Dazzling car extravaganza captivates auto enthusiasts at Chicago Auto Show

• Source: Xinhua
• [16:49 February 14 2010]
• Comments

With the spotlight on green technology and fuel efficiency, the Chicago Auto Show also fueled great interest in hybrid cars which utilize two different power sources to propel the vehicle. Currently, that means gasoline engines and electric motors which allow hybrid vehicles to obtain improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

About 15 gas-electric hybrid models are on display at the auto show, including the upcoming Chevy Volt, Ford Fiesta and dozens more that offer an alternative-fuel option, such as propane or natural gas.

At the Chrysler section, a suburban Chicago family with five young children was busy checking out a Dodge pick up truck. The proud father, and loyal Chrysler customer for many years, Jeremy Pierce, said: "I have to have a pick up truck. We are looking around for a new, decent-looking truck today. We try to come every year with the whole family and have lots of fun at the show. However, the current economic situation makes it harder to make a big purchase -- it certainly affects our decision."

About one million visitors are expected to attend America's oldest and largest auto show this year, as estimated by the Chicago Tourist and Convention Bureau. In fact, what sets the Chicago Auto Show apart is that it is a consumer focused event rather than an industrial event.

"The biggest thing is that it's such a consumer show," said Jerry Cizek III, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and co-general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. "The manufacturers use it to show their entire lineup to customers who have a choice of what they buy."

Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization.