More than 400 new-model vehicles were displayed at the 2011 San Diego International Auto Show in San Diego. Photo: Gina Yarbrough/San Diego County News
SAN DIEGO–In a sign that the good times are returning for global automakers, the San Diego International Auto Show announced that Mercedes-Benz USA and Mitsubishi Motors America will be exhibiting at this year’s auto show.
“We are thrilled that these two automakers have chosen to return to the auto show,” said Leap. “It’s our goal to offer the widest variety of automobiles for our guests, and with the return of Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi, we are able to increase the shopping options for San Diegans across the entire price range of vehicles.”
Leap also sees the return of the two automakers as a sign of the industry’s resurgence. “This points to a healthy auto industry,” said Leap, “and a healthy auto industry means a great deal to our local economy as it relates to jobs and capital infusion.”
Also a gauge of industry health is the fact that Mitsubishi’s and Mercedes-Benz’s return is with the support of local dealers. In supporting the automakers, the dealers create opportunities for the carmakers while providing expanded vehicle choices for auto show attendees. “It’s a classic win-win,” said Leap. “And the beneficiary of this cooperation is the consumer.”
The 2012 Model-year San Diego International Auto Show is held at the San Diego Convention Center, located at 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The show runs from Thurs., Dec. 29 – Sun., Jan. 1. Show hours are 10 am – 9 pm on Thurs., 10 am – 9 pm on Fri., and from 10 am – 7 pm on Sat. and Sun. The second annual Firefighters’ Ball runs from 7:30 pm – 1:00 am on Sat., Dec. 31 and includes a private reception at the auto show from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Admission to this year’s auto show is: Adults (13 and over): $12; Military (with ID): $9; Seniors (62 and over): $9; Children (7-12): $8; Children (1-6) free (when accompanied by an adult). Children 12 and under are free on Mazda Family Day, Sun. Jan. 1, when accompanied by a paid adult. For additional show information, to purchase e-tickets or download discount
The San Diego International Auto Show is owned, produced and presented by the New Car Dealers Association-San Diego County. Experts at Beaumont Dodge Dealership can help you pick the right one.
The show is one of the highest-attended auto shows in the United States, and the second highest-attended show in California. The show, which uses over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space at the waterfront San Diego Convention Center, will be presented Thurs., Dec. 29, 2011 – Sun., Jan. 1, 2012.
