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Chicago Auto Show eyes on interactive consumer experience

  CHICAGO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Unlike North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in neighbouring Detroit, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show bills itself as most customer friendly and interactive auto show of this kind.

  Opening to the public on Feb. 10 and runs through Feb. 19, the show uses more than one million square feet (92,903 square meters) space to display nearly 1,000 newest vehicles from over 30 car manufactures.

  Those include the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, Fiat 500, 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon and Edge Titanium Elite. Subaru celebrated its 50th anniversary with the release of special-edition automobiles across its entire 2018 lineup.

  However, the indoor test-driving tracks are one of the most welcome sections in the Chicago Auto Show. At Camp Jeep, people have waited two hours for this thrill track. Attendees can drive redesigned Jeep Wrangler conquering a steep hill, boulders, a staircase and other off-road obstacles.

  "The Chicago Auto Show is a consumer-driven show unlike any other automotive expo in the world," said John Hennessy, 2018 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We offer visitors unfettered access to vehicles and unique, hands-on experiences that enable them to make informed purchase decisions down the road."

  Nearly one million people are expected to visit the Chicago Auto Show, which is more than Detroit's 809,161 visitors of NAIAS in January.

  Lots of new and returning exhibits across the show floor, including numerous driving simulators, give visitors a chance to experience the new technology up close and personal.

  The car makers know when people come to the Chicago Auto Show, and it's a consumer show and they realize over 60 percent of them will buy a car within a year, said Hennessy.