Houston locals who are in the market for a new set of wheels should consider attending the first-ever summertime Houston Auto Show, which kicks off Wednesday, May 19.
The show, normally held in January, has been moved to May as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. But the Auto Show has embraced its temporary date change with a theme of all things summer transportation, including boats, campers and motorcycles.
"With everything going on with the pandemic, the ability to have the show was up in the air," RoShelle Salinas with the Houston Auto Show told Mega Dealer News. "So when we started planning for this event barely three months ago, we realized we were going to need a different approach and set a different expectation for the guests, too, because it's not going to be the same event that we have in January."
The show had to make some sacrifices in features for COVID-19 safety. Longtime attendees should know that the indoor ride-and-drive lounge is not offered this year, the number of available test-drive opportunities has been reduced, and some of the large brand exhibits will be represented by local dealers rather than the manufacturers.
"We're so fortunate to have those dealer relationships so that they could bring out brands like Cadillac, Nissan, Mazda, Volkswagen and still be able to have those vehicles on display," Salinas said.
Some exciting new additions to the show include luxury and fishing boats from Houston's Texas Sportfishing Yacht Sales, fishing and hunting displays, and RV exhibits hosted by longtime Houston dealer DeMontrond RV, just in time to kick off summer. These will be joined by an exhibit set to feature a 1934 Ford Woody Wagon and a 1955 Porsche 365 Continental.
"Here in Houston, things have been rapidly moving forward in the recovery mode. Cases (of COVID-19) are down and vaccines are up," Salinas said. "So people are definitely getting out more, and you can really feel that sense of urgency to get back out, see people again ad participate in public events. We're so thrilled to have the opportunity for this to be one of Houston's largest first events back in the city."
Salinas said that the show will more than likely return to January by 2022, but the new summer features may earn a permanent spot in the show if they are popular with the crowds.
"Being so close to summer, our advertising agency came up with this fabulous idea to kick off summer and say, 'You know, doesn't it feel great to get back on the road again and be at the Houston Summer Auto Show?'" she said.
Returning exhibits include Camp Jeep and the Ram Test Track. Exhibitor participants include: Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, JEEP, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Mazda, McLaren, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo.
The show will follow current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, stating that masks are not required indoors for vaccinated people but are still highly recommended. Masks will be required for test drives and when speaking with product specialists.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $10 or $12 at the door. A QR code system will be used for purchasing in-person tickets. Children under two years old can enter free. NRG Park parking costs $15.
The Houston Auto Show will take place at the NRG Center between Wednesday, May 19, and Sunday, May 23. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday hours will be between noon and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the show will begin and 10 a.m. and end at 9:30 on Saturday, 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Social distancing will be encouraged, and guests will be asked health screening questions prior to entering the building. Check out the full plan of activities at Houston Summer Auto Show.
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