NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Panza
Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association
440.746.1500
More Exhibit Space, Greater Attendance
Expected at This Year’s Cleveland Auto Show
Cleveland, OH (February 11, 2013) – Visitors to this year’s Cleveland Auto Show will find more exhibit space, more vehicles, more Ride-N-Drive events, and a renewed sense of optimism in the industry from auto manufacturers and dealers alike.
With continued industry growth in 2012 and increased attendance at both the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and Los Angeles Auto Show, this year’s Cleveland Auto Show should prove to be one of the most well-attended shows in recent memory. The Cleveland Auto Show will open its doors on Saturday, Feb. 23, kicking off the spring automotive selling season in Northern Ohio.
“We are very optimistic about the attendance at this year’s show,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the Cleveland Auto Show. “Our exhibit space has increased. We have added more Ride-N-Drives. And manufacturers are bringing more of their concept and pre-production vehicles than ever before.”
In addition to Ride-N-Drive events from over 10 brands, the Cleveland Auto Show offers more than 1,000 vehicles in over one million square feet of exhibit space. The product specialists and dealer representatives at the show are only there to answer your questions in a very low-pressure, family-friendly shopping venue.
“This is your one chance to see all the auto industry has to offer in one place, at one time,” says Dan Sanders, chairman of the 2013 Cleveland Auto Show. “It’s very easy to compare all the vehicles you are interested in owning. Because the I-X Center is so large and well lit, there is plenty of room to walk around the cars and evaluate the vehicles from all angles.
“And with multiple Ride-N-Drive events, there’s a very good chance you can drive one that you like right at the Show.”
In addition to all the new production and concept vehicles on the Show floor, the Cleveland Auto Show also offers a full slate of entertainment for the entire family. Monday, Feb. 25 is Family Day, sponsored by Medical Mutual, when children 15 and under get in free. If you bring a hungry crowd to the Show on Family Day, there’s also a special $5 meal deal that day.
If you’re a Browns fan, you can also see the past and future of the team as quarterbacks Bernie Kosar and Brandon Weeden come to the Ford display from 6 to 8 p.m.
Come to the Show on Tuesday, Feb. 26 for OSU Night featuring Buckeyes John Simon, Zach Boren and Garret Goebel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, NASCAR driver Randy Newman will be in the Chevrolet display from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., you’ll see All-Pro receiver/return specialist Josh Cribbs in the Hyundai display.
Also on Saturday, you can come out to the South Hall of the I-X Center to see who will win the 15th Annual Classic Car Competition, sponsored by the I-X Piston Powered Auto Rama, Pennzoil and Todd Associates. Car of the Show will win a $1,000 cash prize, while five runners up will receive $200 each. The Classic Car Competition is one of the perennial favorites of show attendees.
This year also marks the debut of Millionaire’s Row in the South Hall. Featuring cars presented by the Collection Auto Group that are worth well in excess of $200,000, this display includes cars many people can only dream about owning. The display will include: a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish; 2013 Maserati Grand Turismo Sport Convertible; a 2013 McLaren MP4-12C; 2013 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL65; a 2012 Aston Martin Rapide S and more.
While you’re at the show, don’t forget to register to win one of the two Official Giveaway Vehicles.
In the past, only one vehicle was given away during the Cleveland Auto Show. This year, two are being given away: a 2014 Chevrolet Impala and the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, the Official Car and Truck of the 2013 Cleveland Auto Show.
“You simply couldn’t find two better vehicles to offer,” says Sanders. “These vehicles represent the cutting edge of General Motors’ vehicle design and development. Both vehicles offer an exceptional driving experience, as well as superb technology under the hood and in the cabin. As this year’s chairman, I’m also very proud they were chosen as the Official Car and Truck of the Cleveland Auto Show.”
As Chevrolet’s redesigned flagship sedan, the new 2014 Impala builds on the brand’s strong heritage by offering a more expressive style, refined interior, easy-to-use technology and an exhilarating driving experience. The new 2013 Traverse crossover utility vehicle offers unexpected space for both people and cargo with enhanced style, refinement, connectivity and safety.
You can be eligible to win both vehicles by simply registering at the Official Vehicle Giveaway booth during the Show. Mail-in entries will also be accepted when sent to: The Cleveland Auto Show, Official Car Giveaway, c/o The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association, 10100 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
Each day of the Show, two finalists will be chosen; one for the Car of the Show, the other for the Truck of the Show. The finalists will then be invited back to the Show on Sunday, March 3, for a Grand finale that includes two separate Grand Prize drawings. Each finalist will be given a key and the finalist with the key that opens the door wins either the Official Car or Truck of the 2013 Cleveland Show.
One lucky First Prize winner also will take home one year’s worth of free natural gas for the home, courtesy of IGS Energy.
The Cleveland Auto Show opens its doors to the public at the I-X Center on Saturday, Feb. 23, and runs through Sunday March 3, 2013. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $10.50 for seniors and pre-teens. Children six and under get in free. Parking is free for the duration of the show, courtesy of your franchised new motor vehicle dealers.
If you would like more information on the Cleveland Auto Show, or if you would like to purchase e-tickets online with no convenience charge courtesy of Huntington Bank, head to www.clevelandautoshow.com, and click on “Buy Tickets”.
About the Cleveland Auto Show
The Cleveland Auto Show, presented by AutoTrader.com, marks the start of the spring selling season in Northeast Ohio. Featuring concept, pre- production and production vehicles from the world’s auto manufacturers, the show is held annually at the I-X Center with nearly 1.2 million square feet of exhibits. The Show also features an array of entertainment including sports celebrity appearances from the Browns, Cavs, OSU and NASCAR. The Cleveland Auto Show is a consumer show and a favorite family tradition since 1903.
About the GCADA
The Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers' Association (GCADA) has served the retail-automobile industry and community with integrity and distinction since 1903. Today, located in Brecksville, Ohio, GCADA represents 250 franchised motor vehicle dealers, which includes new-car, truck, motorcycle and RV dealers in a 21-county region of northern Ohio along the Lake Erie shore and beyond. More information on the GCADA can be found at www.gcada.org.
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