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Paris Auto Show Just One Automotive Exhibition

by Chris Owen (RSS feed) on Sep 29th 2012 at 2:00PM

Since 1898, the Paris Motor Show has been one of the most important car shows around. Even as European carmakers prepare for problems with labor, sales and a dismal financial future, the latest models are on display right now with each manufacturer putting their best on display for the world to see. But we don't have to fly across the pond for much of the latest and greatest that the auto industry has to offer. Auto shows scattered around the United States offer a first look at a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles and experimental or concept cars.

The Sacramento International Auto Show is coming up October 19-21 at the Cal Expo featuring hundreds of the brand new 2012 and 2013 cars, mixed in with vehicles spanning over a hundred years of the automotive industry. Four on-site Ride and Drives and two kid zones and the Sac Auto Show has something for everyone.

The South Florida International Auto Show runs November 9-18 at the Miami Convention Center. This one too has Ride & Drive events and this year includes Camp Jeep, offering auto show visitors off-road driving courses to demonstrate the legendary 4x4 capabilities of Jeep vehicles. Trained instructors will drive participants over a variety of surfaces such as steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings. Traditionally, 665,000 people visit the auto show each year, which has an estimated financial impact on the local economy of over $50 million.

The Connecticut International Auto Show open Friday through Sunday the weekend of November 2, will have factory and dealer representatives from the car lines on hand to answer questions in a no pressure environment. More of a buyer-focused show, cars to suit every budget and life style will be there, all under one roof to make comparing prices and features easy.

The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the longest shows, this year open from November 28 through December 9, and for good reason. Packed with unique events, displays, areas just for children and a yearly "challenge" to the auto manufacturers, the LA Auto show draws a lot of attention. This year, for example, their challenge asks automotive design studios to create a highway patrol vehicle that meets the requirements of a specific region's transportation and societal conditions in 2025.

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in America, held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 105th edition of the Chicago Auto Show that first started in 1901. Showcasing nearly 1,000 different vehicles, attendees will also have the opportunity to see the latest accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. The event runs Saturday, February 9 through Monday, February 18.

Car shows are not all about new cars and technology either. Antique car shows feature the classic designs and bring back memories of yesteryear, like this recent show in Boston.

[Flickr photos by Jason Pier in DC]

Filed under: Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Transportation