New York International Auto Show a Short History
The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is going strong, with over 100 shows under its belt. Begun in 1900, it is today the largest US auto show. The annual show has seen many changes since inception.
What is the New York International Auto Show?
TheNYIASis an annual show in New York City that typically has more people in attendance than other car exhibitions across the country. The show is famous worldwide for unveiling to press the production models for the next year and concept vehicles. Often there are rumors weeks before the event begins as to which cars will unveil for the first time at the exhibition.
There are both world debuts and North American debuts of automobiles. Typically, over a million people in total attend the event, which spans about a week. Every US make and model of car gets a shot at the spotlight, as do many foreign manufacturers.
The beginning of NYIAS
When the New York International Auto Show began in 1900, it was the first auto show in North America. It offered people the opportunity to see the future of the auto industry. Since its inception, the exhibition has continued to celebrate cars each year.
The show has continued despite turbulent US times. The annual NYIAS occurred even during the lows of the 1930s Depression. Perhaps the routine gave Americans hope, and the cars provided dreams of what they could drive in the future during better economic times.
The shows continued through the financial recovery that followed World War II. Car manufacturers offered up their new selections under the roof of the New York Coliseum. The show usually took place at the convention center until it demolished in 2000.
Foreign cars appeared at the car show
During the 1950s, more foreign cars began to sell in the United States. Thecar showexpanded to include cars from British manufacturers. The Volkswagen Beetle first appeared at the show in the 1950s and the Austin 850 unveiled in 1960.
Japanese cars also began to take the stage at the annual show, after the Second World War. The Japanese models were at first viewed by Americans as unique display cars. By the end of the 1960s, US consumers considered the cars more practical items to drive than they had at the decade’s start.
The car show continues its popular run
Over the years, the show has had large attendance each year from people around the world and strong media coverage. Over the week, there are public events, corporate conferences, award ceremonies, and celebratory gatherings. The show attracts businesses, consumers, and press into one area.
The location is usually Jacob Javits Convention Centre, in Manhattan. New York City makes sense as the location given the financial interests of Wall Street and strength of Madison Avenue advertisers and marketers. The show often occurs around Easter time.
Vehicles at the New York International Auto Show range from a compact family car to deluxe exotic car. An exhibition that began in 1900 still goes strong today. The annual event celebrates cars, regardless of the high and low points of the North American market.
