by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Ever since the first time an internal combustion engine rolled down the road on four wheels, Americans have had a love affair with automobiles. Some love to drive them, some love to repair and restore them. Some even love to wash, wax and polish them.
Those who love to look at them will be at the Osborn Center this weekend for the Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show. Show producer Barbara Pudney said she’ll be surprised if the number of people who come Downtown to see the latest vehicles on the market – and some that won’t be in dealers’ showrooms for quite a while – is fewer than 25,000. They will all share certain traits in common.
“A car is an extension of your personality,” she added. “It’s who you are or who you want to be. Even if you would never go into a Porsche dealership, for example, at a car show you can sit in one and feel what it’s like.”
More than 250 vehicles of all shapes and sizes from every major nameplate will be inside the convention center and outside. You can test drive the newest products from General Motors, including the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and the entire Toyota line.
One vehicle you won’t be able to test drive this weekend is the 2011 Hyundai Equus. It won’t be available in America until later this year, said Ray Jordan, Hyundai district sales manager.
“Hyundai started out as a line of economical cars with 10-year, 100,000 mile warranties. Now it’s the fastest-growing auto brand in terms of market share and we’re branching out into the luxury market,” he added.
The Equus is designed to appeal to Lexus, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes aficionados. It has all the bells and whistles including televisions for back seat passengers and a heated steering wheel.
For more than 20 years, the event has been the showcase for the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association. It’s also a fundraising opportunity and this year’s beneficiaries include Angelwood, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, the Police Athletic League, Safe Harbor Boys Home, the YMCA and others.
The Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show is open today from noon-9 p.m., tomorrow from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and $6 for seniors. Free parking at the Osborn Center is provided courtesy of VyStar Credit Union.
Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show Producer Barbara Pudney with the four-door Porsche Panamera.
The Smart Car is the smallest vehicle at the show.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is one of the stars of this year’s show.
Hyundai District Sales Manager Ray Jordan with the 2011 Equus, which won’t be available in America until later this year.
356-2466