New York Auto Show Breaks Attendence Records
New Technology Boosts Ticket Sales, Speeds Entry
NEW YORK, April 29 -- The 2005 New York International Automobile Show has proven once again that New York metropolitan area residents are the nation's number one car lovers with more than 1.2 million visitors attending the Show for the seventh year in a row. Dozens of major world and North American vehicle introductions and hundreds of new '05 and '06 models helped make the Show one for the record books.
"Once again, the new vehicle announcements reflect the diversity that New York is renowned for," said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which owns and operates the Show.
"We helped some automakers unveil the most fuel-efficient cars on the planet, while helping others show-off the fastest cars ever made, and everything in between," he continued.
Cars such as the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, the all-new Jeep Commander, the Ford Shelby Cobra GT 500, and the Lexus GS 450h, the world's first-ever hybrid sports sedan were shown for the first time. In addition to the world debuts, the Show revealed many special cars that had never been seen before in the U.S. Cars such as the all-new BMW 3 Series, the replacement for the Mazda Miata called the MX-5, and the world's fastest luxury sedan the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, to name a few.
The United States' first Auto Show used advanced new electronic ticketing and scanning technology to make visiting the Show easier and quicker for the car enthusiasts that attended the Show. For the first time, self service ATM- style ticket machines were stationed throughout the Show's public areas allowing visitors the option of making credit card purchases. The new kiosks combined with online tickets sales boosted electronic tickets sales to over 16% of the total tickets purchased. Purchasers of electronic tickets also benefited from express entry to the Show through special scanning stations.
Media attention once again provided a powerful spring-board for launching the show and early indications show a marked increase in broadcast and print coverage, including new car segments on all the network morning shows. The media coverage coupled with extensive advertising helped focus attention on the wide range of amazing new cars and trucks that are available to consumers this year.
Below is a list of the introductions at this year's Show:
WORLD - Production: Cadillac DTS Executive Limousine, Cadillac Escalade, Limousine ESVe, Cadillac XLR-V, Chevy Malibu SS, Chevy Malibu Maxx SS, Chevy Trailblazer SS, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Dodge Charger Police Edition, Ford GT MKII Limited Edition, Ford Mustang Tiger Racing/Mobility Edition, Ford Shelby Cobra GT500, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Azera, Isuzu i280, Isuzu i350, Jaguar XJ8 Super V8 Portfolio, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, Lexus GS 450h, Lexus IS 350, Lotus Exige, Mazda Miata 3rd Generation Limited, Mazda MX-5 SCCA Spec Edition, Mazda MX-5 Special Edition, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, Subaru Forrester 2.5 X, Subaru Forrester 2.5 XT, Subaru Forrester L.L. Bean Edition. World (Concept): Ford Sport-Trac Adrenaline, Suzuki X-2, Nissan Sport Concept, Scion t2B. North American (Production): Bentley Continental Flying Spur, BMW 3 Series, BMW 7 Series, Ferrari 460 Spider, Ford Escape Hybrid, Kia Rio5, Mazda MX-5, Maybach 57S, Saab 9-3 Sports Combi Wagon. Other: Sean Jean/SJC Wheels Announcement, Volvo/Sir Richard Branson Space Travel Announcement, Porsche Cayenne for Canines Charity Announcement, Stola S.p.a North America, Operations Announcement, Mazda 'Hot Streak' Tour Fire Safety
For more information about the New York International Automobile Show -- which is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association -- visit http://www.autoshowny.com/.
2006 Show Dates Press Preview April 12 & 13 Public Sneak Preview April 14 Public Show Dates April 14 - 23