CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2017 Chicago Auto Show is officially underway. The 109th edition of the largest automotive exhibition in North America is officially open to the public through Monday, Feb. 20 at McCormick Place. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined 2017 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Mike McGrath and General Manager Dave Sloan on stage to cut the ribbon to open the show.
Hundreds gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony, which featured the Color Guard from the 9th Marine Corps District, stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, and the National Anthem by musician Natalie Cochran.
"It's a great day for the state of Illinois," Governor Rauner told the crowd. "Welcome to the biggest, the best, and the greatest auto show in North America. We're here to celebrate the best cars from around the world right here in Chicago."
Mayor Emanuel discussed the show's history as well as the important role the automotive industry plays in the City of Chicago.
"I want to congratulate the auto industry on 109 years of successful shows here in Chicago," said Mayor Emanuel. "As you know, we have a Ford plant on the south side. They make the Explorer there and export it to more countries than any other Ford plant in the United States."
Attendees will have a front row seat to nearly 1,000 vehicles from approximately 40 exhibitors. Chicago Auto Show attendees will be among the first in the world to see the latest cars, trucks and SUVs that made their global debut during the show's Media Preview, including:
"We're so excited that the 2017 Chicago Auto Show is now open to the public," said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Mike McGrath. "There are more indoor test tracks and interactive exhibits than ever before, and our mobile app is loaded with features to help you navigate the show floor."
The Chicago Auto Show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of Presidents Day, Feb. 20, when the doors close at 8 p.m.
For continuing coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. For more information about the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.
About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2017 public show will be Feb. 11-20. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.
SOURCE Chicago Auto Show
