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Those looking to test drive new cars with the guided help of experts, add a new summer vehicle to their collection or just admire the latest and greatest from Houston area dealers are encouraged to attend the first-ever summertime Houston Auto Show, which kicks off tomorrow, May 19.
The show decided to make a whole theme out of its temporary date change this year with exhibits for all types of summer adventures, including fishing boats, luxurious yachts, motorcycles and campers.
"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 Houston Daily. "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."
Some Houston Auto Show staples were temporarily removed this year for COVID safety. The indoor ride-and-drive lounge will not be offered, some large brand exhibits will be represented by local dealers rather than the manufacturers and the number of available test drive opportunities was reduced.
"We're so fortunate to have those dealer relationships so that they could bring out brands like Cadillac, Nissan, Mazda and Volkswagen, and still be able to have those vehicles on display," Salinas said.
Where some features had to be taken away, many exciting new additions to the show were added. Those include luxury and fishing boats provided by Houston's Texas Sportfishing Yacht Sales, hunting displays and RV exhibits from longtime Houston-based dealer DeMontrond RV just in time to celebrate the warm months and the dusk of the pandemic. These will be joined by a summer-vibe classic car 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 recovery mode. Cases 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 and 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 its original time of January by 2022, but the new summer features may earn a permanent spot in the show if they are popular with the attendees.
"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 the Houston Summer Auto Show?'" she said.
Returning exhibits will include Camp Jeep and the Ram Test Track with an appearance from the new Ford Raptor simulator. Brand participants include Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, JEEP, Kia, Lexus and Lincoln.
The show will adhere to the current CDC guidelines that masks are not required indoors for vaccinated people but are still highly recommended. Masks will be required for test drives and speaking with product specialists, however. Social distancing will be encouraged and guests will be asked health screening questions prior to entering the building.
Event details
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online in advance as well as $12 at the door. A QR code system will be used for purchasing in-person tickets. Children under two years old can enter free.
The Houston Auto Show takes place at NRG Center, Halls A – D, May 19-23:
Wednesday, Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Check out the full plan of activities here.
NRG Park parking costs $15.