A winter fest for car lovers
Automakers set to showcase top models at show
A little burst of sunshine is in the forecast for auto enthusiasts.
It’s known as the New England International Auto Show. The annual confab, which runs Jan. 11-15 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, is meant to inject enthusiasm into the auto-buying public. And no amount of snow, ice or cold has been able to drive folks away.
Auto sales are a huge part of the Bay State economy, accounting for more than 18 percent of the state’s total retail sales — over $21 billion. Bay State dealers have to overcome winter — a fact of life that warm-climate states don’t have to deal with.
So the auto show is fertile ground to launch into the annual selling season — a reason that more than three dozen manufacturers will have basically their entire product lines on display at the show. Each manufacturer is aware that, according to statistics commissioned by the auto show, 64 percent of show attendees are in the market for a new car.
And though auto sales dropped slightly in 2017 — and analysts uniformly say loan interest rates will go up this year — there’s little worry the market will dry up.
Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate. com, predicts the average five-year new car loan should close the year at 4.85 percent and the average four-year used car rate will be 5.35 percent. Both figures that he doesn’t expect to panic buyers.
“In a historical context, rates are still incredibly low,” he said.
Bottom line: If you’re thinking about buying, go confidently to the auto show, and get more info. That new car you want is going to be available, and will likely be affordable.
Show guests are allowed
to get into most of the vehicles, trying them on for size, although concept vehicles or pre-production models are off limits. Product specialists will be on hand to answer questions about the models; dealers have been known to hang out at the show as well (they’re car fans, too!) and provide information about the vehicles. However, no sales can be conducted at the show, so prospective buyers can “kick tires” to their hearts’ content without pressure.
For visitors who want a greater experience with the vehicles, test drives (not on the show floor, of course) will be available. Manufacturers will offer behind-the-wheel opportunities including:
Chevrolet: Get in and go with a Bolt EV, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado and Traverse.
Mazda: Try out the CX-5, CX-9, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, or the Miata. It might be too cold to drop the top on a Miata, however.
Mini: Test drives of fourwheel-drive versions of its Countryman and Clubman.
Toyota: Test drives of the CH-R, Camry, Rav 4, Prius.
Kia also plans to have some vehicles available to sample.
Drivers must have and present a valid driver’s license and may be required to be of a certain age. Additionally, another blizzard (or similar limitations) may limit or cease availability of test drives.
More than 20 vendors will also have booths at the show.