2001 Show Themes at the New York International Automobile Show

    NEW YORK, March 9 2001 will be one of the most exciting
and diverse shows in the 101-year history of the New York International
Automobile Show.  In New York, high-style is "in," small cars are "big," retro
is booming, modern is chic, wagons are back, race cars are roaring, and safety
is hi-tech cool.
    "Show visitors will have the automotive treat of their lives at this
year's show," said Show Director, Candida Romanelli.  "In my ten years of
running this show, I have never seen a more diverse and crowd-pleasing group
of vehicles and new technology."

    Here are some of the trends expected at this year's show:

    -- Small is Big: Leaner Luxury for the New Economy: Small cars are back in
       fashion and "leaner" luxury cars all the rage.  Look out for the
       Mercedes C-Class Coupe, Jaguar's all-wheel drive X-Type sedan, and
       Audi's redesigned A4.

    -- Revival of Classic Nameplates: The new Mini, Ford's production T-Bird,
       Mazda's RX-8, Nissan's Z, and Volkswagen's Microbus are all classic
       examples of what to expect as automakers continue to take a look back
       in time for inspiration.

    -- Wagons are Back: The Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, VW Jetta Wagon,
       Mercedes C-Class Wagon, and Lexus IS300 Sport Cross reveal a new trend
       well worth investigating.

    -- The Shrinking SUV:  The new Jeep Liberty, Land Rover Freelander and
       popular models in the market today, such as the Ford Escape, Mazda
       Tribute, Toyota Highlander, reveal a downsizing trend in the SUV
       segment.  Mid-size SUV lovers should be on the look out for the new
       2002 Ford Explorer and radically styled Mercury Mountaineer.

    -- Safety is Hi-Tech Cool: Driving may never be the same again!  Radar
       sensors, heartbeat monitors, rear-facing cameras, adaptive cruise
       control, drive-by-wire, are on their way to a car near you.

    -- Motorsports is Hotter than Ever: Come see the best of NASCAR, Le Mans,
       Formula One, Indy, Stock Car, and more as the Auto Show pays a special
       tribute to Motorsports.  The special Victory Lap display will feature
       some of racings hottest cars, including: McLaren F1, Infiniti Open
       Wheel Indy Race Car, Ford 1964, Ford 999, Jaguar 2001 R2, Volvo 1962
       P1800 SCCA Racer, (Historic Series), 1963 Lotus Ford, BMW M3 Racer, and
       the Audi ST Competition Car.

    The 2001 New York International Auto Show opens for a special public Sneak
Preview on Friday, April 13 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Following the preview, the
Show continues from Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 22.  Prior to the
public opening, the Show welcomes media and industry during its annual Press
Preview, April 11 and 12.