Latest, greatest at local auto show

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 2, 2003 | by JAN MOWLE

The Colorado Springs annual auto show is back! With a plethora of new cars and trucks to ogle, the 2003 Colorado Springs auto show promises something for everyone.

The event, held Friday through Sunday at the Colorado Springs World Arena, offers auto lovers and shoppers a dazzling display of the latest in auto creations.

Parking for the show is free, and admission is only $1 per person. There's no charge for children under 6.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The show is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Automobile Dealers Association and The Gazette and benefits the Assistance League's Operation School Bell, a non-profit organization that provides new clothes to needy children in El Paso County.

The show's popularity has been growing since it first began in 1927. Last year, more than 12,000 people attended the event and viewed almost 200 new cars and trucks from 32 manufacturers. Hummer and Lexus join the show this year to make total manufacturer representation 34.

"People don't have to drive all over town to see the new cars," says Ann Winslow, executive director of the Colorado Springs Automobile Dealers Association. "It's an opportunity for consumers to view all models under one roof.

"Whether people are ready to buy now, a month from now, six months from now or next year, they can have their questions answered about various models from representatives of the local dealerships.

"The show also is for people who like to experience all the senses of a new vehicle - the feel, touch and smell of a new auto," Winslow adds.

CSADA's member dealers include Academy Nissan, Al Serra Chevrolet- Hummer, Bob Penkhus Volvo-Mazda, Carlin Dodge, Daniels Chevrolet, Ed Bozarth No. 1 Oldsmobile, Faricy Boys Chrysler Jeep, Ferguson Pontiac- Buick-GMC, Heuberger Subaru-Volkswagen, Kuni Lexus, Land Rover Colorado Springs, Liberty Toyota, Lithia Colorado Springs Jeep- Chrysler, McCloskey Motors-Isuzu and Suzuki, Mike Shaw Buick-Pontiac- GMC, Perkins Motor City Dodge, Phil Long European Imports, Phil Long Chapel Hills, Phil Long Motor City Kia-Suzuki, Phil Long Hyundai, Phil Long Mitsubishi, Phil Winslow Volkswagen-BMW, Pikes Peak Acura, Red Noland Cadillac, Red Noland Saab-Infiniti, Saturn of Colorado Springs, South Pointe Lincoln-Mercury, Team Chevrolet, Team Honda, and Toyota of Colorado Springs.

CSADA addresses the needs and interests of local dealers while supporting the community with events such as the Auto Show.

Current members of the Executive Committee are Tom Perkins, Perkins Motor City Dodge, president; Joe McCloskey, McCloskey Isuzu and Suzuki, vice president; Tim Baldridge, Team Honda, secretary; Bob Fenton, Phil Long Motor City, treasurer; and Gunnar Heuberger, Heuberger Motors, immediate past president.

Members at-large are Phil Winslow, Winslow Volkswagen-BMW, and John Vona, Toyota of Colorado Springs. Thom Buckley, Red Noland Saab- Infiniti, represents CSADA on the Colorado Springs Automobile Dealers Association Board of Directors.

To reach the World Arena at 3185 Venetucci Blvd., take Interstate 25 to exit 138; go west on Lake Avenue; go south on Venetucci Boulevard.