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WANADA Showcases More Than 500 New Models
America and the automotive industry have always shared the fast track to the future. As the automobile enters its second century and America stands poised for the new millennium, The 1999 Washington Auto Show theme of "Celebrating the Centuries" recognizes the growth of America and the automotive industry with an eye to the new millennium. Now in its 57th year, the Washington Auto Show is held each holiday season at the Washington Convention Center.
The first Washington Auto Show was held in 1921, organized by a group of 20 Washington area car dealers and distributors to sell the public on the virtue of the automobile. Some years earlier, New York City had produced a show where car models on display were surrounded by a track built to encourage visitors to drive around to prove that automobiles could actually run.
The first show was held at Convention Hall, at 6th and K Streets, NW, at a time when the idea of a closed car was creating some marketing problems. After all, the public had only barely accepted the concept of motorized transportation in the form of a touring car! The automobiles were displayed on the second floor of Convention Hall, requiring a ramp to be built and a cable used to hoist the cars up.
Richard "Dick" Murphy, an automobile distributor and dealer, was a member of the original group of twenty. In 1930, Murphy became the first paid manager of the Washington Automobile Trade Association, the forerunner to The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA). Three generations of "Murphys" have now led WANADA. Dick was succeeded by his son Maurice "Mike" Murphy in 1956 while Gerard A. "Gerry" Murphy was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the association in 1982.
By 1935, the auto show had become a fixture on the Washington scene and captured the attention of President Roosevelt. The President asked that the show be moved from its customary spot in January and be held the month of November to help overcome the seasonal buying peaks that had become a problem in the precarious economy of the time. Show organizers complied with the President's request and Washingtonians were able to attend two auto shows in 1935, viewing 63 different models including the Pierce-Arrow, the Cadillac-LaSalle and the Hudson.
Over the years, the show has grown dramatically in size and scope, relocating many times in the search to find a venue large enough to house the ever-increasing number of vehicles.
WANADA will provide consumers with 1999's first automotive showcase from December 26, 1998 through January 3, 1999 at the Washington Convention Center. More than 35 domestic and import automakers will display over 500 new cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles - all under one roof.
The Washington Auto Show draws car lovers, consumers and families by the thousands. New car introductions, the prototypes of tomorrow and the hottest models of today, plus the latest safety features and luxury options will all be featured. For those whose interests are more "off-track," the Washington Auto Show offers a full-slate of celebrity appearances and special entertainment for guests of every age.
"This year's Washington Auto Show, 'Celebrating the Centuries,' commemorates a remarkable century for our industry and our country. The evolution of the automobile directly reflects the changes in our technology and our lifestyles during this century," says Auto Show Chairman Tamara C. Darvish, Vice President of DARCARS and General Manager of DARCARS Toyota. "The auto show truly offers a make, model and price range for everyone."
"For consumers shopping for a new car in 1999, the timing couldn't be better. Prices are fairly level as compared to last year, safety enhancements are more extensive than ever and the lifestyle features - like insulated glove boxes and automatic sliding doors - spoil us all just a little bit," adds Geoff Pohanka, WANADA Chairman, and President, Pohanka Automotive.
"WOW" has a new meaning in Washington. The 1999 Washington Auto Show marks the debut of "washingtonpost.com on wheels," the latest interpretation of digital delivery. Cruising the streets of greater Washington, DC, "washingtonpost.com on wheels" gives residents the opportunity to experience washingtonpost.com and the Internet firsthand.
Consumers who also cruise the Internet can access the Washington Auto Show via computer at www.washingtonautoshow.com or at www.cars.com.
For more information, call (301) 670-1110 or access the Washington Auto Show web site at www.washingtonautoshow.com.
Now entering its 82nd year of existence, WANADA represents dealerships throughout Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Copyright @ 1998 John H. Davis Comm.
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