The Automobile Dealers
Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP), owners and
producers of the Philadelphia International Auto Show, proudly
announces that it hosted 203,796 attendees at its 2009
event. This marks the ninth consecutive year the auto show has
hosted more than 200,000 guests.
“We are absolutely
thrilled with this year’s turnout,” said Joe Magarity,
chairman of the 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show and
president of Magarity Chevrolet. “Philadelphia has always
loved its auto show and our 2009 attendance numbers prove
exactly that.”
More than 2 million individuals have
walked the various halls of the Philadelphia International
Auto Show since 2000. Residents of the city’s five-county
region and beyond annually flock to the Pennsylvania
Convention Center for this nine-day fanfare, which includes
everything from the latest vehicle models to celebrity
appearances to a special kids’ day and much more. This year’s
show was held January 31 through February 8.
“We always
try our best to produce a world-class event,” added Magarity.
“Philadelphia is a strong market with a loyal customer base
and solid network of dealers. This position was reinforced by
the fact that we were
one of the only major auto shows
(thus far) to welcome back every participating manufacturer
from our 2008 event.”
Using the help of Analytic
Business Services (AnaBus), the ADAGP conducts an annual exit
survey to showcase the economic impact of the Philadelphia
International Auto Show and measure a number of topics related
to today’s consumer. This year’s preliminary results indicated
that 56% of those who attended the show are currently in the
market for a new vehicle or will be in the next 12 months. In
addition, 89% of those who reported that they were in the
market stated that the auto show influenced their next
purchasing decision.
“Although we are in tough economic
times and spending habits might be changing, the need to get
from ‘Point A to Point B’ still exists. And, for the majority,
a vehicle remains the most practical solution,” said Kevin
Mazzucola, executive director of the Auto Dealers Association
of Greater Philadelphia. “What has really changed is that
people are now more conscious of the type of vehicle that gets
them from ‘Point A to Point B,’ which is exactly why auto
shows are more important now than ever before. The landscape
is shifting for some and people need an outlet where they can
compare all of their options side by side.”
