DPR Sports & Racing News

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Background

 

Photo By Joe Paolella

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 101st edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

Photo By Joe Paolella

A small advertisement posted in a 1901 Chicago Tribune newspaper entertainment section, promoted the first official Chicago Auto Show. Held March 23-30, the event filled the Coliseum, which was located on Wabash Ave., between 15th and 16th Streets. There were 65 firms that displayed vehicles and accessories, with opening night attendance estimated between 2,000 and 6,000.

Photo By Joe Paolella

Producer

Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA has produced the show since 1935.

Photo By Joe Paolella

The CATA is comprised of more than 700 franchised new car dealers and allied members, employing 56,000 people in the metropolitan area.

CATA dealerships contribute to the state, county and city tax base with gross receipts of $16.5 billion in new-car sales alone; $26 billion in new, used, parts and service. The extended impact of tax base contribution through CATA dealership employees make this group one of the largest tax constituencies in the city and state.

Photo By Joe Paolella

The CATA's mission is to promote and maintain honesty and dependability; employ truth and accuracy in dealer advertising; strive to constantly improve business methods and ethics; and maintain fair competition to serve both dealer and customer.

While the Chicago Auto Show was first staged in 1901, the CATA has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935.

Photo By Joe Paolella

The 2009 Chicago Auto Show will be the 101th edition. Manufacturers from around the world consider the Chicago Auto Show as North America's most significant consumer exposition.

Photo By Dan Peters

The auto show's annual First Look for Charity black-tie preview raised more than $2.4 million last year for 19 area charities, making it one of the city's largest single-day fundraising events.

 

First Look for Charity

Photo By Joe Paolella

When you think about the annual First Look for Charity event, the Chicago Auto Show’s black-tie preview, the words “benevolent elegance” jump to mind. Each year the highly anticipated event encompasses all aspects of the Chicago Auto Show with the combination of one part new, never-before-seen cars; a dash of 18 charities; a splash of free car giveaways; and a pinch of black-tie savoir faire. This event really gives a reason to toast—shaken, not stirred—of course. Traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public, this year’s event will be held on Feb. 12, 2009.

 

The gala has raised more than $2.5 million each of the past four years and more than $26 million since its 1992 debut. Socialites and car buffs alike will be encouraged to roam the show floor to receive an exclusive “first look” at the world’s finest vehicles.

Photo By Dan Peters

This year, two lucky attendees will win either a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro or a 2009 Kia Borrego. Since sales of the Camaro begin in the first quarter of 2009, the production version of the famous car will be new to attendees. The highly anticipated homage to the muscle car era has drawn rave reviews during its gestation and is sure to wow everyone.

In a more family-oriented category, the all-new, seven-passenger Kia Borrego will also be awarded to a patron whose lucky number is called.

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Photo Gallery: 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

Photos By Joe Paolella