Denver Auto Show

I expected a much bigger show than what it actually was. I wasn’t expecting it to be like a north eastern level show, or SEMA, but I thought that since Denver has been the number one city in the nation to move to year after year, that the automakers would have invested a bit more in it. I easily walked the whole show in less than 2 hours, and that was after hanging out at Toyota for a pretty long time.
Speaking of Toyota, we asked why the new Tacoma TRD PRO wasn’t there, and the response was that Toyota only had a few of them and didn’t think Denver was big enough. Really? I thought they practically designed that model for Colorado to sell more of THAT model here than nearly anywhere in the country.
Oh, and even Porsche, which seems to sell tons of cars in Denver the last few years, didn’t have the basic full line there, let alone the exotics. Where was the Boxster Spyder, GT3 RS, or a 918? Tesla, where were you? Hey, at least there was a Maclaren there, and a Hellcat.

Always fun, and always recommend going opening night (Wednesday) — dramatically less crowds and much more fun and ability to explore the cars inside & out.
This year the show seemed smaller, and I didn’t appreciate the new layout — the vendors should all be together, but now they’re separated and doesn’t seem well thought out.
Also due to always-​rising parking fees at the convention center, we took Lyft back-​and-​forth and spent less — also recommend starting your Auto Show with fun nosh & spirits at a local restaurant — we hit up Stout Street Social across the street!

The only time any of the outsourced reps would ever speak to a potential customer was to sign them up for something they didn’t want. You can tell by the expressions on their faces that they don’t want to be there especially on a weekend when they can be hanging out with their buddies. Again, all the supposed reps would congregate and talk to one another but not to people. Even passed by a rep who was leaning behind the Hyundai counter dangling her shoe and rolling her eyes as if that would make time go by quicker.
The bump in stars has to go to Toyota and Subaru along with the show’s organizers. They threw all the aftermarket stuff and the tchotchkes in the back where no one really frequented but went to just to see what it was about. If ANY of the manufacturers had actual sales reps from dealers out there, they’d make a killing or at least get that line of communication open. One good thing about the auto show is you can see a ton of cars under one roof without being harassed by the words «Let’s make a deal» and «Let’s get you in this car today.» They still don’t have the right formula but maybe one day they will… just maybe.

After moving to Colorado, my car insurance jumped to over $ 305 a month. You would think I am the worlds worst driver. Too bad I haven’t gotten a ticket in over 7 years. Doesn’t add up. Needless to say, I am exploring other options.
I heard the big car show was in town. This was good news. Because I had a few questions that needed to be answered– «can I fit in a FIAT 500?» «The long awaited Jeep Renegade, are you here, and what do you look like?» Thankfully, I got those answers.
My buddy and I walked from the apt– it took about 15 minutes. Did not have to worry about parking, and figured we could use the exercise. It was my first time at the CCC, so I was hoping it would be easy to find once inside (going to the car show in Atlanta at the GWCC is about a mile walk in itself once inside the convention center, my only other large scale car show experience).
It was, thankfully– right at the entrance. It was 12 $ to get in. I did like how the show closed at 10PM on a Saturday. You go up the escalator, and head on in.
You are greeted by a Ford GT350 and a Velostar for the 2015 show. Kind of cluttered at the entrance, but then it dies off.
The show does a nice job showing whats currently on the market– from Alfa Romeos to Volvos. It seemed like each brand had an information station. I also found it funny how some brands had the hotties working at the counters and some brands had the guys in suits looking like they were secret service. Definitely diverse.
In the northeast corner (from the entrance) had all of the 3^rd party vendors, but I skipped that part. I didn’t think anyone back there could chop my car insurance in half.
I then noticed the more exotic cars. Those were roped off and had lines if you wanted to get up close. Cool, if you are younger.
I also noticed a Jeep «experience» with a long line. Looked tempting. I didn’t realize they had the Renegade over there.
I was able to find the Renegade, but it was on a platform– I have been eyeing this vehicle for quite some time (isn’t it 2015 yet? Why aren’t you for sale?!?). I almost just went up and sat in it.
I then was able to find the FIATs. Believe it or not, my 6’4 ass fit in it! But I am a much more comfortable fit in the automatic over the 6 speed (my feet are too big for three pedals).
It was nice to see the new cars, but after seeing the price tags on everything, it was just another reminder of how much the prices of cars (and car shows) have quickly gone up over the years. I mean c’mon, a KIA minivan at $ 43K!!! Maybe they are making a comeback, but still…

