San Diego International Auto Show is an automotive paradise this Holiday Season
525,000 square feet of automotive eye-candy to view
Auto Show to run five days, remains open on New Year’s Day
For Immediate Release
San Diego, Cal., Dec. 8, 2017 –Looking for that “kid in a candy store” feeling this holiday season? There are only two places to get it: a candy store. Or the 2018 San Diego International Auto Show (SDIAS)in town Thurs., Dec. 28 – Mon., Jan. 1 at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 400 examples of the auto industry’s sweetest eye-candy will be on display for review and, in some cases, actual evaluation.
The cars are the stars, and a strong and competitive auto industry will bring its best. Highly trained product specialists will educate consumers about the latest technology that automakers are incorporating into vehicles to make their driving experience the best ever, along with unparalleled safety features. Vehicles are smarter than everbefore and continue to be an indispensable part of daily life, and a reflection of their owners’ personalities.
The annual event (second largest in the state) is also an opportunity for manufacturers to unveil their latest vehicles -- some never seen before in the San Diego market. And, this year, show attendees should expect to see more than a dozen debut vehicles, including a number of surprises… “top-secret, for now,” said Kevin Leap, director, SDIAS.
Enhancing the auto show experience, the perennial favorite Test Drives return, offering the most experiential opportunity you can get at an auto show. This year, 13brands will let consumers get behind the wheel, includingChevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Camp Jeep, the only indoor drive event (professional drivers operate vehicles for passengers over an extreme course) returns for its ninth consecutive year.
“The Test Drive is the single most effective tool we have to educate our audience,”added Leap. “Product specialists engageconsumersas theyexperience the features and drivability of the cars without sales pressure, giving them a true appreciation for the vehicles and a first-hand experience.”
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In fact, saidLeap, manufacturers throughout the show present their vehicles in a non-sales environment, giving consumers the chance to learn, compare and evaluate at their leisure.
“It’s the ideal opportunity for comparative shopping,” said Leap. “If you’re in the market for a new car in the next 12 months, you can do all your homework in one spot and in one day.”
The SDIAS ismore than cars, though, and has truly become an entertainment destination enjoyed by families from all over the region.
“We work very hard year-round to make this a fun, family destination,” added Leap. “The cars are definitely front-and-center, the main attraction, but at the same time, we have a number of features and activities for all ages. The feedback is always positive and guests are pleased that the San Diego auto show is so ‘family-friendly.’”
Here’s a rundown of show activities:
Chevy Family Day
The kids are in the house on Sunday, Dec. 31, for Chevy Family Day. Kids 12 and under enter the show for free (with a paid adult admission) and can enjoy a wide variety of activities designed just for them, including special Superhero appearances like Spider Man and Captain America. Free tickets are available for Chevy Family Day at San Diego County Chevy dealers while supplies last.
Wawanesa Insurance Exotics Vault
Wawanesa Insurance is back as thesponsor this year’s Exotics Vault, where show attendees can see their dream vehicles up-close. The line up this year features the ultimate in luxury and performance, including Aston Martin, Lamborghini, McLaren and Ferrari. For the first time, a newly introduced Supercar will make its appearance at the show. Come out and see what it is.
Nissan Military Appreciation
Nissan is a proud supporter of the US Military. Local Nissan dealers have partnered with SDIAS for Nissan Military Appreciation. Active and retired military can visit their local San Diego Nissan Dealer to get FREE San Diego Auto Show tickets (while supplies last). Nissan also offers special financing programs to current and former military personnel.
Kia Hamstars
The furry Kia spokes-animals, the Hamstars, return to the Kia stand. Have those mobile phones ready for a selfie with the Hamstars (and Turbo!) and tag #SDautoshow.
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Camp Jeep
Returning for its ninth appearance at the SDIAS, Camp Jeep® is the ultimate off-road driving test, and an interactive adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers allow riders to experience Jeep's on and off-road capabilities. Camp Jeep features the thrilling, "can't miss" hill climb where passengers experience the Jeep's traction capabilities while climbing the 18-foot high, 35-degree Jeep Mountain. New for the 2018 Camp Jeep is the ground clearance stair climb, where Jeep demonstrates ground clearance and traction as it climbs five feet over a staircase. Another course element is the Extreme Breakover where Jeeps navigate a 25-degree uneven plane until one wheel loses contact with the surface. The vehicle continues to climb until it hits the apex and breaks over the plane.
Electric Vehicle Day– Thursday, Dec. 28
Automaker commitment to producing electric vehicles is higher than ever.That’s why Electric Vehicle Day, sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) continues to be a significant feature of the SDIAS, allowing consumers to review, compare and become educated on the latest EV technology.On EV Day, the ThinkBlue EcoCenter will be fully staffed by experts who can discuss the technology, state and federal incentives, special residential electric vehicle rates from SDG&E, and the benefits of driving electric.
ThinkBlue EcoCenter
ThinkBlue, the presenting sponsor of the EcoCenter, will also be on hand to answer questions about protecting and improving water quality. The ThinkBlue Eco Center, open for the duration of the show, will also feature electric and hybrid electric vehicles from a wide variety of manufacturers in one central location.
Mobility Zone
Sponsored by Cigna and Scripps Health, the Mobility Zone features vehicles of all types that have been modified for people with physical challenges. Trucks, vans, cars, off road vehicles, race cars, specialty cars, are among the vehicles shown in this popular exhibit.Also, there will be a wide variety of mobility equipment and accessories, such as wheelchairs with special adaptations.Cigna and Scripps Health, working together for a healthier San Diego to help make care simpler for customers and their families, are proud to support the Mobility Zone to help empower people and make transportation simpler for those in the San Diego community.
Superheroes, clowns, contests and more
Throughout the five-day run of the show, there will be appearances by Superheroes clowns, balloon animals, Pop-a-shot basketball hoop games, bean bag toss, and family photos. Check SDAutoShow.com for dates, times and locations.
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iHeart Radio Photo Booth / Contest–Dec. 29, Noon - 5 pm
It’s not a selfie, but it’s the next best thing. Have your photo taken at the iHeart Radio Photo Booth near the Wawanesa Exotics Vault. Don a variety of costume accessories and then share your photo on Social Media for a chance to win $250.
Karaoke is Back – x 2!
Join ENERGY 97.3 for Carpool Karaoke with Marvy J, a three time American Idol contestant. Jump in a new car with Marvy J and sing for your chance to win prizes, and a shot at the Grand Prize: VIP passes to ENERGY’S New Year’s Eve Show. Each “audition will be recorded and shared extensively on Social Media. Time and date TBD.
Radio Latina will be hosting its own Cantarsis (Car Karaoke). Join Jesse and sing a Shakira song with him. Videos will be posted on Facebook for voting. Listeners can also register to win a prize giveway, with one of those prizes being tickets to see Shakira live in February 2018. Time and dates are Dec. 28, 2 pm – 4 pm, and Dec. 31, noon – 2 pm
Star Cars
The Cars are the Stars at the SDIAS, and sometimes, the cars are from the stars. The Star Cars feature brings vehicles both famous and really cool. This year, the focus is on trucks, a highlight being three vehicles based on the Mad Max Movies. One of the cool "wasteland" style vehicles, the “War Plane,” is actually a plane on a truck chassis.
Show Details
SDIAS will be held Thurs., Dec. 28, 2017 – Mon., Jan. 1, 2018. Show hours are 10 am – 9 pm, Thurs., Fri., and Sat., Jan. 28-30; 10 am – 6 pmSun., Dec. 31; and 10 am – 7 pm,Mon., Jan. 1.
Admission:
Adults (13 and over): $15
Military (one ticket per ID): $12
Seniors (62 +): $12
Children (7-12):$11*
Children (1-6): free (when accompanied by an adult).
*Children 12 and under are free on Chevy Family Day, Sun. Dec. 31, when accompanied by a paid adult.
For information on discount coupons, or to purchase tickets, visit the show web site, sdautoshow.com.
Media Contacts: Rohatynski/Harlow Public Relations
Joe Rohatynski – 313 378 6570 /
Marc Harlow – 810 599 2558 /
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