The 2010 Washington Auto Show
Where: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 Wednesday to Friday, $12 Saturday and Sunday ($2 discounts for seniors and military; a $4 off coupon for Friday is available at autotrader.com); 866-927-4288; washingtonautoshow.com
The 2010 Washington Auto Show kicks off Wednesday at the Washington Convention Center, featuring more than 700 new cars from more than 42 manufacturers, filling 750,000 square feet.
The theme of this year’s show is “Change Happens Here,” and it includes a 65,000-square-foot display called the “Advanced Technology Super Highway” that features some of the latest automotive innovations and demonstrates that the public’s interest in environmentally friendly vehicles is more than a fad.
“There are a lot of people who are interested in the alternative fuel technology,” said Charles Stringfellow, chairman of the Washington Auto Show and CEO of Brown’s Automotive. “There’s some of that forward thinking.”
Last year’s auto show took place under a cloud from the uncertainty in the economy and the ultimate bankruptcy filing by General Motors and Chrysler.
“Last year, it was more of a solemn event,” said Don Haller of Chesapeake Beach, Md. “More doom and gloom. This year I’m hoping to see more upbeat and more activity.”
Haller is president of the locally based Corvette Club of America and is a regular attendee of the auto show.
“I’m a certified Corvette nut and a GM evangelist,” Haller said, adding that he doesn’t work for GM. “But I’m interested in seeing what the other U.S. manufacturers have out.”
Haller’s friend Mike Urdal of Davidsonville, Md., attends the show approximately every other year and finds it a chance to poke around cars in a no-pressure situation.
“It’s an opportunity to look at some vehicles I wouldn’t want to go to the showroom to look at,” Urdal said. “It’s an informal setting.”
In addition to vehicles galore, the auto show also offers appearances by LaVar Arrington, Antawn Jamison and the Redskins cheerleaders, as well as shows, kid-friendly entertainment and a number of exhibitors.
“It doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of Detroit, but it’s nice to see the current models on the show floor,” said Ian Baker, who lives in the Herndon area and is a member of the Sports Car Club of America’s Washington D.C. Region.
The SCCA will have an exhibit at the auto show.
“We’re all enthusiasts. It’s a chance to see the new cars,” he added.
Overall, this year’s auto show promises a return to celebrating cars big and small.
“The mood in the economy is better than it was last year at this time,” Stringfellow said. “All of the manufacturers are bringing some new products to the market.”
