The 1998 Philadelphia International Auto Show
8 January 1998
1998 Philadelphia International Auto Show in Town Late Jan.; Best Ever Showing of New Models, Manufacturer Concept Cars
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 -- The 1998 Philadelphia International
Auto Show will roll into town later than usual this year, opening its doors to
the public on Saturday, January 31.
The show will be the biggest and best ever utilizing more than 500,000
square feet of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year's show will
feature every U.S. auto company selling cars in the Tri-state area and their
'98 models, plus many 1999 models making their East Coast debut.
The show, which will run from Saturday, January 31, until Sunday,
February 8, will be the focus of the auto industry as it will be the first
show -- only one after world premieres in early January in Detroit and
Los Angeles -- to display cars which will appear in the showrooms over the
next two years.
"As the fourth largest auto show in the country, we are able to show many
of the spring '98 and 1999 model introductions here at the Philadelphia
International Auto Show -- weeks before the Chicago show and months before
New York -- a real treat for Delaware Valley car buffs," said Kevin Mazzucola,
executive director of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater
Philadelphia.
The all new Volkswagen Beetle, the redesigned Cadillac Seville, the
'99 Mercury Cougar, and the new Chrysler M300 are just a few examples of the
new models on display in Philadelphia, fresh off their world premiere just
weeks before.
Prototype, concept cars, and pre-production models are always the
highlight of any auto show, and Philadelphia brings out the beat of this
category, with additional announcements due shortly on specific makes and
models.
The most significant addition to the 1998 Show is the all new World
Premiere Car Salon, occupying 32,000 sq. ft. of new space located in the
Convention Center's Grand Hall. Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz will be displaying
their new models in this area, which will include Mercedes' Circle Scope
Theater, an 80' X 80' structure with a 360-degree screen. Attendees will be
admitted 200 at-a-time to view a tour through Europe with spectacular views.
The $5 million Exotic Car Corridor, a 400-foot hall adjacent to the Grand
Hall, will be lined with some of the most prestigious cars in the world, with
Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and Lamborghini models on display.
On Friday, January 30, from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., the Automobile Dealers
Association of Greater Philadelphia will host the "Black Tie Tailgate Gala --
the Philadelphia International Auto Show Preview." For $75.00, guests can
preview the show before it opens to the public and enjoy food, drink and
entertainment. Proceeds go The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
($30.00 tax deductible).
Premier sponsors include Cadillac Motor Car Division and its SuperNetwork
Dealers, the Delaware Valley Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers, and
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER and DAILY NEWS.
On Tuesday morning, February 3, the Automobile Dealers Association of
Greater Philadelphia will present the finals of the Fifth Annual Greater
Philadelphia Automotive Technology Competition for high school senior
automotive students. Scholarships, prizes and trophies will be given to
students who score the highest in written, high-tech, and hands-on automotive
skills contests.
The 1998 Philadelphia International Auto Show will open to the public
Saturdays 10 to 10, Sundays 10 to 6, and weekdays, Noon to 10. Admission is
$8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 7 - 12, and free for kids six and under.
Senior citizens, 62 years-old and over, will be admitted for $5.00 on
weekdays.
Discount coupons are available at all participating dealer locations, or
on the Internet -- downloaded from the Liberty Productions Web Site at
( http://www.autoshowusa.com ). All coupons are off the $8.00 adult admission price,
and are good weekdays only.
Fact Sheet
What: The 1998 Philadelphia International Auto Show -- fourth largest
auto show in the country -- presented by the Automobile Dealers
Association of Greater Philadelphia.
When: Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 8, 1998
Where: The Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street,
Philadelphia; 215-418-2025
Public
Hours: Saturday, January 31 10:00 a.m. - show opens
Saturday hours 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Weekday hours 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday hours 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 6:00 p.m. - show closes
Significance: First East Coast look at many production and pre-production
1998 and 1999 cars, along with representation from all
major auto companies. New production cars, race cars, show
cars, prototypes, and family entertainment features
highlight this year's show. No conflict with Detroit show
(because of later date) means larger manufacturer booths
for '98. Motorsports theme is featured highlight,
including NASCAR drivers and cars, CART race cars, and
virtual reality racing.
Pre-production and concept cars will be making their East
Coast or national debut -- final list of new cars to be
published just before show opening.
Show will utilize Center's Grand Hall for the first time,
with Mercedes and Cadillac making up 32,000 sq. ft. of
"The World Premiere Car Salon."
Entertainment: Kelly Packard, "April Giminski" on BAYWATCH and "Tiffani
Smith" from CALIFORNIA DREAMS, will have 45-minute
question-and-answer sessions on Saturday, January 31 and
Sunday, February 1. Quaker State Motorsports will host a
top-ten NASCAR driver -- to be announced shortly. There
will be a Ferrari display featuring five cars including
rare Ferraris, F40 and F50. The PPG/CART World Series will
display several cars including a mini-CART museum.
Mercedes-Benz will unveil their Circle Scope Theater,
360-degree movie tour of Europe. $5 million Exotic Car
Corridor will feature Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, and
Lamborghini.
Automotive Technology Competition:
Tuesday morning, February 3, finals of the Fifth Annual
Greater Philadelphia Automotive Technology Competition for
high school senior automotive students. Scholarships,
prizes and trophies will be given to students who score the
highest in written, high tech, and hands-on automotive
skills contests.
Black Tie Tailgate Preview:
Friday evening, January 30 -- a chance to see the auto show
before it opens to the public, with proceeds going to The
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For further
information and tickets, $75.00 per person, call
610-279-7460.
Exhibitor numbers:
500,000 sq. ft.; more than 700 vehicles;
all car companies represented.
Admission: $8.00 for adults; children 7 - 12, $5.00; children six and
under, free; seniors 62 and over, $5.00 (weekdays).
Discount adult admission coupons are available at all
participating Automobile Dealers Association of Greater
Philadelphia member locations or on the Internet at
http://www.autoshowusa.com.
SOURCE 1998 Philadelphia International Auto Show
