It S a (R) Evolution at the San Diego International Auto Show

It S a (R) Evolution at the San Diego International Auto Show

It’s a (R) Evolution at the San Diego International Auto Show

Auto Show extends to five days, remains open on Monday, Jan. 2

For Immediate Release

San Diego, Cal., Dec. 13, 2016 –“Autonomous” is the buzzword being tossed about in nearly every major automotive center on the planet, and it, or its cousin “Connected Vehicle” is the focus of nearly every automotive event, as the automobile evolves to become even more integrated into our daily lives. And it will all be gloriously displayed at the 2017 Model Year San Diego International Auto Show (SDIAS) running from Thurs., Dec. 29 – Mon., Jan. 2 at the San Diego Convention Center. The show is extended to five days to include Monday, since this year Monday will still be part of the holiday season.

A strong auto industry continues to invest 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. With tests being conducted around the globe on self-driving, or “autonomous” vehicles, the future of transportation is as bright as it has ever been.

All that connectivity will be on display in hundreds of vehicles on the floor, so show goers are sure to find just the model that completes their lifestyle, both in the passenger compartment and under the hood.

“It’s all about the cars,”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.”

In addition to the cars, said Leap, the SDIAS continues with its tradition of offering the best entertainment value in San Diego County.

Manufacturers will return with bigger, better exhibits that feature tons of interactive elements to educate consumers on the latest vehicles.

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An extension of the show floor exhibits, the perennial favorite Ride & Drives return, offering the most experiential opportunity at the show. This year, 15 events are scheduled, including events hosted by: Jeep (Camp Jeep), Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, Subaru and Toyota.

“The Ride & Drive is the single most effective tool we have to educate our audience,” said Leap. “Product specialists educate the consumer as theyexperience the features and driveability of the car without any sales pressure, giving them a true appreciation for the vehicle.”

In fact, saidLeap, the entire show strives to present the vehicles in a non-sales environment, giving consumers the chance to evaluate the vehicles at their leisure.

The show is also an opportunity for manufacturers to show off their latest vehicle introductions. This year, show attendees can expect to see:

  • 2017 Cadillac CT-6 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
  • 2017Volkswagen Atlas

The SDIAS is also a premier entertainment destination, and this year’s edition will not disappoint.

Here’s a snapshot of what else is happening:

Chevy Family Day

The kids are in the house on Sunday, Jan. 1, for Chevy Family Day. 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, including special Superhero appearances like Spider Man.

Wawanesa Insurance Exotics Vault

New sponsor Wawanesa Insurance is thrilled to sponsor this year’s version of the 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 Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Aston Martin and Lotus.

Ferrari / Maserati

For the first time at the SDIAS, Ferrari and Maserati, two of the most iconic automotive brands on the planet, will have their own dedicated space. Come ooh and aah over vehicles that most only dream about.

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Kia Hamstars

The furry spokes-animals for Kia, the Hamstars, make their first appearance at the SDIAS in the Kia stand. Have those mobile phones ready for that selfie with the Hamstars, and make sure to tag #SDautoshow when you post.

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. Nissan also offers special financing programs to current and former military personnel.

Camp Jeep

Returning for its 8th 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 in the all-new Jeep® Renegade Trailhawk , Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Grand CherokeeTrailhawk. 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 2017 Camp Jeep is the ground clearance stair climb, where Jeep demonstrates ground clearance and traction as it climbs five feet over a staircase. Another new 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. TheKids Course and Climbing Wall will be returning as well.

Electric Vehicle Day

Electric vehicles continue to stake a place in the automotive landscape with the help of tax incentives and performance metrics, not to mention that they are easier on the environment. Because of that, Electric Vehicle Day, sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E),has become a more significant feature of the SDIAS, allowing consumers to review, compare and become educated on the latest electric vehicle technology.This year, Electric Vehicle Day has been expanded, and will be fully staffed by experts who can discuss the technology, 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.

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Luxury Classics

San Diego’s Rolls Royce Club will provide an exhibit featuring Rolls Royce Motor Cars that span the decades, showcasing this luxury brand’s evolution from the car of choice for the very rich to, well, the car of choice for the very rich.

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.

Conversions Galore

Highlighting SoCal’s place in the world of vehicle modification, the SDIAS is pleased to offer its Low Rider exhibit. Developed in Southern California in the late 50s and early 60s, Low Riders have assumed a unique place in the history of the automobile.

In addition to the Low Riders, a number of vehicle conversion companies will display their own take on custom vehicles, from the ingenious to the wild and whacky.

Show Details

SDIAS will be held Thurs., Dec. 29, 2016 - Sun., Jan. 2, 2017. Show hours are 10 am – 9 pm, Thurs. and Fri., Jan. 29-30; 10 am – 6pmSat., Dec. 31; 10 am - 9 pmSun., Jan. 1, and 10 am-7 pm, Mon., Jan. 2.

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 Chevy Family Day, Sun. Jan. 1, 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 – 619-886-4969 /

Joe Rohatynski – 313-378-6570 /

Marc Harlow – 810-599-2558 /

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