FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 3, 2003) –The 2004 Washington Auto Show will remind visitors to “look both ways,” as it celebrates its 62nd staging with a theme of “History with a Future.” The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), auto show hosts, will delight attendees with both a fond look back at industry classics and a sneak preview of the exciting concepts that await consumers in the years to come. Displaying 700 new cars, trucks, mini-vans and SUVs from 37 manufacturers, The Washington Auto Show races into the newly expanded Washington Convention Center on Dec. 26, 2003 for a ten-day run until Jan. 4, 2004.

“The 2004 Washington Auto Show will celebrate many milestones. This will be our first auto show, and the first public show, in the new Washington Convention Center. We’re doubling the size of the auto show and extending the show’s run by three days this year,” says George Doetsch, Washington Auto Show chairman, and president, Apple Ford, Inc. “We’re treating our visitors to the best of both worlds – some magical memories from the past along side the hottest new cars and trucks for 2004.”

The auto show theme, “History with a Future,” is a perfect fit, describing both the acres of vehicles on display and the capital city home of one of the industry’s first major shows of the new model year. A perennial holiday tradition, The Washington Auto Show delights car lovers and tag-a-longs alike with a full slate of entertainment, celebrity guests, contests and consumer promotions perfect for all ages.

“Now that the annual new car guides have whetted consumer appetites, The Washington Auto Show will deliver the goods. The show offers consumers the chance to see, touch and compare. You might thinkyou’re just window shopping, but we’ll offer you the chance to get a good look at the rest of that car as well,” says Doetsch.

To ease the pain of leaving without a new set of wheels, WANADA and auto show sponsors will again give away more than a few free cars. The Washington Auto Show Hands On Contest will turn four winners into new Toyota owners. Three models – a Solara, Camry, Scion and – will be awarded to survivors of this annual endurance contest, a fourth model – a Toyota Prius– will be awarded to an on-looker who correctly predicts the winners. Contestants will begin to “get in touch” on Sat., Dec. 27 at 10:00 a.m. Additionally, one lucky lottery “loser” will head for home in a 2004 Ford Thunderbird as the winner of the Washington Auto Show and D.C. Lottery’s fourth annual second chance drawing. The Ford Thunderbird will be awarded on Jan. 4 as part of the auto show’s closing events.

Knowing that some auto show visitors may just be along for the ride, organizers have planned entertainment and activity around every corner of the convention center’s 2.5 million square feet.

The 2004 Washington Auto Show will open with Press Preview Day on Tues., Dec. 23. WANADA and The Washington Post will host the Washington Auto Show Snow Ball Gala on Mon., Dec. 29 in the Washington Convention Center’s new ballroom, overlooking the auto show exhibit floor. Now in its 16th year, the Snow Ball will also expand, now benefiting five area charities -- the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Boy Scouts of the National Capital Area, the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, R. Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center and the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.

The 2004 Washington Auto Show/“History with a Future” Dates and Hours: Fri., Dec. 26 through Tues., Dec. 30 and Thurs., Jan. 1 through Sat., Jan. 3, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 31 and Sun., Jan. 4, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ticket prices: $10 for adults; $6 for senior citizens; and $5 for children ages 6-12  (under age 6 – free). Discounted adult “e-tickets” available for $9 online at www.washingtonautoshow.com. Discount coupons ($2 off adult admission on weekdays) are available. Guests will receive an additional $1 off the adult admission by presenting a non-winning DC Lottery ticket.

For more information, call WANADA at 1-866-WASH-AUTO or 202.237.7200 or visit the Washington Auto Show online at www.washingtonautoshow.com. Take METRO to Mt. Vernon Sq./7th Street Convention Center Station.
Now entering its 87th year of existence, WANADA represents dealerships throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

The 2004 Washington Auto Show: “History with a Future” will bring acres of new cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 37 domestic and import automakers to the new Washington Convention Center from Dec. 26, 2003 through Jan. 4, 2004. For auto show operating hours, ticket information and discounted “e-tickets,” visit the Washington Auto Show online at www.washingtonautoshow.com or contact WANADA at 1-866-WASH-AUTO. Take METRO to Mt. Vernon Sq./7th Street Convention Center Station.

Now entering its 87th year of existence, WANADA represents dealerships throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.