San Jose Auto Show Opens January 8

    SAN JOSE, Calif.--Jan. 6, 2003--The first North American appearance of five much-anticipated vehicles and an attempt to identify the Bay Area commute's primary source for accurate traffic information will headline the 2003 San Jose International Auto Show, January 8-12 at the San Jose Convention Center.
    Presented by the 72-member Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association and the San Jose Mercury News, the ninth annual exhibition of new cars, light trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles will display over 400 new and futuristic models including factory concepts from Ford and Lincoln and two version's of Toyota's scene-stealing 21st century Scion, scheduled for California roads by late summer.
    The Show will open with a preview gala at 6 p.m. on January 7 which includes the debuts of the Chrysler Pacifica, Infiniti FX45 and Porsche Cayenne "crossover" vehicles, Jaguar's first redesign of the fabled XJ sedan in 36 years and the return of the legendary Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
    Show producers anticipate receiving over 200,000 licensed drivers over the five-day event and consequently have chosen the opportunity to obtain a definitive answer to an area-wide mystery: Where Do Bay Area Drivers Get Accurate Traffic Information?
    Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, the popular Bay Area pizza chain, will conduct The Amici's Traffic Poll. Show attendees who participate in America's third largest daily commute will be asked to list their primary choice for gaining valuable highway information. As an incentive to cast their ballot, voters will be offered the opportunity to enter a contest to win daily prizes of 100 gallons of gasoline.
    The 2003 San Jose International Auto Show will open from noon-10 p.m. January 8-10, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. January 11, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. January 12. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 are admitted free.
    Tickets can be purchased in advance on The Show's website at sjautoshow.com
    Discount coupons offering $2.00 off the box office adult general admission January 8-10 are available at all Nob Hill Foods Stores in the Bay Area.