The Denver auto show is a fun and informative place to go. There is of course dos and donts. Do look at all the shiny new cars and take lots of pictures. Do listen to the show presesenter. Because they will give you swag for listening to them. But do not go in the back where the vendors are, especially the one with the heating pads. The extremely pushy salesman will litetally push the merchandise in your hand and expect you to pay. If you say no he will curse at you under his breath and do not sign up for a test drive. You will wait FOR-​EVE-​ER for your turn to come up. But all in all if you’re into cars and new technology involved in their creation. Then this will be a fun time. Oh and one more thing, if you do plan on coming to the show, eat before you come here because $ 8 for one small piece of pizza is ridiculous.

It’s a good time with family or friends to walk around and check out all the cars. I just wish that every company had ALL models on the floor. I was disappointed that several of them didn’t. Or worse, like Jeep, had the brand new Renegade on display but on a pedestal where a person couldn’t even look inside. I don’t see the point in that. And that was a car I was seriously interested in seeing.
The music can sometimes be too LOUD in certain places. I don’t need Katy Perry blasting me out of my seat while looking around.
I also noticed in recent years there is an upswing with the sales pitches and the car people constantly bugging you while you look. If I want help, I’ll go find it. I don’t need someone bugging me every 5 minutes!

The Denver auto show is always a fun event for the whole family. Where else can you look at all the new cars available. Plus you can view very expensive cars that you would never actually go look at.
We look forward to the auto show every year and it has helped us decide what car to buy next. There is plenty of sales staff available to help with any questions you might have. It makes for a fun Saturday or Sunday afternoon to stroll through and lust after all the amazing cars, lol! I will take the Aston Martin! It was gorgeous!
No seriously, you should plan to attend every Spring. The convention center is a perfect place to be able to walk through and take a look at all the new cars. There is plenty of bathrooms and even a few places to buy food and drinks. They even offer a bar so you can have your drink of choice while you look at the cars.

Very crowded on the last day. $ 10 bucks to get in, and I just love how everybody jacked up the «event parking» prices for blocks in all directions. The Jeep test track was pretty cool, but mostly it was just milling around, looking at new cars, and jockeying to sit in them. The food court, as per usual, was grossly overpriced (but, the beer was cold). I am not sure that the Comcast booth was a good fit with the show, but the guy was nice enough to give me 6 months of free HBO, so that made the trip to the Auto Show worth it.

I love new cars and we had fun seeing some of the new models, but…
Besides the Jeep test track in the back, there was not much in terms of «Wow!» I would have like to see a couple of concept cars and some «flair.» We went on Sunday and the crowd was large… hopefully a good sign for the automobile business. Maybe next year Denver will get more of a show like Chicago, LA or New York.

This auto show features all the car companies, including all luxury makers. I like that as it is nice to get into a Mercedes or Range Rover and see Ferrari’s. We went to the San Diego show a few years ago and these automakers were not there, so Denver wins out in that category. My only complaint is it lacks a little presentation and pizazz. They could make it a bit more fun and entertaining as the Chicago show is. If you are in the market for a car, you might score a $ 500 discount on your purchase because you attended the show. Check with the Representative if they have any discounts. Many green cars there this year including the Chevy Volt.

Not bad but not as large as similar shows even in San Diego. I overheard that this year’s show was bigger than last so that is a good sign.
Oddly configured into a upside down L shape with additional booths hidden in the back.
Food service here was available and typically downtown convention center overpriced. Hot dog ($ 5.00), pretzel ($ 3.50), and 20 oz. drink ($ 3.50) = $ 12. Add in the $ 12 parking and you’re at $ 24 already. Add in the admission ($ 10 or $ 8 discounted) and you’re around $ 32 – 34 for typical convention center food. At least the food vendors and the parking lot take plastic.
The parking ramps at the center are horrible, narrow, curved access ramps and the staff was making all attendees of the auto show park on the 3^rd level. Then you take stairs or the elevators back down to the ground level, walk outside, and go into the convention center. Not the most direct of setups.
Ticket taking staff was friendly and professional and got me in quick. Always buy your tickets ahead of time on line for these types of events so you are not endlessly waiting to get tickets and then to get in.
Today’s the last day but if you’re still going the online discount ($ 2) ticket word is COMCAST.
Show itself was decent and there was lot of foot traffic but the place was not overrun with little kids and strollers which was nice.
Overall, a decent, if not exceptional show.