The Milwaukee Auto Show returns with more than 400 vehicles on display. Here's what you can expect to see.
The Milwaukee Auto Show returns Saturday bigger and with more participating manufacturers after a 2022 show that was limited by chip shortages and supply chain snags.
Jim Tolken, president of the Auto Dealers Association of Metro Milwaukee, said this year's show will be closer to normal with more than two dozen manufacturers displaying their latest cars and trucks.
In all, Tolken said, more than 400 vehicles will be on display during the show's run, Saturday through March 5, at at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
"Most of the brands have more inventory than they did last year and they've got new models out that they're all showing off," said Steve Freeman, whose company promotes the show. "They're showing technological advances, any new features and different new models."
More vehicles, more availability
Tolken said the most noticeable trends revolve around technology and electric power.
"The two biggest trends are anything to do with safety and automated driving, and electric vehicles, by far," Tolken said. "More and more manufacturers are stressing things like smart cruise, automatic lane deviation warnings, blind spot warnings."
A bigger role for electric vehicles
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for less than 5% of U.S. auto registrations last year, but the numbers are growing and manufacturers are anxious to show off their latest offerings.
"Ninety percent of the show is still with (internal combustion engines) driving in mind," Freeman said. "The EV side is new and it's kind of interesting for people to be able to prepare and figure out if an EV is right for their lifestyle."
Among the companies showing off new EVs will be Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen.
Some of the this year's EV showstoppers fall into the premium and luxury categories.
Porsche will be showing off its 750-horsepower Taycan Turbo S, a $187,000 sports car that can go from zero to 60 in 2.6 seconds.
Mercedes Benz is bringing in two models, the EQE 350 4MATIC sedan and its entry model EQB 250 SUV.
Want to drive one? You can
On March 4 and 5 people interested in buying an electric vehicle or just checking one out will be able to take one out for a test drive. Which vehicles will be available was still being determined this week, but Tolken expects a dozen or more choices.
He said Ford, Nissan, Kia, Subaru and Hyundai are among the expected participants.
Not into the electric thing?
Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Fiat will offer test drives each day of the auto show.
Test drives are available for drivers 18 and over with a valid license. Drivers also must pass a breathalyzer test. Families can bring along children ages 8 and up.
It's not just for new car shoppers
Vintage car enthusiasts will have plenty to see at displays from Bennett Coachworks and Reina International Auto, which will bring in cars from Jaguar and Triumph in keeping with this year's theme.
In addition, Tolken has organized a collection of 1960s Chevrolet Corvairs, a rear-engine car that became synonymous with design flaws after it was highlighted in Ralph Nader's "Unsafe at Any Speed." Subsequent re-evaluation has created a collectors market for the cars and some models fetch prices of $30,000 or more.
"We always try to bring something that is kind of unique, and Corvairs were very, very unique at the time," he said. "Some people will recognize them and have a nostalgic feeling, and others will say I can't believe Chevrolet actually made something like that."
Another American classic struts its stuff
Looking for something a little less car and truck and plenty retro? Check out the Airstream display.
The maker of those iconic, shiny silver RVs and trailers will be showing off its newest wares for the company's second appearance at the Milwaukee Auto Show.
"We did it the first year because we had enough space because of the inventory shortage," Freeman said. "So many people enjoyed seeing them and enjoyed looking at them. They're cool and we brought them back."
What to know if you go
The auto show opens Saturday and runs through March 5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday.
Information about tickets and parking and the floor plan is available at autoshowmilwaukee.com/info.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Auto Show opens this weekend: Here's what to expect
