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Business Editors/Automotive Writers

E. NORRITON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 16, 2009--The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show, owned and produced by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP), pulls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center January 31 – February 8. The show’s annual Media and Industry Preview Day is scheduled for Friday, January 30.

“The automotive industry is changing in front of our eyes,” said Joe Magarity, chairman of the 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show and president of Magarity Chevrolet. “And as a result, the 2009 Auto Show season is experiencing some of the best vehicle releases to date. From redesigned models to new fuel technologies, to much more, it’s all about product this year.”

The Philadelphia International Auto Show has hosted more than 1.9 million individuals since 2002. The nine-day event returns with a 550,000-square-foot display floor showcasing a range of vehicles including pre-production models, concepts, hybrids, exotics and antiques from all around the world. New show features include a special tuner salon titled DUB Live!, an expanded vintage vehicle exhibit and the addition of a classic race car museum display.

“Philadelphia has always loved its Auto Show,” added Magarity. “A large portion of our attendees come because they will be in the market for a new vehicle in the next 3-12 months and they realize there is no better place to evaluate all of their options. Others return annually because they know it’s a great way to spend quality time with family and friends at a relatively low cost. As producers of the event, we take great pride in making sure all consumers walk away with a great experience no matter their reasons for attending.”

As one of the largest auto shows in the country, the Philadelphia International Auto Show is vitally important to consumers in the Greater Philadelphia market. In 2008, 90 percent of attendees in the market for a new vehicle reported that visiting the Auto Show influenced their next purchasing decision according to exit surveys.

In addition, over the last two decades, the ADAGP has been able to donate more than $3.8 million to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, thanks to the success of the Philadelphia International Auto Show and its affiliated ADAGP activities. For the 2009 event, the ADAGP will proudly continue its tradition of donating one dollar for every Auto Show ticket sold to the Hospital through its Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

Particular highlights of the 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show include:

East Coast Debuts

The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show is proud to welcome the East Coast debut of several new models. The following vehicles made their world debut at the recent North American International Auto Show and will be on display in Philadelphia: 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan, 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox crossover, 2010 Ford Taurus sedan, 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover and Subaru Legacy sedan concept.

Alternative Fuel Technology

Now more than ever before, alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies are key to the automotive industry. The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show serves as an important educational tool for consumers interested in learning about the latest developments in this vehicle segment. Examples in this category that consumers can expect to see at this year’s event include the diesel-fueled Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Chevrolet’s Hydrogen-fueled Equinox and the latest in hybrid technology, including the new Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler Aspen, Toyota Camry and many others.

Exotic Vehicles

A primary reason that people attend the Auto Show is to search for that special “dream car.” Once guests enter the Grand Ballroom of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, they will have to look no further. Courtesy of F.C. Kerbeck & Sons, the exotic vehicle display will feature a number of high-end models, including a 2009 Bentley GTC, 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible, 2009 Maserati Granturismo, 2009 Lamborghini LP560, 2009 Aston Martin DBS Storm and more.

Vintage Display

The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show will feature an expanded vintage vehicle display. A great variety of exclusive and/or privately owned classic and antique models will be showcased. Courtesy of Concours D’Elegance of the Eastern U.S. and the Buckingham Concours D’Elegance, attendees will be able to catch a glimpse of a 1926 Wills St. Claire Roadster, 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible, 1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, 1957 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase Limousine and several others.

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

One of the most unique automobile displays in the world will also make an appearance at this year’s event. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum will bring its world-class collection of some of the rarest and most significant race cars ever built to the 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show. The Museum transports visitors back in time to significant road racing venues and tells the story of how competition improves both cars and drivers. Examples of vehicles that can be found in this display include a 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing and 1966 Ferrari 365P “Speciale.”

Additional Vehicle Highlights

Guests of the Auto Show will also discover a wide variety of additional pre-production and concept models such as the 2010 Mazda 3, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, 2010 Ford Mustang, 2010 Volvo XC60, 2009 Volkswagen CC, 2009 Nissan Cube, 2009 Nissan 370Z, 2009 Audi Q5 and Jeep Renegade concept model.

DUB Live!

DUB Magazine, the premier publication of the urban automotive lifestyle, will be host to a 20,000-square- foot display this year where it will present DUB Live! Tons of the hottest modified celebrity vehicles will be featured, including cars owned by boxing champ Bernard Hopkins and pro-surfer Matt Keenan. DUB Live! will also feature Rockstar Games' newest racing blockbuster Midnight Club: Los Angeles on display in the gaming arena as well as real-life versions of the in-game cars such as the DUB customized Saleen Mustang and Kawasaki ZX14. Other vehicles that will be on display include the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, Ferrari 430, 20 custom bikes from Killer Kreations and much more.

