For area auto dealers, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show is similar to Major League Baseball’s spring training.
While baseball players and fans are shaking off the winter doldrums, car buyers and dealers are warming up for their busy season with the annual auto show, which is scheduled to run Thursday through Sunday at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus.
This year’s show from the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association 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 vehicles have been expanded this year.
Paul Haldeman, from Haldeman Ford Lincoln in Allentown, says the show is the perfect way to commence with the spring selling season.
“The show really kicks off the spring market for dealers which we need after a tough winter,” Haldeman said. “The show allows us to display our new models and new features. Consumers use the show to start their purchase experience. Seeing vehicles in person far exceeds looking online.”
Haldeman said his dealership will display a high-end, nine-passenger Ford Transit van that’s new to the market.
“It’s convenient to compare similar vehicles from different manufacturers,” he said. “They always study the window label to compare prices.”
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Shane Remaley, general manager of Brown-Daub Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat in Lower Nazareth Township, said the auto show plays “a crucial role in the automotive industry by serving as a central hub for innovation, education and comparison.
“They provide an excellent opportunity for consumers to experience the latest advancements in vehicle technology, safety features and various powertrain options — be it gas, hybrid, or electric — under one roof.”
Remaley said attendees get a user-friendly environment where they can explore a wide array of vehicles firsthand. They can sit inside, check out the interiors and see features in action, which often is more informative than just viewing pictures or reading specifications online.
“This direct interaction allows potential buyers to ask questions and receive expert advice from industry professionals, helping them make more informed decisions,” he said. “Moreover, auto shows often showcase concept vehicles and future technologies, giving customers a glimpse of what’s to come in the automotive landscape. This not only ignites excitement for potential buyers but also raises awareness about the evolving nature of vehicles and their impact on our daily lives.
“Ultimately, auto shows simplify the vehicle shopping experience, enabling customers to narrow down their options with ease and confidence — making it a vital event for both consumers and manufacturers alike.”
What to expect
The event kicks off Wednesday with the annual VIP Gala, which will benefit the 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.
GLVADA Executive Director Dan 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 Friday, a Corvette club Saturday and a Mustang club Sunday.
- A Tuner Show presented by Shiftin2Gear 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
- Miss Pennsylvania and players from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will be in attendance Saturday.
- 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. Thursday through Saturday and until 5 p.m. Sunday.
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].
Originally Published: March 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM EDT
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