Need a new vehicle? DAYTON AUTO SHOW begins this week

Several hundred vehicles available in one convenient spot.

The annual Dayton Auto Show rolls into the Dayton Convention Center on Thursday, Feb. 22

I’ll be joined by other consumers looking to educate themselves more than ever before about available SUVs, trucks, crossovers, sport-utility vehicles, cars, minivans and hybrids. The 2018 Dayton Auto Show is an easy, painless, enjoyable way to do that.

In one bright, comfortable, warm, dry venue, dozens and dozens of vehicles available now, specialty vehicles and possibly early 2019 production models will appear. More than 200 vehicles are expected to be displayed.

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The annual event will feature makes and models from 27 manufacturers; two ride and drive experiences; Harley-Davidson motorcycles; and a chance to win a two-year lease of a Chevrolet Equinox LT, thanks to the Miami Valley Chevrolet Dealers. To enter, visit a Chevy dealership between now and the show, or enter up until 1 p.m. on the last day of the show. A final drawing will take place at 3 p.m. that day, and you must be present to win.

Credit: FPI Studios

Credit: FPI Studios

Military members will gain free entry as long as they show their military ID, compliments of Dayton Area Toyota Auto Dealers, not only on the day the show opens Feb. 22, but also Feb. 23.

Vehicles sure to draw attention at the show, if they arrive, will be the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Mustang Bullitt and many brands of SUVs and trucks, said Dayton Auto Show Manager Kelly Danison. “All trucks and SUVs are hot right now,” she said. “People are looking for space right now, for their families and activities.”

RELATED: Dayton Auto Show giving away vehicle

To check out what fits their lifestyle, show-goers are welcome to open doors and slip behind the wheel of almost everything on the floor.

It’s a low-key environment, too. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not permit direct selling at the show, but it’s a great way to pick up a brochure, talk to others and speak with a product advisor.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for an attendee or consumer who is looking to purchase a new vehicle,” Danison said. “You can even test drive some vehicles from Toyota and FCA. There is no pressure to purchase because no one is allowed to sell you a car off the show floor. You can make a connection with a local dealer and then follow up with them afterward.

“You can try out 27 different manufacturers in one stop rather than having to brave cold or rainy weather, driving around to that many dealerships. It’s all under one roof,” she continued, “and you get to touch and feel the vehicle, see if your golf clubs will fit. You can’t do that online. It’s a huge advantage of the Dayton Auto Show.”

For the third time in the Dayton Auto Show’s history, Toyota will operate a Toyota Drive Center featuring four different models for test-driving around downtown Dayton. Models may include the first-ever C-HR, the all-new Camry, RAV4 and Highlander. Fiat/Chrysler is offering a repeat ride and drive experience featuring the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger, Jeep Compass, Ram 1500 Crew and Fiat 500x.

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Other reasons to go to the show include special entertainment attractions for kids, including animals from Wild Hearts African Farm and Petting Zoo, Matt the Balloon Guy and Face Doodles by Jen. The Dayton Dragons will have a booth Feb. 24-25. Attendees can stop by for a chance to win a VIP Dayton Dragons prize pack that will include four stadium seats, pre-game tour, four Dragons hats and T-shirts. Heater and Gem will make several appearances Feb. 24-25 (time TBD).

Finally, correctly identifying makes and models of vehicles featured in various photos during a photo scavenger hunt will give attendees the chance to win a 55-inch Samsung UHD TV.

The 2018 Dayton Auto Show is presented and produced by the Dayton Area Auto Dealers Association. Show sponsors are the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun, Miami Valley Chevy Dealers and Dayton Area Toyota Dealers.

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HOW TO GO TO THE 2018 DAYTON AUTO SHOW

Feb. 22-25 at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.

SHOW TIMES: Feb. 22, Noon-9 p.m.

Feb. 23, Noon-9 p.m.

Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

ADMISSION: $8 for adults at the door, $6 online at https://www.tix123.com/tix123/eTic.cfm?code=DAS18. Children ages 9 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

DISCOUNTS: Feb. 22-23 – Military Appreciation Day, all with military ID will gain free entry; Seniors, age 65-plus, $6 at door. Student discount with student ID, $6 at door

PARKING: Available in the Transportation Center garage, one block east of the Dayton Convention Center on Fifth and Jefferson streets. There is a covered skywalk on Level 1 that will bring you to the third floor at the Dayton Convention Center facility. Daily rates are $2/hour or part hour with a $6 maximum.

INFORMATION: DaytonAutoShow.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/DaytonAutoShow; Twitter: @DaytonAutoShow; Instagram: @DaytonAutoShow

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