Introduction to the 2009 Denver Auto Show
By Bud Wells
Walk into the Colorado Convention Center this week and compare the showroom-shined Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and the redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang. Competitors of the past — back together again.
Or if you’re sparked more by eco-friendly offerings, size up a couple of outstanding full hybrids, the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion.
In spite of the economic gloom surrounding the car industry today, there is plenty to be excited over; more than 500 new cars and trucks will be displayed on the convention floor.
“We expect a turnout equal to last year’s strong show,” said Carol Scott, president of the Metro Denver Automobile Dealers Association (MDADA), sponsor of the annual car show. “Many of those holding back right now on new car and truck choices will take advantage of the opportunity to do the prep work for later purchases.”
Configuration of the auto show’s share of the convention center floor will be in an L-shape in order to accommodate other events in the huge structure. Floor space for the show will be 400,000 square feet, same as last year, according to Tim Jackson, executive secretary of the MDADA.
As it has been for many years, Chevrolet and Ford displays will be up front.
The show for the second year is under direction of the Paragon Group, which produces the New England Auto Show in Boston and the Portland, Ore., Auto Show.
Senior Day at the local show will be observed the opening evening, Wednesday. Those 65 and older will be admitted free.
Show hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 7 to 12; those 6 and younger will be admitted without charge.
Avalon Motorsports, Denver Newspaper Agency, Leather Productions and Sportique Scooters will be among approximately 50 exhibitors in the styling and accessories area of the show.
Pete Tynan of Tynan’s Volkswagen is serving as chairman of the 2009 Denver Auto Show Committee. Other members are Ms. Scott of Gateway Mazda, Michael McDonald of McDonald VW Audi, Mark Wallace of Ralph Schomp Automotive, Don Hicks of Shortline Auto and Bill Maffeo of Medved Colorado. They are supported by Tim Jackson, executive vice president of the MDADA and president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
It was the arrival of Bill Barrow as head of the MDADA in 1977 that launched the Denver Auto Show on its way to its prominence of today. The resumption of a major car show for the Rocky Mountain area was a primary focus of Barrow and it happened with a three-day event at Currigan Hall in downtown Denver in the spring of 1978. Expansion of the show occurred with the opening of the Colorado Convention Center. Barrow has retired.
The Denver Auto Show is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1902. Auto shows began on a fairly regular annual basis in Denver in 1905, when steam-powered, electric and internal-combustion gasoline-powered autos were on display. The 1908 show was at Mammoth Skating Rink at Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street, and the large floor space was filled with 107 automobiles. Motor Field magazine began promoting the Denver car show in 1910.
For more information, visit DenverAutoShow.com or phone 888-704-4199.
