February 23, 2004

By: Sam Hankook
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

2004 Washington Auto Show Inaugurates New Convention Center

The 2004 Washington Auto Show will remind visitors to look both ways, as it celebrates its 62nd staging with a theme of History with a Future. The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, auto show hosts, will delight attendees with both a fond look back at industry classics and a sneak preview of the exciting concepts that await consumers in the years to come. Displaying 700 new cars, trucks, mini-vans and SUVs from 37 manufacturers, The Washington Auto Show races into the newly expanded Washington Convention Center.

The 2004 Washington Auto Show will celebrate many milestones. This will be our first auto show, and the first public show, in the new Washington Convention Center. We’re doubling the size of the auto show and extending the show’s run by three days this year, says George Doetsch, Washington Auto Show chairman, and president, Apple Ford, Inc. We’re treating our visitors to the best of both worlds – some magical memories from the past along side the hottest new cars and trucks for 2004.

The auto show theme, History with a Future, is a perfect fit, describing both the acres of vehicles on display and the capital city home of one of the industry’s first major shows of the new model year. A perennial holiday tradition, The Washington Auto Show delights car lovers and tag-a-longs alike with a full slate of entertainment, celebrity guests, contests and consumer promotions perfect for all ages.

Now that the annual new car guides have whetted consumer appetites, The Washington Auto Show will deliver the goods. The show offers consumers the chance to see, touch and compare. You -more2004 Washington Auto Show Inaugurates New Convention Center/ add one might think you’re just window shopping, but we’ll offer you the chance to get a good look at the rest of that car as well, says Doetsch. To ease the pain of leaving without a new set of wheels, WANADA and auto show sponsors will again give away more than a few free cars.

The Washington Auto Show Hands On Contest will turn four winners into new Toyota owners. Three models – a Solara, Camry, and Scion – will be awarded to survivors of this annual endurance contest, a fourth model – a Toyota Prius– will be awarded to an onlooker who correctly predicts the winners. Contestants will begin to get in touch. Additionally, one lucky lottery second chance winner will head for home in a 2004 Ford Thunderbird as the winner of the Washington Auto Show and D.C. Lottery’s fourth annual second chance drawing. The Ford Thunderbird will be awarded on Jan. 4 as part of the auto show’s closing events.

Knowing that some auto show visitors may just be along for the ride, organizers have planned entertainment and activity around every corner of the convention center’s 2.5 million square feet. The 2004 Washington Auto Show will open with Press Preview Day on Tues., Dec. 23. WANADA and The Washington Post will host the Washington Auto Show Snow Ball Gala in the Washington Convention Center’s new ballroom, overlooking the auto show exhibit floor.

Now in its 16th year, the Snow Ball will also expand, now benefiting five area charities -- the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Boy Scouts of the National Capital Area, the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.

About The Author:

Sam Hankook is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.