Chicago Auto Show Closes to Enthusiastic Public

CHICAGO, Feb. 23 -- The 95th Chicago Auto Show closed Sunday night with optimism expressed from organizers and manufacturers alike.

"This has been a remarkable ten days," said show chairman Bob Van Iten. "We were blessed by dodging every weather calamity that brushed the area, but seemed to avoid us as if Mother Nature was on our staff. The public responded to the siren song of the nation's largest auto show enthusiastically.

"This success of this show has always been the harbinger of a strong spring selling season," continued Van Iten. "From what we've observed there's going to be a definite boost in local sales and obviously that's good for everyone."

The automotive industry is still displaying strong activity with local and national incentives for buyers. A year ago, industry observers predicted a tough year, but performed as the fourth best year in history. Only time will tell what the rest of 2003 holds, but signs indicate that it's going to be yet another surprise.

"We've already seen increased activity in local showrooms," said Van Iten. "There's a direct correlation of show attendees and business activity."

The show's general manager, Jerry Cizek, lauded Chicago's big heart, as well.

"Our First Look for Charity black-tie benefit raised a record $2.2 million for 17 local organizations," said Cizek. "In what we're told is a sluggish economy, the benefit outperformed the 2002 event by more than $400,000. Later in the week, the show's annual food drive collected more than 12 tons of canned and dry goods to be distributed to hungry families by the Chicago Christian Industrial League. We're fortunate to live in an area that always opens itself to good causes."

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is regarded by manufacturers as their most significant consumer event.