Chicago Auto Show Launches Revamped Website

CHICAGO, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  The following is being released by The Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producers of the Chicago Auto Show:

The Chicago Auto Show launched a completely redesigned and refreshed website today in anticipation of the 105^th edition of the nation's largest auto show. Aligned with the Chicago Auto Show's initiative to remain at the forefront of industry innovation and provide fans with the best possible experience, the new website offers an unparalleled preview of the show and a premier virtual auto show experience.

The refreshed destination raises the bar with new daily image galleries, a comprehensive listing of vehicles on display and integrated social media content from the Chicago Auto Show's official blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels. Consumer favorites return from last year including user-controlled webcams with a live-streaming capability and unmatched virtual tour experience, provided by 360Revo. Staple elements also remain such as show floor maps, online ticket purchase, detailed directions and a newsroom for registered media. Together these elements form a winning combination that engages visitors year-round. 

"Fans across the globe can now experience the nation's largest auto show through interactive and engaging features as if they were physically perusing the show floor," said Michael Ettleson, 2013 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "Chicago Auto Show fans expect a superior show experience and we continuously strive to surpass expectations."

Key features of ChicagoAutoShow.com include:

• About the Show: includes directions, show dates and times, interactive displays, special guest appearances and more.
• First Look for Charity: the online home for the show's signature charity fundraiser, visitors can learn more about the event, purchase tickets and even find discounts on tuxedo rentals.
• Multimedia: the Chicago Auto Show comes to life with a virtual tour, photo galleries, more than 140 videos and webcams while providing the latest news via its official blog.
• Vehicles on Display: the most comprehensive listing of the new 2013 and 2014 models, concept cars and new-product reveals.
• Media, Sponsor and Exhibitor microsites: exclusive content for media members, potential and current sponsors and exhibitors.
• Show History: the Chicago Auto Show has a robust history, and the story is told here with a series of classic photos beginning in 1901.

"We're proud of many things, but the Chicago Auto Show History and Vehicles on Display sections are insurmountable, and we fulfill photos requests year-round," said Ettleson. "We're confident in stating there is no other show in the nation that has recorded its history as we have. With a robust history like the Chicago Auto Show, we wanted to capture the memorable moments and vehicles dating all the way back to the show's inception in 1901."

The Vehicles on Display section adds real-time inventory from Chicagoland's new-car dealers, provided by DriveChicago.com. This allows site visitors to sift through nearly 40,000 new cars directly on ChicagoAutoShow.com as they are browsing their favorite vehicles.

Web development company AmericanEagle.com continues to be a valuable partner in the success of ChicagoAutoShow.com.

"We're proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Chicago Auto Show and help contribute to the site's growing success," said Michael Svanascini, president of AmericanEagle.com. "Each year we aim to bring Chicago Auto Show fans dynamic content that keeps them coming back for more, even outside of the show dates."

Furthermore, ChicagoAutoShow.com is compatible with smartphones and tablets to enhance users' functionality and overall experience. Visitors can purchase tickets, download content, follow social media streams and watch interactive videos right from their mobile device or tablet.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show will be open to the public February 9-18. For more information regarding the show or to check out the website's refreshed content, please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association