Pub. 8 2019-2020 Issue 2

10 San Diego Dealer WHERE THE CARS ARE THE STARS T he SanDiegoConventionCenter will soon be swelling to capacity with its largest consumer event of the year—the San Diego International Auto Show. After the carpet is laid and exhibits erected, more than 400 of the automobile industry’s finest cars, trucks, SUVs and more will roll in, polished and unlocked (well, most of them) for all to see. While some people will be recovering from New Year’s Eve revelries, TV news reporters will be up early to broadcast live from the show floor as product specialists arrive in preparation for tens of thousands of auto enthusiasts who will be streaming through the doors to see the glistening vehicles on display. The bustling interior will be complemented by additional space in front and behind the convention center for the popular ride and drives, which are free to show attendees to experience. Automakers taking advantage of one of themost effective experiential marketing opportunities, putting car-buying consumers into seats and onto the roads, are Chevrolet, Chrysler, Kia, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. As dealers, you know the effectiveness of the“test-drive,”and many automakers partner with their various dealer ad groups to facilitate the Ride and Drive events. San Diego Gas & Electric will host “Electric Vehicle Day” Thursday, Jan. 2. In addition to exclusive drives in the latest EVs, SDG&E experts will be available in the Ener-G Station, presented by Think Blue San Diego, conducting seminars, answering questions and providing visitors with valuable literature to make informed choices. Nissan is returning with its Nissan Military Appreciation program to salute our nation’s troops who call San Diego their home. Thanks to Nissan’s ongoing participation, active military can visit Nissan dealerships throughout San Diego County to obtain free auto show admission tickets. “Nissan is proud to support the Military Appreciation Program at the San Diego International Auto Show. Our continued participation in the Program is an expression of thanks and gratitude for all those who serve our country,” said Shawn Mirabal, Nissan Regional Vice President. Family Day is the busiest day of the show, which this year will be held on the closing Sunday, Jan. 5. While parents explore the latest vehicles, children will be entertained by costumed characters and an assortment of performances. It’s a fun day for entire families, and an affordable one as well with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Automotive related features play an important role with the auto show by attracting consumers or driving the gate, introducing a captive audience to the real stars of the show, the cars. A number of favorite features will be highlighting the show this year, such as special heritage