The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
AUTOMOTIVE WORLD COMES TO I-X CENTER
The wait for automotive excitement is almost over. Signaling the countdown to spring in Northern Ohio, the Cleveland Auto Show is your chance to immerse yourself in the automotive world.
The Cleveland Auto Show, presented by Huntington Bank, opens its doors at the I-X Center on Friday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday, March 1 at 8 p.m.
“With more than 800 vehicles on the Show floor, there’s no easier way to compare features, technology, and comfort,” says Kevin Joyce, chairman of the Cleveland Auto Show and owner of Joyce Buick GMC in Avon.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind event this year, with some unique vehicles on display alongside the best pre-production and production vehicles the industry has to offer.”
If you’re interested in one of the vehicles on the Show floor and you might be able to take it for a drive while you’re there. This year, 10 different brands will make vehicles available to drive, including: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
For the first time, there are three indoor rides as well. The iconic Camp Jeep will return, featuring the climb up ‘Jeep Mountain’ and the Ram Truck Indoor Test Track offers a chance to see what the trucks can do with a series of obstacles. New this year, BMW is bringing their xDrive Experience, which features an off-road course and hill descent as well, all from the comfort of a BMW X5 or X7 SUV. At Millionaire’s Row you’ll get the chance to see vehicles from highline brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. For the best value, families can visit on Monday, Fe. 24. That’s Family Day, presented by Medical Mutual, when children 15 and younger get in free with paid adult admission. Browns Pro Bowl starter Nick Chubb will be there that day too, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the GMC display. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Show attendees will receive a free Cleveland Auto Show T-shirt, while supplies last. Then in the evening, you’ll have the chance to meet the Scottish Hammer, rookie punter Jamie Gillam. He’ll be in the BMW display from 6 to 7 p.m. The Cleveland Auto Show honors America’s military and first responders with free admission for Northern Ohio Heroes Day on Thursday, Feb. 27, when a valid I.D. is presented at the I-X Center box office. Full details can be found at clevelandautoshow.com/heroes.
One of the most popular family attractions of the Show, the Classic Car Show will be displayed in the South Hall of the I-X Center throughout the run of the show. Local owners show off their vehicles that are 25 years old or older, with the chance of being selected for the “Best of Show” award, presented by Chubb. Don’t forget to check out the lineup of celebrities on wheels, all to be featured for the entire run of the Show. The Cleveland Auto Show has invited back the DeLorean ‘Time Machine’ from “Back to the Future” as well as K.I.T.T. from “Knight Rider,” Vin Diesel’s “xXx” 1967 Pontiac GTO, and the 1983 GMC Vandura from “The A-Team.” Another special feature on the Show floor is the Ohio debut of the “Auto Show Alpha,” a full-size concept car produced in Oklahoma and exhibited exclusively at auto shows. Remember the old movie “Cannonball Run,” and the new coast-to-coast record set last December? You’ll be able to see the modified 2015 MercedesBenz E63 AMG that drove 2,825 miles cross-country in just 27 hours and 25 minutes, on display the full 10 days. While you’re at the Show, don’t forget to register to win a 24 month lease of either a 2020 Buick Encore GX or a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab, courtesy of the Northern Ohio Buick GMC Dealers. Information on this year’s Official Vehicles of the Show, and contest details including mail in entry are available at clevelandautoshow.com.
You can get other show details there such as updates on celebrity appearances as well. With more than 800 pre-production vehicles and new vehicles on display, the Cleveland Auto Show marks the start of the automotive spring selling season in Northern Ohio. Held annually at the I-X Center, the Cleveland Auto Show is considered one of the top five auto shows in the nation and is rated as one of the strongest in the nation in terms of influencing its impact on a regional market. In addition to the new vehicles and displays, the Cleveland Auto Show also features an array of entertainment including sports and celebrity appearances throughout the Show’s 10-day run. The Cleveland Auto Show is a consumer show and a favorite family tradition since 1903. Find details on Facebook at facebook.com/TheClevelandAutoShow.
“With more than 800 vehicles on the Show floor, there’s no easier way to compare features, technology, and comfort.”
Kevin Joyce, chairman of the Cleveland Auto Show and owner of Joyce Buick GMC in Avon.