was posted on the auto show website...
http://www.phillyautoshow.com/media.asp
8:45am – Media check-in opens
9:00am – Breakfast sponsored by GM
9:50am – Introduction from Auto Show Chairman Scott Lustgarten
10:00am – Saturn Press Conference featuring Jon Bon Jovi/Philadelphia Soul Foundation
10:45am – Chevy Press Conference featuring the Camaro Concept and GM’s Chief of Design Ed Welburn
11:15am – Subaru Press Conference featuring local coaches involved in the American Cancer Society’s Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer Program
11:45am – Ford Press Briefing featuring Patrick Schiavone, Design Director – Trucks for Ford's North America operations
*Ford will sponsor a lunch for all media members following Patrick’s briefing.
More details on each press conference, as well as other highlights of the day, are below.
At 10:00a.m., Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak and award winning musician and Philadelphia Soul Owner and Founder Jon Bon Jovi, will unveil a very special Saturn Aura that the company will donate to the Philadelphia Soul Foundation for Project H.O.M.E. This one-of-a-kind version of the North American Car of the Year will be displayed during Philadelphia Soul home games and raffled at the end of the season to provide affordable housing in the area.
Attendees will then be escorted to Chevrolet’s display for a one-of-kind event. At 10:45a.m., GM’s Chief of Design, Ed Welburn, will officially introduce the ever-popular Camaro concept to Philadelphia by driving it right onto its spot on the showfloor!
Over 250 Chevy enthusiasts will be there cheering him on as he revs the engine of this famous concept. In addition, Ed’s very own 1969 Camaro will be on-site, providing a visual like no other!
Next, Subaru, Delaware Valley’s only hometown car company will again host a special event at this year’s Philadelphia International Auto Show. Subaru is the official automotive sponsor of The American Cancer Society’s Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program. Basketball coaches representing Philadelphia’s Division I schools will be on hand to compete in a “Shootout” to support this outstanding program that raises awareness and funds for American Cancer Society research, advocacy, education, and patient services programs. In addition to the company’s long-time support of the local program, Subaru will be donating $100 for every free throw each coach can sink in a one minute challenge at the Auto Show. Coaches that will be on-site include Temple’s Fran Dunphy, St. Joe’s Phil Martelli, LaSalle’s John Giannini and Villanova’s Jay Wright. Don’t miss the live action as the coaches go head-to-head for a great cause!
Ford’s Patrick Schiavone is next on the agenda. He will host a press briefing and speak about the key vehicles on the Ford stand at 11:45a.m. Patrick is Design Director – Trucks for Ford's North America operations. He is responsible for developing and executing the design strategy for all North American trucks, sport utility and crossover utility vehicles for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. He was appointed to the position May 1, 2006. Seventy percent of Ford's product portfolio will be new or significantly updated by the end of calendar year 2008. That said, media members, this is one briefing you won’t want to miss! A light lunch, sponsored by Ford, will follow Patrick’s update.
Attendees will then be invited to roam the floors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center to get their sneak peek at the more than 700 vehicles on display. The show floor will remain open until 2:00p.m. Product specialists will be at each display to answer your questions and provide additional information. It’s a great opportunity to conduct exclusive interviews without the crowds. Additional highlights of the day include:
Lexus representatives will be on-site to show you how the Lexus LS parks itself! This feature has received a great deal of buzz over the last few months and we encourage you to come and see what it’s all about—right inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center!
Further, area Chevy dealers will line the streets around the Pennsylvania Convention Center with dozens and dozens of brand new Silverados before taking them to the floors of their dealerships! Last year, we called this the “Chevy Tahoe Drive-Away” and for those who saw it, you know it’s quite an event to witness!