EVENT PREVIEW
2015 Atlanta International Auto Show
Noon-9 p.m. March 25-26, noon-10 p.m. March 27, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. March 28, 10 a.m.-8 p.m March 29. Adults, $10; children 6-12, $5; children under 6, free. Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C. www.GoAutoShow.com.
Ticket discount: Save $3 with discount coupons found at participating dealerships, in select AJC newspaper ads and by joining the Official Auto Show Club on www.GoAutoShow.com (membership is free).
Senior Day is March 26: All those 55 and older can show their ID at the show box office and parking lots on March 26 to get 50 percent off admission and parking.
Parking discount: Receive a $3 discount off public parking on March 25 and 26 only in their Yellow or Gold Parking Lots on Northside Drive. Tell the parking attendant that you are attending the auto show.
AUTO SHOW TIPS
These are from auto show insider John Scott Lewinski:
- Plan ahead. Decide if you're going to look at the concept cars and the unobtainable makes and models — or if you're going to shop. Either choice can pleasantly burn a day.
- If you are currently shopping for a new vehicle, know what you are looking for in a ride. A pickup? A sporty hatchback? A sedan? This will give you the best chance at finding the vehicle that is best for your needs.
- Make use of the models and representatives standing around the cars. They're there to be friendly and approachable, and they're armed with a good, introductory understanding of the cars.
- Don't forget you have the chance to get in the cars. (In Atlanta, you have a chance to drive the cars.) Open that door and sit in the car. Learn the interior features. Does it fit you? Are you comfortable? Auto shows are meant to be hands on.
Forget everything you know or have read about auto shows.
Now in its 33rd year, the Atlanta International Auto Show won’t just be about what’s cool on the show floor March 25-29 at the Georgia World Congress Center. This year, attendees have plenty of chances to get in the driver’s seat and demo new vehicles.
More than 400 new 2015 import and domestic cars, light trucks, vans and SUVs will be on display, spanning 29 different lines. Not only are you able to talk with dealer and factory representatives, but with a valid driver’s license, you can also take the cars at the show for a spin around downtown Atlanta.
“Those who wish to take a test drive merely have to sign up in the lobby area, and then go outside to visit their manufacturer of choice,” explains Dave Tribble of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association, which presents the show. “It doesn’t get any easier than that.”
Chrysler, Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, Lincoln, Mazda and Toyota will all participate in the “ride and drive” events at the show this year, and Jeep will have an interactive outdoor exhibit called Camp Jeep.
Lisa Barrow, East Region Communications Manager, FCA US (Fiat/Chrysler), says this is a chance for immediate feedback from customers. “We value these opportunities because it gives consumers firsthand knowledge of our vehicles and the technology, safety and craftsmanship they offer.”
Fiat Chrysler will have the Chrysler 300, Chrysler 200, Jeep Grand Cherokee or Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Dart, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500 available to test-drive.
The 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show offers something for everyone, even the kids.
Camp Jeep
Risk takers won’t want to miss this outdoor exhibit that will offer a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles. Ride in a Jeep with a trained driver up and down an 18-foot hill with a 35-degree incline.
If you don’t like heights or a roller coaster type ride, Barrow suggests you watch the Camp Jeep experience before getting in the passenger or back seats.
Concept cars
See pre-production and concept cars at the show in the Acura ILX, Buick Cascada Convertible, Hyundai Sonata PHEV Plug-in, Kia’s Track’ster, and with Mercedes bringing its corporate headquarters to Atlanta, look for its new AMG GT on the show floor.
Auto show insider John Scott Lewinski says checking out the concept cars can be both educational and entertaining.
“Always look and ask about the vehicle in front of you,” Lewinski said. “(Start simple) and once your questions advance a bit, pull over automaker reps who are there to answer more in-depth questions.”
Connected cars
Try out new “connected car” technology like Uconnect Radio, which allows users to listen to personal Internet radio and apps like Pandora right in your car. Demo new apps that will allow you to unlock and start your car with your smartphone.
Kids corner
Kids will not only be wide-eyed looking at all the shiny metal and cars of the future, they will also have a chance to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and Scooby-Doo on March 28-29 on the show floor.
