2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show Smokes Attendance Records

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11, 2004 -- The Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) today announced a record total of 279,854 show-goers to the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show making it the largest attended show in Pennsylvania Convention Center history. This record breaking total represents more show-goers than any in the Auto Show's 102-year history and breaks the previous record set in 2002 with 234,690 people.

The show also broke single-day attendance records seven of the nine days that the Auto Show operated. On opening day, Saturday, January 31st, a record 41,460 people attended the show. This represents a 25 percent increase over any other opening day in the show's history. The Show also broke a Pennsylvania Convention Center record for single-day attendance bringing in 57,060 show-goers on Saturday, February 7.

"The Auto Show represents a $25 million economic impact on the region from people coming into the city and enjoying the food and wonderful amenities the city has to offer," said Jay Haenn, chairman of the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show and president of Lansdale Chrysler Jeep. "This impact also represents the management and operation of the Show with more than 28,000 labor hours put into moving in a record 2.2 million pounds of freight into the Convention Center."

The Auto Show's strong attendance figures are indicative of how important this show has become to the Greater Philadelphia region. The survey has shown that 41 percent of sales in the area are directly influenced by the Auto Show, representing $3 billion.

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.

"The Philadelphia International Auto Show was THE Place to be and these records are proof of this fact," said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. "With record breaking attendance for 2004, we are pleased to commit $279,854 to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."

About The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation

The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, formed in December 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.

About the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show

The Philadelphia International Auto Show parked at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 31-February 8. The show featured more than 700 vehicles from more than 40 participating manufacturers including concept, east coast debuts, 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.