The 117th New York International Automobile Show, which opened on April 14 to the General Public at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, was a window through which we were able to take a peek into what is coming down the road with regard to many new vehicle innovations. Unlike what has been shown on the show floor in years past, this year’s show floor highlighted technology and efficiency.
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo kicked off the opening of the show with a burn-out in a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, and then led a 10-car electric vehicle parade to promote the State’s financial commitment to eco-friendly cars in the state’s pursuit of its goal to reduce emissions by 40% by the year 2030.
The show floor was awash with electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. The following auto makers had any one or all of the aforementioned types of vehicles at the show: Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lucid Motors, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Rimac, Smart, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Of interest to our industry is the fact that New York State recently enacted a statewide rebate of up to $2,000 on qualifying electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 30 models are sold in New York that are eligible for the rebate, which is applied at the point of sale, provided the dealer has enrolled in the Drive Clean Re- bate program. All 30 models were on display at the show, some of which are being used in our industry.
It could be said that the show had something for everyone, given the different types, makes and models that were on the show floor. Having gone to many of these shows over the years, I can truly say that the auto- mobile industry has put together a show to top all previous shows.
If you missed it this year, do yourself a favor and mark your calendar for next year’s show, which is always around the same dates!
Baseball season is in full swing… so let’s hear it for the Mets and Yankees!
