96th Annual New York Auto Show Opens

04/05/96

UPI reported that the 96th annual New York Auto Show opened to the media Wednesday and will open to the public on Saturday. Show highlights include the latest sport utility vehicles, the newest safety and environmental features, and most current sports and concept cars. Nearly 40 automakers will show more than 1,000 cars and trucks, and attendance is expected to exceed 1 million. The show ends April 14.

Last year U.S. consumers bought 1.6 million sport utility vehicles and the industry expects that number to climb this year. Riding this wave of success, luxury SUV makers like Mercedes-Benz, Acura and Lexus are expected to make a big splash at the show.

Volvo will star in the safety and environmental features spotlight, and wants to expand their market share beyond the family segment. They hope the seven new models they turn out between now and 2001 (including their first convertible) will make it cool to own a Volvo.

Chrysler's Plymouth Prowler is expected to be the show's hottest concept car. The Aluminum two seater hugs the ground and recalls early racecars in both looks and performance (140 mph). The Prowler goes into production this year and 3,000 of them will be on the market next year.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel