We may be trying to cut back on our usage. We may pledge to leave them home and use public transportation more.
But let’s face it: we love our cars.
We love the way they look, the way they make us feel, and, of course, the way they get us where we need or want to be.
In the depths of the recent global recession, car sales suffered, but recovery seems to be in the air. And hordes of potential car buyers, and just plain car lovers, are going to be heading for the Philadelphia Auto Show which runs from Saturday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Feb. 6 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
“The buzz is back in the auto industry, and we want everyone to be a part of it,” says Dominic M. Conicelli, chairman of the 2011 show and president of Conicelli Autoplex. According to Conicelli, “This show always has been known as one of the top shows in the country. It’s all about entertaining and educating the consumer.”
That combination – entertaining and educating – makes the show a terrific destination for families as winter continues to hold us in its grip. The show is replete with events – not just the sight of shiny new models from all the major manufacturers, but also special “Ride and Drive” events on the show’s last weekend, the introduction of pre-production models, an area which always delights futurists, and the ever-popular show area devoted to exotic and antique cars from around the world.
Then there’s the DUB Live! area of the Auto Show, with its display of all thing hot and customized for those who can’t live without gadgetry and glamour. Those customized and superstar cars are yours for the gaping.
If 550,000 square feet of displays from 40 manufacturers, and all the special events, aren’t enough, consider that this show also has charity at its core: since 2003, the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the philanthropic umbrella of the show, has donated more than $3.5 million to child-related organizations.
And just to prove its impact, consider that last year, 90 percent of attendees in the market for a new vehicle reported that visiting the show influenced their next purchasing decision.
“We’ve said it before, but it’s never been more true,” says show chair Dominic Conicelli. “There is something for everyone at the Philly Auto Show.”
And bring the kids. They like gaping, too.
If you go…
The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from Jan. 29 through Feb. 6 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. E-tickets are available at www.phillyautoshow.com for $6-$10. Children under 6 are free. Box office tickets are $12 for adults on weekends, $10 for adults on weekdays, $6 for children 7 to 12, weekends and weekdays.
Hours: weekdays, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.