New technology reigns at auto show


The Atlanta International Auto Show runs through Sunday. Ticket prices are $10; $5 ages 6-12; and 6 and under are free.

$3.00 off coupons for admission through Thursday can be found in select AJC Newspaper Ads. Seniors Day Thursday, seniors age 55 and up with identification will receive 50% off their $10.00 ticket as well as 50% off parking fees.

Cash only. Box office closes one hour prior to show closing daily.

Show Hours

Through Thursday noon - 9:00 p.m.

Friday noon - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The following 32 manufacturers will participate in the Atlanta International Auto Show: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bmw, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Scion, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The following 32 manufacturers will participate in the Atlanta Internationl Auto Show: ACURA, ASTON MARTIN, AUDI, BMW, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, HONDA, HYUNDAI, INFINITI, JEEP, KIA, LAMBORGHINI, LEXUS, LINCOLN, LOTUS, MASERATI, MAZDA, McLAREN, MINI, MITSUBISHI, NISSAN, RAM, SCION, SUBARU, TOYOTA, and VOLKSWAGEN.

The Atlanta International Auto Show, in town now, celebrates 32 years with 32 car manufacturers.

Produced by the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association, the five day auto show offers an exclusive view of 2014 and 2015 vehicles along with a chance to drive some of them, for those serious about shopping.

Held in the C Building of the Georgia World Congress Center, the 400,000 square foot show floor will have more than 400 new cars to gawk at, run fingers down and tire-kick. Customers are able to shop and compare domestic cars, light trucks, vans, and sports utility vehicles. Factory and dealer representatives will also be on site to answer questions and provide demonstrations.

Fourteen manufactures will also participate in Ride & Drive events where customers are allotted a ride with professional drivers on courses between the GWCC and the Georgia Dome.

“The C Building is also perfect for the many Ride & Drive events that take place at the Auto Show,” said Shayne Wilson, President of MAADA, “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.”

For the first time in Atlanta Jeep brings Camp Jeep, an interactive off-road experience. Riders will be able to experience Jeep’s on and off-road capabilities while climbing the 18-foot high, 35 degree Jeep Mountain.

Ford will also showcase the 2015 F-150, to the Atlanta market for the first time. The early prototype is up to 700 pounds lighter and offers a 360-degree bird’s eye camera view.

“The birds eyes view from above allows you to navigate in tight spaces,” said Brant Coultas of the F-150 truck team, “there are four cameras outside the truck that give customers that view.”

“The Atlanta truck market is important to Ford, we made this truck what it is because our customers want to tow more, they want to haul more, and do it more efficiently,” Coultas said.

Being an early prototype, customers will not be able to test drive the new pickup, but product specialist will provide demonstrations of the advanced features.

Lexus will bring 16 award winning vehicles to the show including, the popular LFA super car and IS SEMA car.

“Only 500 LFA super cars were produced, and all 500 were sold. The last LFA was produced in 2010. This vehicle shows the potential of Lexus,” said Jason Cropper, assistant general manager of Lexus Southern Area.

The age of the connected car is upon us, and dealers such as Lexus will show off their latest bells and whistles. For example, Lexus’s App Suite gives each car the ability to use apps like Pandora and Facebook synced with the customers mobile phone. The Destination Assist on Lexus vehicles can use a live guiding operator instead of automated global positioning satellite.

Toyota will showcase nearly 30 vehicles this year.

The family friendly auto show may highlight the vehicles, but MAADA did not forget about the kids. Marvel characters Captain America and Thor will make frequent appearances in the GWCC lobby to entertain children and their parents.

“There is nothing like (this show) annually that you can go to one location and you can test drive, shop, and compare vehicles from that many manufacturers. It’s a great opportunity,” said Dave Tribble MAADA director of communications.