Headlights and eccentric LED add-ons shined through the Colorado Convention Center on Saturday as the Denver Auto Show revved up for its 122nd year city.
The show, which ends Sunday, highlights more than 300 vehicles from 18 manufacturers including well-known names like Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet and Volkswagen. Guests can attend and meet with representatives, sparking conversations around new model features and price points.
"Anyone that’s trying to make a purchase decision can put brand up against brand, test drive, or be driven around in some of the new electric vehicles," Matthew Groves, CEO of Colorado Auto Dealers Association, who puts on the show, said "Honestly, it’s just for people’s love affair with cars. Cars have always been central to Colorado’s transportation system. That’s why we’ve persisted and been successful here for 122 years in a row."
Colorado car dealerships earned a total of $12.18 billion in 2023, according to the Colorado Auto Dealers Association. The show itself proves to be a beacon of Colorado's love for cars, as well, bringing an estimated economic impact of $32 million to the city every year.
"Personally, I think it’s important for customers to get in and out of all the vehicles we have in the lineup," Sean Downey, a display manager at Ford Motor Company, said. "A place like an auto show is a great opportunity to have a no-pressure situation and talk to our product specialists."
Though the show included cars and trucks from across the entire spectrum of make and model, the electric vehicle (EV) seemed to take a charged spotlight, with various manufacturers showing off their fully electric offerings.
"Ironically, when the auto show started back in 1902, it was about steam and electric cars. We've come full circle," Groves said. "We let the manufacturers bring whatever they’re going to be selling next year. Manufacturers have a mandate in 17 different states as well as the federal government to start electrifying. We want them to bring their best and brightest and largely that has been electric."
The overarching charge around electric vehicles was palpable, with Volkswagen and Toyota allowing attendees to test drive some of their EV models in a course on the show floor.
"A lot of these people come out and they’ve never been in an electric vehicle. We try to give them the experience, let them know what we’re doing and explain the difference between an electric and combustible engine," Bobby Hall, regional event manager for Volkswagen said, standing in front of a line of the manufacturer's ID.4 all-electric models set up for attendees to test drive.
Most attendees who were asked, however still questioned the transition from normal combustible engines.
"I’m not ready yet," Myron, who declined to provide his last name, said about buying an EV. "Until the infrastructure gets built where you can easily get electrified wherever you go, I’m not going to buy one. Plus, it’s a lot of money to just buy a commuter, because that’s the only way it’s practical given the current electrification infrastructure."
Chris Tucker, a first-time attendee who is in the market for a vehicle, was also unsure about going with a full EV option.
"It’s probably not mature enough to go with," he said, noting that he was looking into hybrids so he didn't have to worry about the charging infrastructure.
"It would have to get to the point where you could get the charge out of the way in the same time it takes to fill up a tank of gas. Once it’s equally functional, I’ll do it. I do a lot of road trips and I want to be able to retain that capability."
The representatives from the manufacturers understood the concerns.
"Typical EV questions are range information and charging availability," Downey said. "I feel like, based on my experience of talking to consumers at Denver and other shows, there’s still a little bit of hesitation because of charging, but the excitement level is there, as well."
Regardless of the thoughts about EVs, there was excitement around the auto show as hundreds of attendees peered through windows and gripping steering wheels.
Tickets for Sunday's show, which goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., can be bought at Colorado.auto.
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April 07, 2024 at 04:09AM
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Electric vehicles take the spotlight at 122nd Denver Auto Show - Denver Gazette
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