Revved up for auto show
The Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show kicked off Thursday at the Broward County Convention Center and runs through Sunday. Some of the featured 2020 model vehicles include the new redesigned Toyota Corolla, Lincoln Aviator, the Kia Soul and Kia Telluride. Car enthusiasts can preview the new Volkswagen Arteon, a sporty elegant sedan that event founder Rick Case said will be arriving in dealer showrooms in May. The auto show also features the new Volkswagen Passat. The event is a fundraiser to help The Boys& Girls Clubs of Broward County.
Richard and Carol Maringer of Hollywood were really revved up for the return of the Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show.
So much so that they arrived early, too early (about an hour or so) opening day Thursday at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center.
They grabbed a bite to eat and returned once the show officially opened its doors at 2 p.m.
“We come every year, yes we do,” said Carol Maringer, 72, smiling as she browsed the small SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Honda CRV. “We like to see what is out there.”
They were among many early birds who arrived for the 28th annual auto show, which runs through Sunday.
Event founder Rick Case, one of Broward County’s largest new car retailers, was also there checking out the crowds. They strolled up and down the sections of about 19 auto brands from Acura and Alfa Romeo to Lexus and Toyota. Visitors also snapped selfies with the new vehicles.
Case created the event as a fundraiser to help The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, which has 12 clubs in the county and serves 12,000 kids.
“This is the only auto show in the United States that is wholly owned by a charity,’’ he said as he stood between the new Ford and Volkswagen models. “It’s events like this that really help cover the costs of those kids coming to our clubs.”
Some of the featured 2020 model vehicles include the new redesigned Toyota Corolla, LincolnA viator, the Kia Soul and Kia Telluride.
Car enthusiasts can also get a preview of the new Volkswagen Arteon, a sporty elegant sedan that Case said will be arriving in dealer showrooms in May. The event also featured the new Volkswagen Passat.
“That Passat will be coming in in September,’’ Case said of its showroom arrival.
In addition to the cars, there are trucks, vans and motorcycles, including Goldwing and Honda. There’s also an area of local collectors’ vehicles such as vintage Mercedes Benz sedans.
“It’s a fun showto be at, something here for the whole family,’’ Case added. “The doors aren’t
locked. The cars are wide open, the trucks’ doors are open. People can just come down here and really get the feel of the cars.”
The auto show runs 2 to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8p.m. Sunday at the convention center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd, in Fort Lauderdale.
Tickets cost $8 for adults; children ages 6 to12 pay $3 and children under the age of 5 get in for free.
For more information, visit ftlauderdaleautoshow.