Chicago Auto Show Opens Its Doors For The 110th Edition

Dignitaries and show officials have cut ribbon on the 110^th edition of the Chicago Auto Show Saturday, officially opening the longest-running auto show in North America. Consumers are once again treated to more than one million sq. ft. of exhibit space, appearances from celebrities and sports icons, and interactive displays for the whole family.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show promises visitors exclusive access to nearly 1,000 of the newest and most exciting vehicles, including more than a dozen vehicles that made their global or North American debuts during this week's Media Preview. Those include the much-anticipated 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, Fiat 500, 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon and Edge Titanium Elite, Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra TRD Pro models and Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition. Two winter-themed concept vehicles from Nissan were also unveiled, the Nissan Armada Snow Patrol concept and the 370Zki concept, and Subaru celebrated its 50^th anniversary with the release of special edition automobiles across its entire 2018 lineup.

In addition to the latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel. Seven outdoor ride-and-drive experiences hosted by Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition offer an up-close look into the most recent cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles to hit the market. Three indoor test-driving tracks, including Camp Jeep, Kia's SUV Gym, and Toyota's Camry Thrill Ride, will highlight cutting-edge technologies and vehicle capabilities right from the show floor. New and returning exhibits across the show floor, including numerous driving simulators, offer fans the fun and interactive experiences they've come to expect in Chicago. 

"The Chicago Auto Show is a consumer-driven show unlike any other automotive expo in the world," said John Hennessy, 2018 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We offer visitors unfettered access to vehicles and unique, hands-on experiences that enable them to make informed purchase decisions down the road. With new and exciting exhibits from nearly every manufacturer on the show floor, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone."

Media from around the globe gathered at McCormick Place this week for the Media Preview, where they received a first look at the more than a dozen new and updated vehicles making their debut in Chicago. Fans of the Chicago Auto Show's Facebook page were once again able to watch the vehicle revels and news conferences along with their favorite reporters in real time via Facebook Live. Attendees of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show will be among the first in the world to see the latest cars, trucks and SUVs to hit the market, including:

• 2019 Volkswagen Arteon
• Subaru 50^th Anniversary Special Edition Vehicles
• Nissan Armada Snow Patrol Concept
• Nissan 370Zki Concept
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
• Toyota TRD Pro Package
• 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
• Fiat 500
• Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition

In addition to the latest production vehicles, Chicago Auto Show visitors will have a front-row seat to some of the most impressive luxury vehicles and supercars, including:

• Acura NSX
• Aston Martin Vanquish S
• Audi R8
• Bentley Bentayga
• 2019 BMW I8
• 2019 Chevrolet Corvette
• Ford GT
• Lamborghini Aventador S
• Lotus Evora
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C
• Nissan GT-R
• Porsche 911
• Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The Chicago Auto Show continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS18 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops, powered by Cars.com; and ongoing social media contests throughout the show floor, accessible by following the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

In keeping with its tradition of hosting events that capture the attention of an array of consumers, the Chicago Auto Show will host the following events during its 10-day run:

• Women's Day: Tuesday, Feb. 13. Women are admitted for $7. Manufacturers present special women-oriented programs on the purchase, lease and maintenance of vehicles.
• Chicago Auto Show Food Drive: Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Friday, Feb. 16. Show patrons who bring three cans of food will receive a coupon for a $7 adult admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation.
• Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Day: Friday, Feb. 16. Manufacturers develop and host Hispanic celebration events throughout the show.
• Family Day: Monday, Feb. 19. The Chicago Auto Show will host family-friendly events on Presidents Day to wrap up the last day of the show.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.

For continuing coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow the Chicago Auto Show on social media. For more information about the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

2018 Chicago Auto Show Quick Links

• SHOW FLOOR MAP
• VEHICLES ON DISPLAY
• DAILY EVENTS AND APPEARNCES
• OFFICIAL 2018 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW PRESS KIT

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Related Links

www.cata.info