From ultra-luxurious to utilitarian and extravagant to economical, if it rolls on four wheels there’s a good chance it will be on display this weekend at the Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show.
The annual showcase, sponsored by the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association, is open today-Sunday Downtown at the Osborn Center.
There will be about 200 vehicles representing more than 25 brands on display this year, said Barbara Pudney, show manager. Many will be available for test drives around the convention center.
Pudney said the automotive industry is on the rebound. Dealers are selling more vehicles than they have in recent years and attendance at car shows has also increased by as much as 30 percent compared to shows in 2010.
“People are coming back to car shows. They can compare all the models and sit in the cars. There’s nothing like that ‘new car smell,’” said Pudney.
Two of the special attractions this year, she said, are the 2013 Ford Mustang and the Centennial Edition Corvette that celebrates the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet.
Technology and safety are again featured at this year’s show.
“People used to ask how many cup holders a car had,” Pudney said. “Now they ask how many air bags.”
One model will even read drivers their tweets while they drive.
Discount admission coupons are available at Gate Food Post locations and there will be a drawing each hour of the show for a $20 gasoline card.
Attending the show is also a way to support local charities. This year, the association is donating a portion of ticket sales to Angels for Allison, Angelwood, Art with a Heart in Healthcare, Challenger Division - Little League Baseball of America, Exchange Club Family Center, Exchange Club of Jacksonville, Family Promises of Jacksonville, First Coast Kids Triathlon, Gateway Community Services-Adolescent Residential Services, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council - Community Development Troops, Lea’s Place, Mohawk District Boy Scouts of America - North Florida BSA, Murray Hill Ministries, Project SOS, Safe Harbor Boys Home, Seamark Ranch, Second Harvest of Northeast Florida, Team Focus, YMCA “Strong Kids” and YMCA “Take Stock in Children.”
For show hours and other details, visit jaxautoshow.com.
356-2466