The Cleveland Auto Show kicks off this Saturday at the International Exposition Center at One I-X Center Drive in Cleveland.
Lou Vitantonio, president of the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association, said, “I’m expecting a well-attended show this year. Our dealer members have been telling me that they’re getting a lot of showroom traffic from people saying they’re waiting to get a good look at everything at the show before they buy.”
Auto sales exceeded expectations towards the end of 2011 and in January, so dealers are now hoping to build on that momentum at the show.
As Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, put it, “It’s a good sig, that people are back, and they’re paying to see cars that they may buy in the next few years.”
Although visitors can’t purchase cars at the show, dealers report that they usually see an increase in sales in the weeks and months following the annual event, as potential buyers come by and see what is available.
Things to look forward to at this year’s show include Jeep’s indoor, rugged track to show off the capabilities of its off-road vehicles. Visitors will have he chance to drive new cars at the show, as has been the case for the past three years. They will also be able to test out Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Toyota cars in the I-X Center’s parking lot.
The Cleveland Auto Show will run from February 25 to March 4. Times are 11am to 10pm Mondays through Saturdays and 11am to 8pm on Sundays.
Tickets are $12.50 for adults (ages 13-61); $10.50 for seniors (62 and older) and children (7-12); children 6 and younger get in free. Parking is also free.