Black Tie Tailgate Charitable Preview Gala

One of the area’s premier social events of the season, the Black Tie Tailgate Preview Gala returns on January 30 from 7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The 2009 Gala marks the second year the Foundation is partnering with culinary favorite and Philadelphia’s own STARR Events in conjunction with ARAMARK/SFS Food Services. The menu will include specialties from area hot spots such as Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Buddakan, Continental, El Vez, Parc, Pod and Tangerine. Guests are also invited to take a sneak-peek at the hundreds of world-class automobiles on display. This year’s live entertainment portion will be provided by The Sid Miller Dance Band, a 12-piece group that pays tribute to classic dance tunes from decades past through the new millennium. Tickets are $200.00 per person and proceeds will benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. For more information, please visit www.blacktietailgate.com.

Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation Day

Children ages 12 and under will be offered free admission to the Auto Show when accompanied by an adult on Sunday, February 8. They will have the opportunity to get their faces painted and enjoy balloon animals, art project stations and guest appearances by Spider-Man and Iron Man.

Event Sponsors

The Philadelphia Auto Show welcomes back AAA Insurance and The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News as 2009 premiere sponsors. The show also welcomes AutoTrader.com as a 2009 premiere sponsor. In addition, Philly.com has also been added as the official e-Tickets sponsor for this year’s event.

Celebrity Appearances

The Philadelphia International Auto Show is proud to host the following celebrity appearances at its 2009 event: Shane Victorino, center fielder of the 2009 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, will participate in a Q&A session with fans on Thursday, February 5, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, will also participate in a Q&A session with fans on Friday, February 6, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (pending post-season play); Former Philadelphia Eagles All-pro defensive end Hugh Douglas will appear at the Auto Show for an autograph signing on Tuesday, February 3 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. courtesy of AAA Insurance, and NBA shooting guard Andre Iguodala will make an appearance at the event on Wednesday, February 4 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. courtesy of AutoTrader.com.

About the Show

The 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show hours are:

Noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8

“E-ticket” prices are:

$10.00 for adults (ages 13 and older) valid any show day

$6.00 for children (ages 7-12) valid any show day

Free for children 6 and under

Box office admission is:

$12.00 for adults (ages 13 and older) on weekends

$10.00 for adults on weekdays

$6.00 for children (ages 7-12) on any show day

Free for children 6 and under

Senior citizens (age 62 and over) receive a special admission price of $6.00 on weekdays only.

Discount Coupons

Discount coupons can be picked up at your new car and truck franchised dealer. Coupons can be redeemed at the box office at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a $3.00 admission discount to the Auto Show. For a partial list of participating dealers, go to www.adagp.com.

In addition, for the seventh year in a row, the Auto Show has partnered with McDonalds restaurants to circulate discount coupons for the show. Show information will be featured on the restaurant’s tray liners, drive-through bags and on the front of the Entertainment Value Centers located inside area McDonalds. The Auto Show will donate $1.00 from each discount coupon redeemed at the show from February 2 – 6 to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Discount Adult Tickets Available at SEPTA

Tickets are available through SEPTA at the price of $7.00 for adult admission on weekdays and $6.00 for child/senior admission on weekdays. A “Turbo Pass” can be purchased for $9.00, which provides unlimited one-day travel on SEPTA buses, trolleys and trains from January 31 – February 8. The “Turbo Pass” is not valid on SEPTA Regional Rail Trains for travel to or from stations in the State ofNew Jersey or on trains arriving in Center City Philadelphia prior to 9:30 a.m. The “Turbo Pass” is available at the SEPTA 15 th & Market Street Sales Office, SEPTA 69 th & Market Street Sales Office, SEPTA Broad Street & Olney Avenue Sales Office, SEPTA Transit Store at 1234 Market Street (lobby), and all SEPTA Regional Rail Ticket Offices.

About the ADAGP

The ADAGP, established in 1904, is the oldest association of its kind in the nation. The association, comprised of 210 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, leads lobbying efforts, provides education and training seminars, conducts a Sales Training Academy to recruit new individuals into the retail automotive industry and owns and produces the Philadelphia International Auto Show. For more information on the ADAGP, visit www.adagp.com.

About the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation

Established in 2003, the Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity, annually contributes funding and resources to worthwhile child-related programs and causes throughout the Greater Philadelphia five-county region. The ADAGP has supported the remarkable efforts of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since 1986 and has given over $3.8 million to the Hospital over the past two decades. In 2004, the Foundation renewed its support of the Hospital with a $2 million, six-year pledge to support the construction and maintenance of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Patient Welcome Center in the Richard D. Wood Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at the Hospital. Once this pledge is completed, accumulated contributions will exceed $4.3 million. For more information, please visit www.caringforkids.com.

Brownstein Group

Erin Allsman, 215-735-3470

eallsman@brownsteingroup.com

or

Kelly Lange, 215-735-3470

klange@brownsteingroup.com

State Keywords: Pennsylvania

Industry Keywords: Entertainment; Other Entertainment; Manufacturing; Automotive Manufacturing; Alternative Vehicles/Fuels; Automotive; Consumer & General Interest; Consumer; Family

Source: Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP)

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