014 Philadelphia Auto Show returns with a 650,000 sq. ft. display floor of everything automotive

E. NORRITON, PA--Jan. 27, 2014: The Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) is proud to announce the return of the Philadelphia Auto Show to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from February 8-16. The event’s Media and Industry Preview Day will take place on February 7, followed by the Black Tie Tailgate later that evening.

“Momentum continues to build across the auto industry”

“To everyone in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond, we invite you to come to this year’s Philadelphia Auto Show and find your next,” said Donald Franks of J.L. Freed Honda and 2014 Philadelphia Auto Show Chairman. “Whether your next is a new vehicle for your family, a new dream car or anything in between, this is the place to discover it.”

The 2014 Philadelphia Auto Show returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center with a 650,000 sq. ft. display floor, which is the event’s largest display floor in its rich 113-year history. Among the many highlights of this year’s event are nine ride-and-drive opportunities, including two indoor offerings from Jeep and Toyota.

“Interactive ride experiences are typically the second phase of the vehicle research process,” added Franks. “For us to be able to offer these opportunities to our attendees directly on-site is really a testament to the strength of this event. Think about it: we have 700 vehicles for guests to look at, all under one roof. Now we also have multiple opportunities for attendees to actually test drive or ride along in those vehicles. Where else can you do that? Simply put, nowhere. Our show has always been a strong influencer on the consumer decision-making process, and additions such as these interactive displays take the event to a whole new level.”

As one of the biggest auto shows in the nation, the Philadelphia Auto Show annually welcomes approximately 250,000 attendees over its nine-day run. The event traditionally influences over $2 billion in vehicle sales every year, which is just under a third of the total Philadelphia market.

“Momentum continues to build across the auto industry,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. “Last year alone, 15.6 million vehicles were sold, and that number is expected to climb to over 16 million in 2014. If it does as anticipated, it’ll be the first time since 1930 that the auto industry has seen five straight years of gains. Further, let’s not forget the most exciting part: we are seeing some of the best product portfolios to date from vehicle manufacturers, many of which you can see on-site at this year’s event.”

Specific product highlights and important details of the 2014 Philadelphia Auto Show include:

Pre-Production Models

The Philadelphia Auto Show is the perfect place to view the latest pre-production models and catch a glimpse of what will soon be available for purchase at local dealerships. Examples of 2015 models that will be on-site at this year’s event, including several all-new redesigned models, are the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible, Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang and F150, GMC Sierra, Lincoln MKC, Porsche Macan and Subaru WRX STI. A long list of noteworthy 2014 models will also be found on this year’s display floor, including the 2014 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel, and the Cadillac ELR, among others.

Concepts, Classics and Exotics

A tradition for years, the Philadelphia Auto Show will again offer guests a sneak peek at some of the latest concept models to be unveiled, such as the new Subaru Legacy concept, as well as several of the most beloved and exotic vehicles ever to hit America’s roads. The Auto Show is proud to welcome Ferrari to this year’s exhibit floor, which will have an impressive display, including the Ferrari 599 Alonso Edition (only 18 were ever produced). McLaren will return for its second appearance at the Philadelphia Auto Show, and the always-popular exotic vehicles display will again be found on the main exhibit floor of the event. Attendees will also have an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane via the classic vehicles display that will be on-site courtesy of Buckingham Concours d’Elegance, Antique Automobile Club of America, LRA Auto Museum and Simeone Automotive Museum. Highlights range from an 1886 Patent-Motorwagen Replica and 1914 Ford Model T Runabout to a 1956 Buick Special Riviera Coupe and 1970 L-78 Chevelle SS.

Other Ride-and-Drive Opportunities

In addition to Jeep and Toyota’s respective indoor ride experiences, Cadillac, Chevrolet/Buick/GMC, Kia, Subaru and Volkswagen will all offer outdoor test drives to Philadelphia Auto Show attendees. Interested parties who would like to participate in any of the events mentioned above should visit the respective manufacturer displays at the Philadelphia Auto Show for instructions and more specifics.

Philadelphia Auto Show “Face-Off” Powered by Carlisle Events

After the success of the inaugural Face-Off between Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro last year, the Philadelphia Auto Show is proud to welcome back this exciting feature in 2014. The competition is a unique challenge that invites local car club enthusiasts to display what they consider their “best of the best,” as well as different models of each namesake that tell the story of the niche brand and how it has evolved over the years. This year’s duel (powered by Carlisle Events) will be between two iconic brands known for their muscle cars, Ford (last year’s winner) and Mopar. Auto Show attendees will participate by casting their vote for a winner via text message and the Philadelphia Auto Show official app. The winner will receive $2,500 to have donated in their name to a local child-related 501(c)(3) charity of their choice and $1,000 to be divided between the participating clubs.

DUB Show Tour

Hosted by DUB magazine, the premier publication of the urban automotive lifestyle, this year’s DUB Live exhibit will include 125,000 square feet of the hottest customized rides, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ own Trent Cole’s 2012 Lamborghini Aventador and Brandon Boykin’s 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. Philadelphia 76er Michael Carter-Williams’s 2014 Nissan GT-R will also be on-site. In addition, a new feature, JUMPSTART by Harley-Davidson, will put attendees in the saddle of a running Harley-Davidson motorcycle and let them experience firsthand the “thrill of the throttle.”