That new-car smell is in the air today as Omaha's biggest indoor consumer auto show kicks off.
The Midlands International Auto Show, at the CenturyLink Center Omaha through Sunday, attracts potential buyers who want the chance to explore several hundred models in one location without the pressure of a sales pitch, said Tam Webb, events manager at The World-Herald, which promotes the show for the Nebraska New Car & Truck Dealers Association.
"The auto show provides some foot traffic that we may not otherwise get because of the temperatures outside," said Steve Oliver, general sales manager at Baxter Ford.
An auto show is also a good place to check out all the new technology and features on vehicles, "and see if it is something you really want," said Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com. Carmakers are adding more cameras and sensors that aim to make driving easier and safer, she said.
Nebraska's new-vehicle industry includes 198 dealerships, which employ more than 7,000 workers and represent nearly 15 percent of total retail sales in the state, according to the state dealers association.
With gas prices low, expect to see more interest in trucks and SUVs at the show than in, say, alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles, which were a highlight of the 2013 show, Webb said. However, even those bigger vehicles are seeing fuel economy rise. The most efficient version of the new Ford F-150 is rated at a combined 22 mpg.
That new, aluminum-sided F-150, voted the North American Truck of the Year, will be at the show, along with the new Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the 2015 Chevy Colorado. The Volkswagen Golf, named car of the year in both contests, also will be on hand, Webb said.
If you're not in the market for a new car but just want to ogle, sit behind the wheel and take in that new-car smell, that's allowed too, Webb said.
Just don't get too close to the six vehicles in the "private collection," showing for a second year. Those include a 1999 Lamborghini Diablo and a 2013 Ferrari F458 Spider. They're behind a barrier and guarded by a law enforcement officer.
"I have to assure these owners that their vehicles are safe," Webb said.
Contact the writer: 402-444-1336, barbara.soderlin@owh.com
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Source : http://www.omaha.com/money/explore-vehicles-technology-galore-at-midlands-international-auto-show/article_c182721e-80b5-5bf5-acef-b36986bd53c3.html
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