GE AUTO WARRANTY SERVICES SAVES AUTO DEALERS

2882 users shared this document! click

1 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 2008 Chicago Auto Show
Press Kit
Note: this is a digital press kit in PDF form. Included with the copy are links
to various Web pages, images, and logos. If you are connected to the
internet and click on a link it will automatically open the Web page or
download the image or logo.
Table of Contents
General Overview Release ..........................................................................................................................................1
Chicago Auto Show at a Glance ................................................................................................................................5
School and Group Tickets .........................................................................................................................................7
First Look for Charity .................................................................................................................................................8
Best of Show ................................................................................................................................................................9
Hors d'oeuvres for 10,000 please?...........................................................................................................................10
Official Hotels ............................................................................................................................................................11
Auto Show Floorplan ................................................................................................................................................12
Auto Show Photography ..........................................................................................................................................13
Auto Show Quick Facts ............................................................................................................................................15
Auto Show Parking ...................................................................................................................................................16
CTA Service to McCormick Place ............................................................................................................................17
Handicapped Accessibility ......................................................................................................................................18
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................................................19 GENERAL OVERVIEW RELEASE
Milestone Year for Chicago Auto Show

We tend to mark our lives with milestone events. Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays are
among the ways we remember certain periods of our personal journeys. This year marks the 100 th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place.

"The nation's biggest auto show has become part of the fabric of Chicago and the Midwest," said
Bob Loquercio, chairman of the 2008 show. "Since its inception in 1901, this show has been a
bellwether of the industry that has attracted multi-millions of people who love the freedom that
their vehicle gives them.

"This year's show will be no different in that respect," continued Loquercio. "With a 10-day run
on tap, the show will let Chicagoans and Midwesterners see what an auto show does best: Feature
the entire industry side-by-side, under one roof, so that anyone even mildly interested in choosing
his next vehicle can be better informed and inspired." 2 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008
The 1.3 million sq. ft. exposition not only will feature production models of vehicles now or
soon-to-be available in dealership showrooms, but also the eye-catching, exciting concept studies
that these days are linked more to reality than fantasy.

Co-chairman of the Chicago Auto Show, Mark Scarpelli said: "Manufacturers are no different
from the average family these days. Everyone is watching their budgets, so the concepts that used
to be purely fun or experimental are now a peek into the not-too-distant future of actual
production vehicles. It might be a 'look' or a technology, but dollars are too precious to waste on
flights of fancy without purpose."

"But having said that," Scarpelli continued, "the concepts truly are spectacular and drive a lot of
traffic into each manufacturer's exhibit. So there's a decided effort on each display to have
something that will be a people magnet. Sure, everyone wants to look at the show with a degree
of practicality, but the concepts are the cherries and nuts on top of the banana split."

The '08 auto show will bring more than 1,000 vehicles onto a single-floor in the North America's
premier exposition center. A full range from cars to trucks, SUVs to crossovers, it'll all be on
display for 10 days. The show will open Friday, Feb. 8 and run through Sunday, Feb. 17 with
doors open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily with the exception of the final day, when the doors will
close at 8 p.m.

100 th Showcase
No celebration of 100 showsmore than any other show on earth can claimwould be complete
without a proper homage to the early years when the fledgling automobile industry was highly
disorganized and taking its baby steps to see if the new form of transportation would resonate
with the public. The natural means of testing those waters and generating interest was the
concept of the auto show. So in 1901, Mr. Samuel Miles contracted for the now-razed Chicago
Coliseum near the south Loop. The first show included a wooden test track where consumers
could have a hands-on taste of what the automobile was all about. Vehicles with various power
sources spanning electricity, gasoline and steam were displayed. The rest, as they say, is history.

To commemorate that astounding first page of Chicago automotive history, the auto show will
include a special 100 th Edition display featuring some remarkably significant cars from the turn- of-the-20 th century through the post-World War II era.
"The disparity of starting our show in 1901 and this being our 100 th show is actually easily explained," said Cizek. "When WWII hit, virtually all new-vehicle production ceased in the U.S.
so that our resources could be focused on building tanks and trucks. That left auto shows on the
shelf for a number of years. In the post-war era, Chicago was the first show to return to a regular
schedule and has remained a mainstay of the industry ever since."

The Show's Producer: the CATA

Shortly after the 1901 show and as dealerships were founded, the Chicago Automobile Trade
Association (CATA) was also founded, to become a unified voice for the local industry. Many
issues would face both sellers and consumers and the CATA would represent the interests of its
members, but also for the betterment of the general public.
3 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 "Those ideals and principles actually haven't changed much in more than a century," said Cizek.
"Over the years, the CATA has been at the cutting edge of a constructive and cooperative
collaboration between the dealer and governmental agencies and the public.

