The Atlanta International Auto Show is always a celebration of America’s love affair with wheels, and this year there is plenty to celebrate. For one thing, the auto show is marking its 30th anniversary.
The fact that Americans are buying cars at a pace not seen for years gives auto show officials another reason to celebrate.
“The industry is in a major recovery,” said Shayne Wilson, president of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association, which organizes the annual show. “For 2012, sales could reach 14 million new vehicles.... It’s still below the 2000 peak of 17.3 million, but far better than the 10.4 million sold in 2009.”
Consumers will see automakers’ optimism reflected at the auto show, which will be March 14-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
“It will be evident in the glitz and glamour of the displays,” Wilson said. “When times are tough for the manufacturers, the extras in their displays are sometimes shelved, but now, [when] there are high expectations for increased sales, they really go all out.”
The auto show rolls into the Georgia World Congress Center Wednesday through Sunday. The show will include more than 500,000 square feet of displays, including more than 400 current models from nearly three dozen manufacturers. The automakers will also showcase cars that are in pre-production for the 2013 model year.
Visitors can also see some of the exotic cars that they fantasize about owning, including hand-crafted vehicles by Lamborghini, Lotus and Aston Martin. And local car collectors will show off vintage vehicles that attendees may remember owning themselves.
“That’s the fun thing about coming to the show; there is a lot to look at no matter what you are interested in,” Wilson said.
When the first Atlanta auto show was held in 1983, it was less than one-third the size of the current version and featured mainly domestic manufacturers. Now the show really lives up to the “international” in its title, with manufacturers from all over the world taking part.
After holding back due to the recession, consumers are coming back into the auto market for many reasons, including the fact that many have kept their old cars for longer than they are used to doing, Wilson said. The average age of vehicles on the road today is nearly 11 years, which is a record, he noted.
“In 11 years, the reason and need the consumer bought the vehicle to fill have changed. They need a different vehicle to fit their current lifestyle,” Wilson said.
People who haven’t looked at new cars in a while will find that manufacturers have improved mileage and safety. Buyers also love the consumer electronics that come with today’s cars, Wilson said. After fuel efficiency and safety, “the biggest emphasis is on electronics. The more high tech, the better for many consumers,” who like vehicles that interact with their smartphones or iPods or connect to the Internet.
The auto show is the ideal starting point for vehicle shopping. With all the models assembled under one roof, it’s easy to browse and compare models without traveling from dealer to dealer. Whether visitors are looking for a crossover, a convertible or a hybrid, they’ll find them all within the confines of the Georgia World Congress Center’s Building C. Take the opportunity to look under the hood, test out the driver’s seat and see how big the trunk is.
Factory and dealer representatives will be on hand to answer questions, and several brands will participate in ride-and-drive events that allow consumers take various models through their paces on a designated street course. Manufacturers joining in the popular test-drive program include Kia, Toyota, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.
While cars, trucks and SUVs are the main attractions, organizers have scheduled some family-friendly diversions, including appearances by Marvel Comic’s Captain America and SpongeBob SquarePants. On Saturday and Sunday, the Wild West Weekend will bring the sights and sounds of the Old West to the show, with a lariat and bullwhip exhibition, fast-draw experts and live music.
IF YOU GO
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, C Building, Northside Drive, next to the Georgia Dome
When:
Wednesday/Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m.
Friday: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8p.m.
Tickets: Adults, $10; children 6 to 12, $5; Children under 6, free. The box office closes one hour prior to show closing. Weekday discount coupons for $3 off are available at participating new car and truck dealerships, Georgia's Own Credit Union locations and in select AJC ads. On Thursday only, attendees 55 and older will recieve half-price admission and parking in the Yellow and Gold lots with proof of age.
Parking: There is plenty of public parking available on Northside Drive in the Blue, Gold and Yellow lots. Rates are $10.
Information: Call 770-916-1741, email autoshow@maada.com or go to www.goautoshow.com.
