After being hit by a pandemic for the second year in a row, the San Diego International Auto Show is back.
“As you know, COVID has changed a lot of things. It was the first time in over 100 years that an auto show didn’t take place,” said Richard Neuendyk, the show’s spokesman. “It’s great to be back and there’s a lot of excitement on the floor right now.”
The show begins Friday morning and runs through Monday at the San Diego Convention Center. This includes the same features that have proven popular with local car enthusiasts and potential new car and truck buyers, such as the ability to test drive Chevrolet, Ford and Volkswagen models. is included.
However, the number of vehicles on display is not that large. His pre-pandemic 2019-2020 auto show featured more than 400 of his vehicles from 25 automakers. This weekend’s roster consists of approximately 250-300 vehicles from 16-18 manufacturers on the convention floor.
That’s because the auto industry has been struggling with supply chain problems and a global shortage of semiconductor microchips, leaving car dealer lots mostly empty for the past 18 months.
Essential to laptops, game consoles and TVs, silicon chips are also used in modern automobiles’ brake sensors, power steering, navigation and entertainment systems.
“The manufacturers who provide cars for this show knew this was coming, so they took the best models and set them aside to make sure they were here for this show,” said Newendyk. said, “If there are fewer cars on the market, there will be fewer cars at motor shows.”
Signage awaits preparations for the 2023 San Diego Auto Show.
(Sandy Hafakar/San Diego Union-Tribune)
For attendees, one of the most engaging aspects of the show is strolling the convention floor and checking out the various cars and trucks in a no-pressure environment. The person in charge of each car manufacturer will answer the question, but we will not sell it.
“You can come here and compare Fords, Chevrolets, Toyotas, Nissans, etc. to see what’s in the car you’re interested in,” Newendyk said.
“That’s why we do auto shows, so that we can educate consumers and give them the opportunity to learn about all the cars in one area instead of driving around town. is not a sales show, this is the place to go if you want to learn about cars, technology, and more.”
Nissan Aria exhibited at the San Diego International Auto Show. The just-introduced all-electric SUV looks to complement the automaker’s popular Leaf in the electric vehicle arena.
(Rob Nicolewski/San Diego Union-Tribune)
Nearly every automaker will exhibit an EV or electric vehicle.
Two years ago, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning the sale of new gasoline vehicles in California by 2035. Earlier this year, the California Air Resources Board set a target date for 2026, when he will increase the percentage to 100%. Goal achieved.
“There’s an area called Electric Avenue where we’re going to specifically train people to explain all the different EV technologies,” Newendyke said.
The nine models on display in Nissan’s showrooms include the Aria, a new all-electric sports utility vehicle that has been rolled out to complement the Leaf, an EV compact that has been on sale since December 2010. Just released on December 18th, Ariya will go about 300 miles between charges.
Jannelle Grigsby of Nissan Public Relations said:
Toyota’s space includes the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
The show also features Mobility Zones, which highlight consumer-centric modes of transportation, and Exotic Vaults, which spotlight high-performance, ultra-expensive vehicles that most drivers can only dream of buying.
San Carlos’ Don Anderson wiped down the carbon fiber body of his 2016 Radical XRC 500R on Thursday afternoon. A lowland-to-ground race car can reach 185 miles per hour, weighs in at 2,200 lbs.
San Carlos’ Don Anderson wipes down a 2016 Radical XRC 500R at the Exotics Vault at the San Diego International Auto Show.
(Rob Nicolewski/San Diego Union-Tribune)
“It’s the only place in California that has a street license — for good. They’ll never do it again,” said Anderson. “I just wanted the ultimate hot rod car.”
how much did he pay for it
“Don’t ask,” said Karen, Don’s wife and crew chief.
There is also a designated Classic Car Area, showcasing vintage cars that highlight the show’s longstanding slogan, “Where Cars Are the Stars.”
“We have a great collection of classic cars,” Newendyk said. “I call them works of art. Cars that were new 40 or he said 50 years ago are now restored and beautiful.”
Union-Tribune is one of the major sponsors of the San Diego International Auto Show.
San Diego International Auto Show
San Diego Convention Center
111 W. Harbor Drive
Friday 10am-9pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 10am-9pm
Monday 10am-6pm
General admission $18, military (active duty with ID) $15 (one ticket per ID), seniors 62+ $15, children (7-12) $12, children 6 and under free is. On Sundays, children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
We encourage you to purchase your tickets online at www.SDAutoShowTickets.com.