"Today, the CATA works hand-in-hand with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to
keep dealer advertising at a high standard; with the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's office
to help streamline the complicated and sometimes confusing issues of vehicle licenses and titles;
or with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to help keep dealers and consumers
in reasonable expectations of each others' responsibilities."

"The CATA is now the nation's biggest metropolitan dealer organization," commented Scarpelli,
who also serves as CATA chairman. "Our board is comprised of 18 very actively involved new-
car dealers whose sole mission is raising the bar for our industry. From governmental affairs to
charitable contributions our group exceeds expectations and sets the standard for every similar
group in the nation."

www.ChicagoAutoshow.com

Napoleon is generally credited with saying, "An army marches on its stomach." In these days, an
event marches on its Web site, and www.ChicagoAutoShow.com is a giant smorgasbord of information about the biggest public show staged all year in McCormick Place.

Mark Bilek, director of Internet services for the CATA, is passionate in his quest to provide the
public with information about the '08 show, but this year expanding the already deep-in-content
Web site.

"We're not only making going to the show easier for everyone in the area," said Bilek, "but we're
also giving people from around the world a spectacular look at the astonishing history of this
show. Our historic photography section is unmatched by any show, and we've done our
homework well on what can be viewed online. I think any car lover who visits our site will find
themselves hooked for hours.

The site also fits the needs well for those who are seeking information about ticket prices, hours,
parking, public transportation, celebrity appearances and other frequently asked questions.

Additionally, the Web site links to Chicago's definitive automotive portal, www.DriveChicago.com where smart new- and used-car shoppers can start their purchase or lease research with the largest inventory of exclusively local inventory available anywhere.

Tickets for both the 10-day public run of the show and the black-tie First Look for Charity
preview can be purchased online by simply visiting www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/
First Look for Charity

First Look for Charity has become one of the city's most anticipated benevolent affairs. The
event, Thursday evening Feb. 7 from 6:30-10:30 p.m., benefits 18 local organizations and offers a
more exclusive, relaxed view of the Chicago Auto Show.

"In its first 18 years, we've raised more than $23 million for charity," said Show Chairman Bob
Loquercio. "This event is so good because all of the proceeds go directly to the organizations. 4 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 The CATA picks up the tab for the night's extensive food, beverages, wine and champagne. It's a
very visible example of the type of charity that's practiced by our dealer members every day of
the year. We couldn't be more proud of the work we've been able to accomplish with this event."

On that night, three lucky ticket holders will leave with not only a smile from a great event, but
also one of three wonderful cars that will be given away in a raffle.

"We want to thank Toyota Motor Sales for its donation of a new 2009 Toyota Corolla and a new
Scion xB; and Hyundai Motor America for its incredible new Veracruz crossover. They're all hot
in the market and will make the night all-the-more festive."

Tickets for the black-tie event are $225 each and purchasers can designate if they want the
contribution applied equally to all participating charities or they may designate to one.

Special Promotional Days

Adding spice, information and value to the show's run will be special promotional events where
patrons can take advantage of discounted admissions. Tuesday, Feb. 12 will bring back Women's Day at the show, where all women will be admitted for half price. As a part of the day, manufacturers and exhibitors will be
conducting ongoing seminars targeting the female perspective of the automotive industry. Then, Feb. 13-15 will encompass an auto show tradition that helps those in need. The Chicago Auto Show Food Drive allows anyone with three cans of food to donate them to
the Chicago Christian Industrial League to help feed the hungry. In exchange, they'll
receive a special coupon for half-off the full admission price. Telemundo presents "El Dia de los Hispanos" on Friday, Feb. 15. In its inaugural year in 2007, the day took on a festive air with a panoply of Hispanic music and cultural
additions to the show that go beyond the curve of a fender!
Come to the show!

In a time when budgets are being watched carefully by families, the Chicago Auto Show offers a
great day of family entertainment and bang for the entertainment dollar.

"Where else can you bring a family for prices this low?" asks Loquercio. "it's not only a
wonderful way to get everyone off the sofa on a cold midwinter's day, but is the basis of long-
lasting family memories. There are few people in Chicago who can't remember being with their
mom or dad at the show when they were kids. It's the generational appeal of the show that's such
an amazing dynamic. We know that years from now, the children who visit this show will grow
to bring their children, too. It's all rated "G," which is nice, too. Come join us!"

