Every year the Walter E. Washington Convention Center serves as the host to the Washington Auto Show which experienced a 20% increase in attendance last year and was recorded as the largest turnout in Washington Auto Show history under the auspices “The Hottest Ticket in Town.” Well, so far, 2014 proves they will raise the bar once again. Automobile displays from the leading car manufacturers, luxury lines, custom vehicles and celebrities occupied the show floor throughout.
Also representing as the largest event to touch down in the Washington area, this show gives spectators a chance to check out all of the new offerings from each manufacturer under one roof. This year was exceptionally nice to have a chance to witness Toyota’s line of concept cars, the Toyota FCV Concept car, Toyota I-Road and the Toyota Fun-VII. Stealing the stage however was the 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe. It’s the first vehicle to be listed in the National Historic Vehicle Register. This magnificent machine is owned by the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. While in competition the V8 monster is able to travel over 180 mph.
Anxious crowds rushed to see the Red 2015 Ford Mustang as well as the dual 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingrays. Celebrities such as Jayson Werth, Audrina Patridge, Marisela De Montechristo, Pierre Garcon and a host of others dropped by to take pictures with fans and sign autographs. Toyota curated a “Hands On” contest where contestants attempted to hold onto a 2014 Toyota Corolla for 5 days, in which the last Man/Woman standing won. Hyundai should not be left out of the game of thrones as they conducted an interactive “Price is Right” to win a 2014 Hyundai Sonata.
Cadillac, Scion, Kia, Volkswagen, Toyota and Subaru all hosted “Ride N’ Drives” for patrons to take the wheel while Jeep set up a full scale obstacle course with their off-road beasts. Kids were entertained in Playland with various characters roaming around throughout the day and Unity Thunder Car Club displayed classic custom cars alongside a military tank from the District of Columbia National Guard. The 2014 Green Technology Award was also presented along with the highlighting of sustainable vehicles that begin to fall in line with Obama’s legislation of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ).
The Washington Auto Show is shaping up to be one of the premiere stops on the tour raising expectations year after year. Hopefully you got a chance to attend Automotive Rhythms VIP Kick-off Affair with Infiniti!
