Automakers Unveil Their Latest, Greatest at the 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas

March 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Every year, automakers unveil vehicles with innovative designs, cutting edge technological advancements, increased safety features and improved performance.  And what better venue to peruse the hundreds of models that are in dealerships now and those that are bound for showrooms in the near future than the 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas, March 21-25 at the Dallas Convention Center.

“This is one of the most popular annual events in the Metroplex,” said Don Herring, Jr., chairman of the 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas.  “It’s obviously the best place to be if you’re in the market for a new car, truck or SUV, but the Auto Show also is just good old-fashioned fun.”

Energy efficient continues to be the “buzz phrase” at the DFW Auto Show this year with many manufacturers highlighting their hybrids, all-electric and low emissions vehicles such as Ford’s 2013 C-Max Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Chevrolet’s 2012 Volt, Audi’s Q7 and A3 TDI vehicles, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Nissan LEAF and many more.

“I talk to consumers every single day. Getting better fuel economy is on the mind of everyone.  At the Dallas Auto Show, you can compare all the different vehicles in one location.  As the economy continues to improve, and the age of cars on the road today is the highest in history, many consumers are looking at the decision to buy new or repair the old car.  I think people will be very surprised at how much better the fuel-economy of the new vehicles are.  If you put a pencil to the fuel savings and no other expenses except gas and oil, looking at new vehicles makes a lot of sense,” said Jerry Reynolds, nationally syndicated talk show host and automotive expert.

In addition to an impressive lineup of 2012s, including the all-new Fiat Abarth and all-new Range Rover Evoque, manufacturers are looking toward the future with a variety of 2013 models including: Acura RDX; Audi A5 and A8L; Buick Encore; Cadillac ATS and XTS; Chevrolet Malibu and Spark; Dodge Dart; Ford Mustang GT500, Escape, Taurus SHO, Fusion EcoBoost and Focus ST; GMC Acadia; Hyundai Veloster Turbo; Infiniti JX and Mazda CX-5.

An expanded Ride & Drive event will take place at Lot E (the old Reunion Arena Parking Lot) where Show visitors will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of their favorite cars, trucks and SUVS from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Ram, Subaru and Volkswagen.

“A long string of record-setting sales, and an ever-increasing base of loyal customers, make this a very exciting time for Hyundai.  It’s a great opportunity for Auto Show guests to experience our vehicles first-hand and, once they do, we know they’ll be impressed,” said Marcia Rhodes, assistant manager, Experiential Marketing for Hyundai Motor America.

“During the DFW Auto Show in Dallas, Ford is presenting the best vehicle line-up in its history, including the new 2013 Ford Fusion, winner of the Best in Show award at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit”, said Sam Pack, chairman North Texas Dealers Association.  “Dallas is one of the most important automotive markets in the nation and for that reason we are showcasing vehicles consumers want to buy and feel passionate about.  The new Ford Escape, the bestselling F-150 and the 40 miles per gallon Focus are clear examples of Ford’s industry leading design, safety, fuel economy and technology.”

The DFW Auto Show in Dallas also is bringing community awareness to the Show this year as it joins forces with the North Texas Food Bank for “Fuel Up North Texas”.  On Saturday only, visitors are invited to donate one can of food for a $2 discount off of a $12 admission.  According to the North Texas Food Bank, items most needed include: peanut butter, tuna, beans and canned ham.

“We are very excited to launch this partnership with the North Texas Food Bank this year at the Show.  The North Texas Food Bank has a variety of incredible programs that help to feed thousands of area families every year. It is our hope that the food we collect on this one day can make an impact on fighting hunger in North Texas,” Herring said.

In addition, members of the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association (DFW NCDA) are taking part in a Dealership Challenge with a goal of donating 3,000 cans of food to the organization.

“The dealership challenge is a great example of a unique way the North Texas community is addressing the issue of hunger,” said Jan Pruitt, CEO and president of the North Texas Food Bank.  “The non-perishable, healthy food items donated at this event will not only help fill tables of hungry North Texans, but improve the lives of many more.”

New to the Show this year is Kids’ Day, sponsored by Univision.  This one-day event on Saturday, March 24 will feature local companies, organizations and entertainment outlets that cater towards children.  Univision will be on location along with an expert to discuss the safe installation of children’s car safety seats.  Certified safety seats also will be given away during the presentations.  The Dallas Police Department will provide a fingerprinting service for children.  Other participants include the Dallas Zoo, Fossil Rim and Crew Kids.

Returning to the Show this year are the always-popular displays by Classic Chassis Car Club, Corvette Legends, Lone Star Corvette Club, North Texas Mustang Club, Z Car Club and Evo Car Club.  A special “green” exhibit area once again will feature variety of eco-friendly products and services designed to help consumers reduce their carbon footprints, and an array of automotive products and services will be available in the Allied Exhibit Area.

Hours of the show are: 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 21 and 22; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 25. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for senior citizens 65 and older, and children 12 and under are admitted free. $1 discount coupons are available at participating franchised new car dealerships. For more information, visit http://www.DallasAutoShow.com.

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The Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association (DFW NCDA) is a trade association that is comprised of approximately 200 franchised new car dealerships in 11 North Texas counties that represent more than $10 billion in new and used car sales annually. The DFW NCDA serves both dealers and consumers through legislative issues, education and training, and community relations, with an emphasis on building a strong future for its dealer members and a rewarding shopping experience for their customers. The DFW Auto Show in Dallas and the DFW Auto Show in Fort Worth are two of the nation’s premier auto shows that are developed, presented and showcased by the DFW NCDA. Visit http://www.dfwncda.com/ for more information.