Seattle Auto Show: Once-a-Year Display of What's New, What's Hot, What's Next

SEATTLE, Nov. 3, 2004 -- The Seattle International Auto Show opens today at noon offering Northwest consumers a look at 300 new model vehicles, including the critically-acclaimed Ford GT, Land Rover LR3 and Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid.

Virtually every car, truck, sport utility, four-wheel drive and minivan from every major automaker, along with vintage collectibles from the Harold E. LeMay Museum and The Frederickson Classics, will be on display at Qwest Field Event Center (formerly Seahawks Exhibition Center). The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 7.

"The auto show is a car lover's dream and a consumer's once-a-year chance to see and compare everything that fulfills one's driving needs," says the event director Jim Hammond. "It's a once-a-year chance to see what's new, what's hot and what's next in autos."

Showstoppers are sure to include the $357,000 Maybach 62, a $325,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom and the 552-horsepower Bentley Continental GT. Other vehicles of note include the Chrysler 300, Edmund's "Most Significant Vehicle" for 2005, and the popular Acura RL. Innovative vehicles include the low-speed IT all-electric car and a tricked-out Dodge Magnum with a $40,000 custom audio system.

Strong auto sales across all product segments in the greater Puget Sound area should boost attendance, says Hammond.

Referring to third quarter U.S. auto sales in Monday's Detroit Free Press, John Porretto reported, "New vehicle sales surged in September to their second-highest level of 2004, climbing to a seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 17.5 million units. Predictions vary for October, but the consensus appears to be in the mid-16 million unit range, up from 16.1 million a year ago."

Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 12 noon-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission to the show, sponsored by Chase Auto Finance, Chevron Lubricants and Who's Calling, is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. The auto show's website, www.seattleautoshow.com, allows visitors to send an electronic post card of their favorite vehicle to a friend.

Convenient covered parking is available in the Qwest Field Event Center's parking garage, Safeco Field, Union Station, and nearby facilities. Showgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the year-round needs of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.