Whether it is to learn the difference between EVs, BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs, choose among the unprecedented array of vehicles available for open road test drives or get a first look at some of the newest vehicles on the market, the 2024 Orange County Auto Show will provide the opportunity, organizers say.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the OC Auto Show will feature the latest models from more than 25 brands and offer 19 drive or ride opportunities, significantly more than in past shows, said John Sackrison, executive director of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association, which hosts the show.
Whether in 1964 or today, one of the draws of an auto show, which runs through Oct. 5 at the Anaheim Convention Center, has been the opportunity to check out so many new vehicles in one place, Sackrison said.
And as the technology under the hoods has exponentially evolved, there are more considerations than simply choosing a make and model that potential buyers are looking to learn about, he said.
“We’ve gone through a massive transformation with the show, very strategically,” Sackrison said. “Consumers have more questions now than I think ever before. Do I want a plug-in hybrid? Do I want an electric? Do I want a gas? Do I want a fuel cell? And they all drive differently.”
Those with even a passing interest in cars probably know that EV is an acronym for electric vehicle.
But how many folks know that a BEV is a battery-electric vehicle? Or that an HEV is a hybrid-electric vehicle, which can automatically switch between electricity and gas without any interaction from the driver.
Or a PHEV – a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – can run on gas or, charged up, can run on electricity for 30 to 50 miles, Autotrader Executive Editor Brian Moody said. “For most people, that 30, 40 or 50 miles incorporates their entire day’s worth of errands or a commute.
“When you do that, you’re driving it like an electric car, you’re not polluting, you’re not burning gas,” he added. “Then, say you want to go to Vegas, just get in the car and go, and when the electricity runs out, it switches to gas and keeps going, and gets excellent fuel economy because it’s also a hybrid.”
Cadillac, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Volvo will offer rides on the SoCal Electrified Ride Experience track with their professional drivers, who will be able to showcase the “acceleration, tight handling, and performance of these innovative new EVs.”
And, models from BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lucid, Mazda, Ram, Toyota and VinFast will be available for test drives.
The Orange County Auto Show also traditionally features vehicles making their West Coast debut and this year is no different, Moody said.
Visitors to the show will be among the first to get a look at the Toyota Crown Signia, which is an SUV version of Toyota’s Crown sedan, the Nissan Z heritage edition and the new Kia Carnival Hybrid minivan.
The redesigned 2025 Ford Expedition made its West Coast debut on Thursday at the show, while simultaneously making its global debut at the State Fair of Texas.
“So even though it’s a regional show, it still has top-notch cars that you get to see before almost anybody else in the country,” Moody said.
As always, the exotic vehicle display offers an up-close look at ultra-high-end exotic vehicles from automakers such as Bentley, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche.
“That’s really how we design the show,” Sackrison said. “You know, we’ve got some great exotics coming. One brand that we’ve never had before is BAC, which is British Automotive Company. And it’s an exotic and it’s a one-seater. To me, it almost looks like a Formula One car.”
Show hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Members of the military, first responders and their families can attend the auto show for $12, with ID.
For more information visit AutoShowOC.com.
Related Articles
3 themed communities added to on-campus housing options at CSUF
Huntington Beach air show is back this weekend with planes even taking off from the beach
Check out our OC photographers’ favorite images from September 2024
Celebrate the global village in Irvine with its popular annual festival
Enjoy a carnival and more at the 67th annual Tustin Tiller Days
Leave a Reply