaring when the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) returns with the 2011 edition of the Philadelphia Auto Show, Jan. 29-Feb. 6.
The nine-day event features a 550,000-square-foot display floor showcasing vehicles from 40 manufacturers, including upcoming 2012 models, as well as antique, concept cars, customized celebrity rides and green vehicles from around the world.
“You’re going to see exotics. You’re going to see classics. You’re going to see things that maybe you see on the Internet but you’re not going to see in person very often, if ever,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of ADAGP. “So you have that aspect, that ‘wow’ aspect of seeing those kind of automobiles up close and personal. There’s something for everyone at the show.”
Mazzucola added that beyond drawing the rare and expensive car enthusiasts, the show attracts a large number of people on the verge of purchasing a new car.
“That’s where they make their choice,” he said. “About 90 percent [of spectators] are going to buy in the next 12 months and find it very important to their decision process to go to the auto show to either confirm what they want to buy or say, ‘You know, I didn’t notice that in my niche that I’m looking for. I have to consider that.’ Then they go from there on their purchase.”
This year, the auto show’s organizers made some additions to the event that will enhance the overall vehicle-researching experience, which includes two special “Ride and Drive” events taking place on the last weekend of the show.
“What makes Philly’s show so important is that it does have an impact on the consumer,” Mazzucola said. “It’s difficult and we haven’t had ride-and-drive vehicles in Philadelphia to test the product to some degree. Especially for a cold, northeastern January auto show in the middle of a city, it’s difficult, but we were able to make it happen. So Kia is bringing in the Optima, which is a new version for them, and Toyota will have the Hybrid Camry, the Highlanders, the Prius, the Sienna, the Forerunner and the Tundra. They’ll have a lot of the vehicles from their portfolio.”
The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from Jan. 29-Feb. 6 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. For more information or tickets, visit www.phillyautoshow.com or call 610-279-5229.