Last year, the ever-popular Denver Auto Show was postponed and eventually canceled as the world dealt with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This year as restrictions begin to loosen, the Denver Auto Show is expected to return. Today on CBT News, Tim Jackson discusses the impact of the show’s return. Jackson is the CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
Jackson begins the conversation by reflecting back on the postponement and cancellation of the Denver Auto Show in 2020. The show began in 1902, and the cancellation marks the first time in 46 years since the last time the event didn’t take place. Needless to say, Jackson and attendees are excited to bring the event back in 2021.
Jackson says that people are eager to get out and travel. Airports have started to become more crowded as Americans look to make up for lost time during the pandemic. With a heightened demand for travel and the continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Jackson is confident that auto shows across the country will come back this year. Jackson believes auto shows are important for the industry because they allow consumers to get the first look at new vehicles coming to the market. The Denver Auto Show is scheduled for September 15-19, located at the Colorado Convention Center.
The conversation then shifts to the electric vehicle market and OEMs selling directly to consumers. Jackson says that customers are so used to conducting business in the store that it will be difficult for them to move away from that model. Many customers who are unable to come to a dealership and test drive the vehicle will take their business somewhere else.
Jackson concludes the conversation by providing an update on the association. He says that the chip shortage has caused many changes in dealers receiving vehicles from the manufacturers. Many cars are being delivered with only one key. Jackson says some dealers have been able to sell vehicles with one key, while others have had to wait for the second key to be delivered.
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