Get Connected at the San Diego International Auto Show
For Immediate Release
San Diego, Cal., Dec. XX, 2015 – With the technology boom, it has become a connected world, and the auto industry is working hard to make sure that there is a seamless transition between the smart technologies you hold in your hand to the car you drive. It will all be on display at the San Diego International Auto Show (SDIAS), set to run on Thurs., Dec. 31 – Sun., Jan. 3 at the San Diego Convention Center.
With expected record-breaking sales, the auto industry is as strong as ever, and auto manufacturers are investing heavily in technology to improve the customer driving experience and functional safety. The result is a product that is more than ever an extension of our daily lives instead of just a means of getting from point A to point B.
And with 400+ of those vehicles on display, show goers are sure to find just the model that completes their lifestyle, both in the passenger compartment and under the hood.
“The cars continue to be the stars,” said Kevin Leap, the show’s director. “Today’s vehicles shine more brightly than ever with a level of quality, design brilliance, and tech savvy that has never been seen before. You will not want to miss it.”
Leap also pointed out the latest innovation from the SDIAS designed to add the most value to the consumer experience, iBeacon technology offered by Piper. Utilizing Piper’s beacon technology, automotive brands can deliver new and captivating mobile content to smartphones. The free-to-download Piper App connects to specialized messages and gives attendees real-time updates about show events.
In addition to the cars, said Leap, the SDIAS continues with its tradition of offering the best entertainment value on the planet. Or at least in San Diego County.
Continuing a trend begun last year, manufacturers will construct bigger, better exhibits with tons of interactive elements to educate consumers on the latest vehicles.
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An extension of the show floor exhibit, the Ride & Drives return in force, offering the most experiential opportunity at the show. This year, 14 events are scheduled, including events hosted by: Jeep (Camp Jeep), Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, KIA, Lincoln, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota.
“The Ride & Drive is the single most effective tool we have to educate our audience,” said Leap. “Product specialists educate the consumer as they experience the features and driveability of the car without any sales pressure, giving them a true appreciation for the vehicle.”
In fact, said Leap, the entire show strives to present the vehicles in a non-sales environment, giving consumers the chance to evaluate the vehicles at their leisure.
This year, the SDIAS will feature the following vehicles fresh off their intros:
· 2017 Hyundai Elantra
· 2017 Lincoln MKZ
Also, several new models will appear at the show, including:
· 2017 Alpha Romeo Guilia
· 2016 Alpha Romeo 4C Spyder
· 2016 Buick Cascada
· 2016 Chevy Volt
· 2016 Chevy Camaro
· 2017 Ford Escape
And, at least one concept car:
· Lincoln Continental Concept
Of course the San Diego show has become known as an entertainment destination, too, and this year’s edition will not disappoint. There is literally something for everyone.
Here’s a snapshot of what else is happening:
Ford Family Day
Kids rule on Sunday, Jan. 3, at the San Diego Convention Center. Kids 12 and under (with a paid adult admission) enter the show for free and can enjoy a wide variety of activities designed just for them. A highlight returning from last year is Safety City, a portable, miniature city that provides hands-on training designed to teach children traffic, pedestrian, bicycle, and fire safety and strengthen their ability to make safer choices. Sponsored by the San Diego Fire and Rescue Foundation, the nearly 5,000-square-foot city will be staffed by some of San Diego’s finest first responders.
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Nissan Military Appreciation- You Watch Our Back, Now We’ve Got Yours
Nissan is a proud supporter of the US Military. Nissan offers special financing programs to current and former Military personnel, and is involved in philanthropic partnerships with groups like Wounded Warrior Project®. Local Nissan dealers have partnered with the San Diego International Auto Show 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 visiting the dealership, for each test drive taken in a new Nissan, your local San Diego Dealers will donate $25 to Wounded Warrior Project®
Camp Jeep
The Jeep Test Track is an interactive adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers allow riders to experience a Jeep's on and off-road capabilities in the all-new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk , Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Wrangler Rubicon and Grand Cherokee. Camp Jeep features a thrilling, "can't miss" hill climb where passengers experience the Jeep's traction capabilities while climbing the 18-foot high, 35-degree Jeep Mountain, the icon of the ride. Trail Rated Pass demonstrates extreme three-wheeling over the 50 foot long, 8' tall obstacle. Jeep is also bringing back the“0-60”Challenge, where competitors race against a clock to complete a Jeep themed task / challenge in 60 seconds or less. The Kids Course and Climbing Wall will be returning as well.
Electric Vehicle Day
Electric cars are growing in number because they have amazing torque, many incentives, are as easy to charge as your cell phone and are better for the environment. After a positive reception in its first year, Electric Vehicle Day, sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), makes its return on January 1 to the show, featuring the latest electric vehicle technology on the road today. At the SDIAS, guests can speak with experts about state and federal incentives, special electric vehicle rates for your home from SDG&E, and the benefits of driving electric.
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 will also feature electric and hybrid electric vehicles.
The GEICO Motorcycle Pavilion
Going on 15 years as a proud partner / sponsor with the San Diego International Auto Show, GEICO never disappoints with its Motorcycle Pavilion. More than just bikes, for the first time the GEICO exhibit will feature the #13 Casey Mears GEICO NASCAR vehicle, alongside a perennial favorite – a Paul Jr. Designs custom chopper. GEICO’s local Event Team will also be on hand answering questions, giving away great promotional items and raffling off a $200 VISA Gas Card. And if your phone needs a quick charge, you can fuel it up at one of two charging stations that will be located in the exhibit.
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Classics and more
Rancho Santa Fe Motorclub will provide the show’s annual drive through the past with its exhibit of one-of-a-kind classics, including a 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom II that once appeared in the movie “Sunset Strip,” and a ’59 custom Cadillac Eldorado once owned by Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio and his wife Marilyn Monroe (the paint job was done by the iconic George Barris of Batmobile fame). Also on display will be a custom Geisen Special, so named after the brothers who created this amalgamation of part to create a truly unique vehicle. Finally, for the speed demons in the crowd, there’s the aptly named 1999 Diablo from Lamborghini.
Scripps Health
Scripps Health will again help give consumers a healthy start to the New Year at the 2016 San Diego International Auto Show. Scripps will be easy to find even amid a sea of new model cars in the spacious showroom. Just look for the Scripps Mobile Medical Unit, a 40-foot-long, blue bus coach. Scripps will staff the mobile unit daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the four-day event, offering free screenings and giveaways. Scripps staff will provide information on healthy eating as well as how to obtain health coverage through Covered California.
Mobility Zone
Sponsored again by Golden Boy Mobility, The Mobility Zone will feature vehicles of all types that have been modified for people with physical challenges, including trucks, vans, cars, off road vehicles, race cars, specialty cars, and more. In addition, there will be a wide variety of mobility equipment and accessories, such as wheelchairs with special adaptations, and a seated Segway.
Show Details
SDIAS will be held Thurs., Dec. 31 - Sun., Jan. 3. Show hours are 10 am – 6 pm, Thurs., 10 am – 9 pm, Fri. – Sat., and 10 am – 7 pm on Sun.
Admission:
Adults (13 and over): $12
Military (with ID): $9
Seniors (62 and over): $9
Children (7-12): $8
Children (1-6): free (when accompanied by an adult).
Children 12 and under are free on Ford Family Day, Sun. Jan. 3, when accompanied by a paid adult. For information on discount coupons or VIP e-tickets, visit SDAutoShow.com.
Media Contacts:
Rohatynski/Harlow Public Relations
Amy Foley – 858 550 0080 /
Joe Rohatynski – 313 378 6570 /
Marc Harlow – 810 599 2558 /
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