Chicago Auto Show Returns for the 107th Year

It’s back, car enthusiasts! The nation’s largest and longest-running auto show returns next week in Chicago, Illinois. This year marks the 107th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, and it’s sure to be bigger and better than ever. 

Taking place at McCormick Place, the Chicago Auto Show utilizes more than 1 million square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls of the McCormick Place complex. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles line the exhibit halls for car fanatics to test and talk through potential product purchases. With a total of 2.7 million square feet, McCormick Place is sure to offer every car make and model that your heart desires.

A few special events taking place during the Chicago Auto Show include, Family Day on February 16th, Women’s Day on February 17th, and the Chicago Auto Food Drive from February 18th through the 20th.

While the auto show itself serves many purposes for media and industry professionals, it’s also a great consumer friendly event. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, or simply want to see what’s coming down the pipeline, the Chicago Auto Show can cater to your needs. This is what simply makes it a must attend event if you’re in the Chicago area. The biggest hit throughout the auto show will be the concept cars and the revealing of new production models. A number of vehicles make their production debuts at the show, and the concept cars are displayed to gain press recognition and approval for the automakers.

Not to mention, this is an opportunity for some automakers to give back. Take for example, Toyota. Yes, they will debut new vehicles at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, but they are also stepping in to help area homeless families by providing new insulated winter boots and socks to residents of The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge in Chicago through its “Toyota Walk In My Boots” community outreach project.

In knowing that fighting the cold elements of a Chicago winter can be challenging for low-income families, they want to offer a means of sanctuary for those that are less fortunate. While many programs offer winter coat giveaways, a person’s feet are often left vulnerable to freezing temperatures and even frostbite. With this donation, many families will be shielded from the cold. In addition, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, plans to give a $15,000 donation to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division enabling them to continue to provide support for families in times of crisis.

Can’t attend the Chicago Auto Show this year? Follow the event social using the hashtag: #CAS15 and #CASLIVE

[infobox]This post written by guest contributor Kimberly Wilson. She is the travel and leisure editor for BlackEnterprise.com: one of the leading publications and online destinations for African Americans of color (covering business, lifestyle, leisure and luxury), reaching an audience of over 6 million worldwide each month. In addition, she is also a contributor for EBONY.com, Travel Noire, Madame Noire, JET Magazine and more.[/infobox]