The 49th Annual Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) will feature more than 500 vehicles, the majority of which will consist of brands and models familiar to the general public. However, this year’s theme, “Driving the Dream,” focuses on finding the extraordinary in the ordinary by exploring the dream experience when buying something as common as a family sedan. The Auto Show also will feature many “must see” vehicles.
Several unique brands will be highlighted this year. The first is Morgan Motor Co., a British car company that hand builds each car and uses a large amount of wood in the manufacture of its vehicles. With looks reminiscent of the early 20th century and limited production, the Morgan is a great example of some of the deeply creative products that exist beyond what is seen on the road each day.
Fisker Automotive also will make an appearance at the auto show. Fisker helped to create one of the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Karma, Fisker’s first model to be sold last year, took a new approach to the hybrid electric market by offering a vehicle that is both “green” as well as luxurious, gaining the attention of eco-conscious celebs such as Justin Bieber, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher. Fisker was founded in 2007 by Henrik Fisker who has designed Artega GT, BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, all of which are among the most iconic models available.
The auto show will feature several vehicles from the Lingenfelter Collection, as it does each year. The Lingenfelter Collection has a lineup of some of the world’s most sought-after classic and contemporary cars, many which are limited to only a very small number produced. The Lingenfelter display will give auto show visitors an up-close view of some of the most interesting and exciting cars in the industry from a variety of different makes and models, such as classic muscle cars, exotics and an extensive Corvette collection.
Show hours are from 12-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5; from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6; and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.
New to this year’s Auto Show is the Car Care Council Vehicle Check-Up event, which is free and open to the public. The Car Care event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, in the parking lot of H. H. Dow High School at the corner of North Saginaw Road and West Main Street, adjacent the Northwood campus. Throughout the show, the Car Care Council will have a booth where staff will be on hand to discuss “Be Car Care Aware,” distribute free car care guides to consumers and provide information about the Sunday vehicle check-up event.
Many exhibits will line the Mall Walk and offer a variety of food, information and entertainment. The auto show is free and open to the public, with free parking available as well.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.northwood.edu/autoshow.
