The Philly Auto Show
The Philly Auto Show, which was open from January 30 to February 7 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, had hundreds of cars spectators could sit in to experience firsthand. Jeep featured a ride and drive event, where guests could sit inside a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Cherokee Trailhawk, Renegade Trailhawk or Grand Cherokee and ride around an obstacle course to experience a Jeep, personally, through rough terrains. The auto show also had simulators for people to experience driving inside actual cars like Vipers, mustangs, Hyundai’s and motorcycles.
The Vanguard Newspaper was lucky enough to get press passes to the event. While there, we experienced everything from the T-model Ford to Jon Bon Jovi’s cherry apple Viper. Among other amazing vehicles were, Paul Walker’s Mitsubishi Evo 7 from the Fast and the Furious Movie Franchise and the official Fiat that Pope Francis drove in while in Philly, which sold at auction for $82K.
Guests were thrilled to get inside and wander the floor, sit in the vehicles and ask questions. At this year’s show, electric cars and small SUVs are the hottest item.
“We have so many new features and attractions this year, it’s going to be one of the most exciting Philadelphia Auto Shows ever,” said David Kelleher, chairman of the 2016 Philadelphia Auto Show. “It’s not often we add a manufacturer to our floor plan and we are thrilled to welcome Alfa Romeo. In addition to comparing the portfolios of over 40 manufacturers, attendees can see soccer superstar Carli Lloyd, grab food and drinks at The Garage, and use the new eKEY feature to harness the power of the Auto Show. The Auto Show is an institution in Philly and this year’s show is shaping up to be one of the best.”
The brand-new eKEY feature is a cutting-edge data collection technology which allows consumers to save time, get connected and win prizes. After registering, attendees receive a custom QR code to scan at manufacturers’ displays and a personalized dashboard containing a shopping list of vehicles fitting their search criteria. One lucky eKEY user won a $20,000 voucher to use at a franchised auto dealership.
The auto show is a tradition that is dated back as early as 1902. Cars from generation-to-generation were on display there. Some of my personal favorites that were on display there was the 1971 Plymouth Roadrunner and the Ford Mustang with the color changing chameleon car paint.
Also on display were vehicles with a fresher design; cars with computer screens, cameras, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. One company that is becoming particularly popular is Tesla. Because of people’s popular demand for electrical cars, Tesla’s electrical engines have been growing support. And with vehicles like the Tesla Model S, which has 259 – 503 horsepower, its two engines helping it go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds, it’s understandable why.
“The industry has never been hotter – the autos are outstanding, vehicle sales are at an all-time high, interest rates and gas prices are low and we are transitioning to people buying cars because of desire rather than replacement,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADGAP).
Whether you’re into classical or newer cars, the Philadelphia Auto Show is fun for everyone.