A high-profile game of
”
Can You Top This?
”
will serve as the featured entertainment at the 2003 San Jose
International Auto Show Jan. 8-12 at the San Jose Convention
Center.
Domestic, Asian, and European automotive manufacturers have initiated a high-profile game of “Can You Top This?” that will serve as the featured entertainment at the 2003 San Jose International Auto Show Jan. 8-12 at the San Jose Convention Center.
Recognizing the growing popularity of the 9-year-old exhibition of new cars, light trucks, minivans, and sport-utility vehicles in America’s top region for new car sales, five automakers have scheduled a series of new vehicle debuts.
Volkswagen threw down the gauntlet in early December when it announced plans to debut the return of the Beetle Convertible at the same venue where it chose to bring back the VW Beetle four years ago.
Shortly after Volkswagen’s announcement, Jaguar told the car show’s producer of its intentions to airlift the first major re-design of the XJ sedan in 34 years to the Silicon Valley for the San Jose show.
After learning of Volkswagen’s and Jaguar’s strategies, Daimler-Chrysler immediately followed suit, revealing its intention to debut the Pacifica, Chrysler’s much-heralded “cross-over” vehicle, which is expected to invoke major inroads in the minivan and sport-utility vehicle markets.
With Chrysler introducing the Pacifica, Porsche Cars North America told its local dealer, Stevens Creek Porsche Audi, about plans to display the controversial Cayenne, the automaker’s first version of a sport-utility vehicle.
Upon learning of the scheduled appearances of the Pacifica and Cayenne, Infiniti officials wasted little time in re-configuring its display area to accommodate the unveiling of the FX45, the widely-acclaimed all-wheel-drive sports-luxury vehicle.
All five SUVs are slated for late-spring/early summer showroom appearances.
“We’ve hosted debuts in previous years,” Auto Show co-chairman Mark Normandin said. “But never five at one shot. This year’s Charity Preview Gala should really be hopping.”
The show’s Preview Gala on Jan. 7 from 6-9 p.m. will feature the factory unveilings of the five debuts in a setting of food and live entertainment with proceeds benefiting 10 local charities. More information on Charity Night can be obtained by calling (408) 277-0661.
The auto show will open from noon-10 p.m. Jan. 8-10, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Jan.11 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 12. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 are admitted free.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the show’s Web site at www.sjautoshow.com. Discount coupons offering $2 off general admission Jan. 8-10 are availble at Nob Hill Foods.
