2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show Shatters Opening Day Show Record with 41,460 Attendees!

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1, 2004 -- The Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) today announced attendance results for the opening day of the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show, noting a record 41,460 show-goers. On Saturday, January 31, the Philadelphia International Auto Show brought in 25 percent more show-goers than any other opening day in the Auto Show's 102-year history.

"The Philadelphia International Auto Show is THE Place to be and this record breaking opening day is proof of this fact," said Jay Haenn, chairman of the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show and president of Lansdale Chrysler Jeep. "People came out in droves to see the more than 700 vehicles from more than 40 manufacturers with more east coast debuts and concept vehicles than ever before."

The Auto Show's strong numbers are also indicative of how important this show has become to the consumers in the greater Philadelphia region. In fact, past surveys have shown that 88 percent of show attendees found the auto show helpful in making their vehicle purchase decisions. The surveys have also shown that 41 percent of sales in the area are directly influenced by the auto show."

One dollar for every attendee to the Philadelphia International Auto Show has been pledged by the ADAGP to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealer's CARing for Kids Foundation.

"Our industry is comprised of a group of community based business leaders who are involved in the areas in which we conduct business," said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. "Last year, thanks to record-breaking attendance at the show, the ADAGP donated $231,609 to The Children's Hospital. With a record breaking opening day for 2004, we are cautiously optimistic that we will reach a quarter million attendees. This will enable us to bolster our support of the extraordinary work of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."

The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, formed in late-2003, allows the ADAGP to build on its community service activities in support of children and surpass the $2.5 million raised over the past decade by the organization for various child-related causes, including The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia International Auto Show is parked at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 31-February 8. The show features more than 700 vehicles from more than 40 participating manufacturers including concept, classic, luxury, new production and exotic vehicles.

About the ADAGP

The ADAGP, established in 1904, is the oldest association of its kind in the nation. The association, comprised of 220 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, leads lobbying efforts, provides education and training seminars, conducts a Sales Training Academy to recruit new individuals into the retail automotive industry, and owns and produces the Philadelphia International Auto Show.

The ADAGP's 230 members sell approximately 211,400 new vehicles every year. This process generates $10 billion in sales and employs approximately 16,684 people with annual payroll of over $700 million.