For the first time since 2020, the Toledo Auto Show will return to downtown.
The Toledo Auto Show, held at the Glass City Center, will have public showings Feb. 3-5.
On the showroom floor, visitors can see samples of mostly 2022 and some 2023 models. 2024 samples might be seen depending on their availability, Ohio Automobile Dealers Association’s Director of Events Kelly Danison said.
Classic vehicles won’t be showcased at the moment, but participants should expect to view new cars that one would find at a dealership lot.
“I think this year in '23, what's going to be a little different is the look of the vehicles,” Ms. Danison said. “They're a little sleeker.”
The event will showcase several new vehicles from manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, Chevy, Ford, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Attendees have the opportunity to sit in the vehicles, test the cars, and get an idea of how the car feels.
There will be 22 brands represented at the show.
“Everybody's different,” Ms. Danison said. “Can they get car seats in the back? Can they get golf clubs in the trunk? Maybe they're looking for an SUV or a truck. We're going to have all those varieties at the show for people to come down and take a look.”
Jim White Lexus of Toledo, one of several brands at the show, will have three of Lexus’ most popular vehicles on display, the company’s new car sales manager Ken Grohnke said. That includes the 2023 RX, the 2023 LX 600, and the 2023 NX, which was designed last year. Attendees also can see the hybrid version of the 2023 RX.
Those new vehicles include upgraded features such as the new Lexus interface, safety features, and new interfaces for smartphones.
“If you want to come down and just look around and have fun, you can,” Mr. Grohnke said. “If you want to do your homework and ask questions, you can. It's just no high pressure or no selling. It's just all about the vehicles and helping everybody out.”
Richard Cronin, owner, Cronin Auto Inc., said people who attend the auto show are three times more likely to be in the market for a new car.
“It’s a nice low-pressure opportunity to talk to people about what you’re looking for and learn the pricing (in one trip),” he said.
The Toledo Auto Show is a family-friendly event. In addition to cars on display, attendees can participate in several activities. Safe Kids Greater Toledo is providing a distracted driving simulator for participants to test. The State Highway Patrol also will have a vehicle on display.
Attendees can participate in the photo scavenger hunt and a selfie contest. Participants can fill out a form where they guess which photo matches a vehicle on the showroom floor. After participants turn in the paper and if each answer is correct, attendees have the chance of winning a flat screen TV.
Individuals who contribute to the selfie contest can post a photo and tag the Toledo Auto Show on social media to enter for a prize of Toledo Mud Hens tickets.
“It really gives you a good opportunity in one day, at one spot, to get in and check out and feel the different vehicles,” Mr. Grohnke said. “And maybe show you some pros and cons of each, and prevent you from having to go from one dealer to another dealer to see all of them. And you can just, all in one spot, help get some of your questions answered.”
The Toledo Auto Show is providing free parking to attendees on Saturday and Sunday at the Commodore Perry Apartment complex garage.
Ms. Danison added that participants can purchase their tickets in advance at toledoautoshow.org. Tickets online are $6 or can be purchased at the door for $8. Students with a student I.D. and adults over the age of 65 can buy a ticket for $6. Children aged 9 and younger can attend for free with a paying adult.
First Published January 29, 2023, 12:00 p.m.