-end-

CONTACT
Paul Brian
Director of Communications
Chicago Auto Show
Chicago Automobile Trade Association 5 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW AT A GLANCE
Event
The 100th Chicago Auto Show. Background First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has
been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 100th
edition of the Chicago Auto Show, giving it the distinction of being the first North American auto
show to reach 100 shows. Producer
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan
dealer organization. The CATA has produced the show since 1935. Dates Day Date Public Show Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February
17 "First Look for Charity" Thursday, February 7, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Black tie. Tickets $225. The event benefits 19
Chicago-area charities. Media Preview Wednesday and Thursday, February 6-7.
Accredited media must register via Internet at
ChicagoAutoShow.com or on-site in the Media
Center (room N426).
Location
McCormick Place, Lake Shore Drive at 23 rd Street.
The Chicago Auto Show utilizes 1.3 million square feet of the McCormick Place complex.
McCormick Place offers a total of 2.7 million square feet of exhibit halls with an additional
700,000 square feet of meeting room availability. Public Show Hours February 8-16: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
February 17: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Box office closes one hour prior to the end of the show each day. Admission $10 for adults
$5 for seniors aged 62 and older 6 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 $5 for children 7-12
Free admission for children 6 and younger are free when they accompany a paying adult.
Weekday discount tickets (half off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers. Participating banks also mail the discount tickets to their account
holders. School & group discounts available. Advance ticket purchase will be available through DriveChicago.com starting in November 2007. Exhibits
The nation's largest auto show, held in the McCormick Place complex. Multiple world and North
American introductions. Complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks;
sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles.
Numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project, antique and
collector cars. Special Days
Date Day Notes Tuesday, Feb. 12 Women's Day Half off the full admission price for all women.
Manufacturers will present special women-oriented
programs on the purchase and lease of cars and
maintenance. Wednesday, Feb, 13,
Thursday, Feb. 14,
Friday, Feb. 15 Chicago Auto
Show Food
Drive Show patrons who bring three cans of food, donated to
the Chicago Christian Industrial League; will receive
half off the full admission price.
Appearances as scheduled by sports, radio, TV and screen personalities. Please check Special
Events at http://ChicagoAutoShow.com for up-to-date listings.
Accessibility
McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation.

Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place.
Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park underground lot. Shuttles stop in 10-15
minute intervals near Columbus/Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.
Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround's toll-free hotline at 1-
888-441-7575. You can also submit a rental inquiry on the web at www.scootaround.com, or by
fax at (204) 478-1172. Scooter rentals are $40.00 a day and Wheelchair rentals are $15.00 a day.
Scootaround is happy to accept VISA or MasterCard. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of
McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort
to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance. 7 2008 Chicago Auto Show Press Kit Release 1.0, Jan. 2008 SCHOOL & GROUP TICKET SALES The Chicago Automobile Trade Association will again be offering discounted tickets to the 2008
Chicago Auto Show for schools and groups. What will members of your group see? The 2008 show will feature 1.3 million square feet of the
world's largest room transformed into transportation Fantasyland of amazing displays with more
than 1,000 exciting new production cars, trucks, sport utility, concept and specialty vehicles on
display. They're sure to generate excitement for everyone. The lights and color of the Chicago
Auto Show will be a welcome change for those trapped in the late winter doldrums. As you prepare late Winter/early Spring educational activities for your students, please consider a
group outing to the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Not only is the auto show a wonderful learning
opportunity, but most students and instructors are genuinely grateful for the change in venue from
the "typical" field trip. The 2008 event will be open to the public February 8 to February 17. Students Ticket Sales
Student groups of 20 or more will receive a discounted rate of $5 per ticket. These tickets may be
used on one of the following days, Friday February 8 and Monday February 11 through Friday
February 15. Chaperones for the students will be given complimentary tickets; the ratio that we
use is 1:10. Additional chaperone tickets are granted on a case-by-case basis Please inform your
peers of this remarkable event and have a field trip together. Tickets may be obtained either by advance purchase or reservation. To obtain tickets, please print
out an appropriate form and complete it. You may send it via fax or regular mail. Once tickets
have been ordered, we will supply more information of where to drop off and park the buses. Student Lunch Coupons
Thanks to the cooperation of McCormick Place Food Services Partner/ Levy Restaurants, we
have been able to provide coupons for discounted food to our student groups. Coupons will be
distributed with your tickets. Please do not pay in advance; this is a coupon not a lunch voucher.
The coupon is valid at the North Hall Caf

Comments