Photo by Gina Yarbrough
By Gina Yarbrough
SAN DIEGO–The 2010 Model-Year San Diego International Auto Show concluded last Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center. This year’s show featured 600,000 square feet of new-model vehicles under one roof.
Auto show organizers created a non-selling environment where show attendees can view, touch and examine every kind of vehicle on display, says show director Kevin Leap.
“These days there is no such thing as a “typical automobile,” says Leap. “From gasoline engines to hybrids, to full electric vehicles, we are proud to offer the latest in technology to our car-loving audience, and the inclusion of Tesla Motors cements our reputation as a show that provides the newest, greatest innovations in the industry.”
Other exhibits included classic, Model-T, exotic, Tesla, and NASCAR vehicles, Debuting at the show were trailerable boats/personal watercrafts and cycle exhibits.
The popular Ride and Drive gave consumers an opportunity to test drive a new vehicle. Among participating dealers were Ford, General Motors, Kia, Toyota, and Chrysler Jeep.
Mazda teamed up with San Diego-based “Paint My Ride Party” and local charity “A Reason To Survive” to host a family day event that allowed show attendees to paint actual Mazda vehicles. For a donation, inspiring artists can create works of art on the vehicles.
The auto show was the highest-attended auto show in the United States, and the second-highest attended show in California. The San Diego International Auto Show was presented by the New Car Dealers Association.
