The 2009 Denver Auto Show opens today with nearly 500 vehicles on display at the Colorado Convention Center.
The show, which runs through Sunday, will feature the Hyundai Genesis as the Car of the Year and the Volkswagen Jetta Clean Diesel as the Green Car of the Year.
The show kicks off amid turmoil in the auto industry. U.S. automakers are fighting for survival, and auto sales in Colorado last year were down 17 percent from 2007, according to the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
The Obama administration on Monday rejected restructuring plans from General Motors and Chrysler and over the weekend pushed out GM chief Rick Wagoner. GM and Chrysler are seeking $22 billion in government loans to avoid bankruptcy.
Still, the show must go on, auto leaders say.
“It’s a buyer’s market right now,” said show director Garry Edgar. “There is pent-up demand for new cars, and manufacturers have been working hard to offer consumers outstanding deals.”
Brands on display will include Ford, GM, Acura, BMW and others. Four brands opted out of the show: Nissan, Suzuki, Porsche and Land Rover.
“The American public still needs and wants to buy cars and trucks,” said Brian Horn, Ford Lincoln Mercury regional manager.
The 400,000-square-foot Auto Show is hosted by the Metro Denver Automobile Dealers Association and is the largest auto show between Los Angeles and the Mississippi River. It costs nearly $2 million to produce.
On display will be 2010 models including the new-body Ford Mustang, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Chevy Camaro. The show also will host the exotic new vehicle by Rossion called the Q1.
“Visitors will have the chance to see and touch a variety of styles, the latest in hybrid technologies and fuel-efficient vehicles, and some of the top award-winning cars in the market today,” said Tim Jackson, president of the metro auto dealers group.
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
If you want to go
The 2009 Auto Show begins today and runs through Sunday.
HOURS, TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Show hours: 5-9 p.m. today and Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 7-12; free for children 6 and under. Today is Seniors Day. Seniors 65 and older are admitted free with a photo ID.
