For area car dealers, the annual Lehigh Valley Auto Show is not only a chance to show off their newest selections, it’s also a great opportunity to kick off the spring sales season.
That’s why all of the Valley’s 44 dealerships take part in the event, which is scheduled March 19-23 at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus.
Dan Moyer, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, said this year’s show, the 26th, “will be even larger.” Including show cars, there will likely be up to 500 vehicles on display.
“We know all the dealers, so it’s easy to get them to come in,” Moyer said. “All 44 dealers with 72 rooftops. Even the new guys in the market, Nucar and Sloan, are coming in. They’re participating. Chrysler is not sponsoring our show, but all eight Chrysler dealers in the Valley are participating. They’re all paying to be in the show.
“And as they tell the folks that don’t want to participate, a majority of people come to the auto show to make a buying decision,” he said. “If you’re not here, they [the customers] might change their buying decision.”
The association held a preview for this year’s show Tuesday at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena and Convocation Center, one of the buildings the show uses. Joining the speakers were nine 2025 model year cars, including a Mercedes S 580, a Porsche Marcan EV, a 2025 Subaru Forester and an Ineos Grenadier.
This year’s show is themed “Ignite Your Imagination” and will feature 140,000 square feet of automobiles, including new vehicles, classic vehicles, custom and tuner vehicles, crossovers, hybrid and full-electric cars and trucks. The showcases for electric and hybrid vehicle have been expanded this year.
The event kicks off March 19 with the annual VIP Gala, which will benefit Good Shepard Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit.
The gala begins at 5:30 p.m. with Kendal Conrad performing the national anthem and a parade by the Silver String Philadelphia Mummers Band. Also performing is Cunningham and Associates, a rock ‘n’ roll cover band led by Don Cunningham, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. The evening concludes with an immersive experience of automotive excellence. Dinner and drinks are included. Tickets cost $150 and can be purchased at www.lehighvalleyautoshow.org.
Moyer said philanthropy is an important part of the auto show, which raises about $150,000 annually — and more than $2 million over the last 12 years for Lehigh Valley causes.
Some of the events at the show include:
- Daily tastings, including selections from a distillery, winery and brewery.
- Club displays, including from a Thunderbird club March 21, a Corvette club March 22 and a Mustang club March 23.
- A Tuner Show presented by Shiftin2Gear 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22.
- Miss Pennsylvania and players from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will be in attendance March 22.
- The Marketplace Marvel will be back and include shopping experiences with local businesses.
Kristi Moyer, owner of Shiftin2Gear, said there will be more than 70 modified cars and more than a dozen vendors during the Tuner Show.
“These modified cars and trucks will be coming from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” she said. “We will also have the electrifying DJ Forensic playing unique mixes and captivating soundscapes. We have trophies to hand out that include top five, Best of Show, best paint and wrap, best fitment, best engine bay, best interior and best truck.”
For the main show dates, gates will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 20-22 and until 5 p.m. March 23.
Admission is $10 for adults, or $8 for children ages 6-14 and seniors over age 55; children under 5 and veterans with ID are free. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at lehighvalleyautoshow.org.
Morning Call reporter Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected].
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