Atlanta Auto Show

When the Atlanta International Auto Show, presented by the AJC and AutoTrader.com, returns on March 19-28, it will definitely have a new look.

“We have moved the show to the C Building of the Georgia World Congress Center,” said Shayne Wilson, President of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers (MAADA). “This building is located on Northside Drive, and is surrounded by plenty of available parking. The show floor of the event is also on street level, which cuts down the distance that our customers have to walk.” Once these customers enter the facility, they will have the opportunity to see a great display of new cars, trucks and SUVs from 27 major manufacturers. These manufacturers will also be bringing in millions of dollars in displays, plus industry professionals who can answer all questions about their products.

At press time, the following manufacturers will be exhibiting: ACURA, AUDI, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FORD, GMC, HONDA, HYUNDAI, JAGUAR, JEEP, KIA, LAND ROVER, LEXUS, LINCOLN, MAZDA, MERCEDES-BENZ, MERCURY, MINI, SCION, SMART CAR, SUBARU, TOYOTA, VOLKSWAGEN and VOLVO.

The following 2011 vehicles will be on display at the show: AUDI AA, AUDI R8 SPYDER, BUICK REGAL, CADILLAC CTS COUPE, CHEVROLET CRUZE, FORD EDGE, FORD FIESTA, FORD MUSTANG GT, FORD F SERIES SUPER DUTY, HONDA CR-Z HYBRID, HYUNDAI SONATA, JAGUAR XJ LWB, JAGUAR XJ SWB, KIA SORENTO, LINCOLN MKX, MAZDA2, MERCEDES-BENZ SLS, VOLVO c30, and VOLVO c70.

At press time, the following concept vehicles have been confirmed for the show: CADILLAC CONVERJ, CHEVROLET STINGRAY CONCEPT, and the HONDA ODYSSEY.

Besides this move to C Building, the Auto Show will also present many new exciting events, including ride and drive opportunities. “We are offering an ‘AUTO SHOW: ON THE GO’ program where the different manufacturers can offer test drives to potential customers. These customers will then be able to drive vehicles of their choice through a designated street course around the Congress Center,” commented Wilson.

At press time, two manufacturers have signed up for the Ride & Drive program.
Kia Motors’ “Crossover to the Unexpected” will be give show patrons the opportunity to test drive their all-new Kia Sorento during all nine days of the event. The 2011 Kia Sorento recently rolled off the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point.

General Motors will be showcasing products from Chevrolet, Buick and GMC during their “Experience the Drive” during the show’s opening weekend, March 20 and 21, plus on the final three days, March 26 – 28. AutoTrader.com will be offering their services onsite with the recently launched Trade-In Marketplace. This service allows consumers/sellers to get an actual offer for their vehicle rather than an estimate or range of potential values that many of the other trade-appraisal services provide. They are hoping that this on-line trade in service will streamline the process of trading in or selling a used car with participating dealers.

The Atlanta show is also well known for its many special attractions, and 2010 will be no exception. Comcast Spotlight will sponsor a special appearance by Dora the Explorer on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21. The Ford Motor Company will bring in two Atlanta Falcons players to sign autographs on Saturday, March 27, and AutoTraderClassics.com will sponsor The Classic Cars Showcase during the entire run of the show.

The Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association is made up of more than 160 franchised new car and truck dealers from the 18 county Metro Atlanta area. The association and its members strive to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity and continuously work together to improve the car buying experience for area consumers.

Admission to the Auto Show is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6-12 years old. Children under 6 are admitted free. Monday – Thursday weekday discount coupons are available at all participating local new car dealers, Nationwide Insurance offices, and select newspaper ads.

SHOW HOURS:

• Friday, March 19 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 20 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 21 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Monday, March 22 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 23 12:00 noon. – 9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 24 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 25 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 26 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 27 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 28 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Box office closes one hour prior to the closing time of the show daily. For regular updates on the Atlanta International Auto Show, presented by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and AutoTrader.com, please check the official website – www.GoAutoShow.com.

Nationwide Insurance is the exclusive auto insurance company of the Atlanta International Auto Show.