Dayton Auto Show
- Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
- Admission: $7 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger can attend free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Local auto dealers hope their annual car show convinces consumers why now is a good time to buy a new vehicle.
Tim Doran, executive vice president of the Dayton Area Auto Dealers Association, said customer credit is obtainable, and the vehicles themselves are “greener” and safer than ever.
The 2011 Dayton Auto Show opens at noon Thursday.
In general, attendance of auto shows around the country is up, Doran said, an indication of what he believes is “pent-up demand” for new cars and trucks.
“There are a lot of people interested in vehicles, and that’s a good thing,” he said.
As always, it’s a way to see plenty of domestic and imported cars and trucks under one roof and in one visit.
Featured will be the rechargeable electric Chevrolet Volt, the Chevy Corvette with paddle shifters, the Dodge Charger, Honda Odyssey minivan and many others.
A look at the region’s manufacturing prowess will be possible. The 2011 Honda CR-V and Accord Crosstour, both assembled in East Liberty, Ohio, and 2011 Toyota Camry, assembled in Georgetown, Ky., will be on display. And of course, vehicles that have been attracting national attention will be there.
“The Ford Explorer was the Detroit (Auto Show) Car of the Year,” said Tim Doran, executive vice president of the Dayton Area Auto Dealers Association. “It got rave reviews. It’s a complete remake. The dealers tell me they can’t hardly get them.”
Jim Evans, owner of Dayton’s Evans Motorworks, likes the show because it gives potential consumers a look at vehicles in a low-pressure environment. And while dealers can’t make sales on the convention floor, they can get contact information with people they hope will be future customers, Evans said.
“It kind of jump-starts the spring selling season,” he said.
While the week going into a show can be slow because potential buyers want to see what’s on the floor first, the week after the show, is historically a good week, Evans said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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