Pub. 2 2014 Issue 3

18 San Diego Dealer T he San Diego International Auto Show (SDIAS) kickedoff theNewYear, January 1st through 5th at the San Diego Convention Center. The event returned to a five-day format to accommodate the NewYear’s Day holiday, and the opening day crowds did not disappoint. SDIAS management reported a 9% increase in attendance over last year and an overall increase in revenue. The show boasted several global exhibits and presented 14 Ride and Drives—more than any other show in the country. Consumers were eager to take advantage of the non-selling envi- ronment and recent exit survey results showed that over 60% of attendees plan to purchase a new car in 2014. Additional results showed over 50% of attendees said the auto show influenced their purchasing decision in a positive manner. Those results, coupled with the popularity of the show itself hint at positive year in San Diego County. With projected sales nationally of 16 million units, the area should reap the benefits of a healthy auto- motive industry. The San Diego International Auto Show, owned, produced and presented by the New Car Dealers Association is the primary means of stimulating car sales in the New Year and is the highest attended consumer event at the San Diego Convention Center. It is the sec- ond-largest auto show in California, and ranks at the top nationally for 4 and 5-day shows. Management has announced next year’s San Diego International Auto Show will take place Thursday, January 1through Sunday, Janu- ary 4, 2015. San Diego International Auto Show Recap Big crowds prove consumers are ready to buy