NEW YORK, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking another auto show first, the 2014 New York International Auto Show launched the first Google Maps Business View virtual tour today, providing viewers with a 360-degree, panoramic view of the Show floor.

Similar to the Street View in Google Maps, Google Maps Business View provides an interior tour of the Auto Show through the multiple levels of the Jacob K. Javits Center. In addition to the car companies' exhibits, the tour includes an up-close look into five vehicle interiors, three of which are not normally accessible to Show visitors.

"We are proud to help drive engagement for the New York International Auto Show - one of the most prestigious live events in the world," said Michal Lorenc, Head of Industry/Ticketing and Live Events at Google. "The New York International Auto Show's innovative use of Google Maps Business View is yet another great example of our commitment to helping live events thrive in a digital world."

The virtual tour also includes a modern day scavenger hunt component where online and onsite auto show visitors seek out certain images and then tweet about their location to earn Auto Show prizes.

In addition to being a standalone program, the tour has been incorporated into already existing digital engagements such as the Buzz Index so that when one is exploring the real time radar in regards to the Show and each exhibitor, they can view that exhibitor's booth right there in the Buzz Index. Both the Buzz Index and the Tour are available on the Show's website, mobile site and mobile apps.

"The New York Auto Show is always looking to find new ways to engage our attendees, expand the life of the Show and to stay on trend," said Show Chairman, John LaSorsa.  "We are proud that the Show's virtual tour is the largest automotive industry Google Maps Business View virtual tour, and it is among the largest and most expansive Google Maps Business View tours ever created in any category" he continued.

Although the tour will never replace the excitement or sensory experience of the Auto Show, it gives a very clear idea of what attendees can expect to see before they arrive, and it extends the life of the Auto Show months after the exhibition closes.  To view the Google Maps Business View Virtual Tour of the New York International Auto Show, visit: http://www.google.com/maps/about/partners/businessview/ or www.autoshowny.com.

Important 2014 Show Dates: 

Press Preview, April 16 & April 17 (credentials required)
Public Show Dates, April 18 – 27
Show Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sundays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

www.autoshowNY.com
www.facebook.com/nyautoshow
www.twitter.com/nyautoshow  or # #NYIAS @NYautoshow
Download the NYIAS App at iTunes.com

SOURCE New York International Auto Show