In spite of challenges facing the automotive industry and businesses at large, the 2022 Washington, DC Auto Show is set for a grand return to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in just over two weeks. Show producers have had to adapt to the pandemic landscape, and yet the exhibitors, press, policymakers and, most importantly, the general public, all appear primed and ready for the show.
“Online ticket sales have been strong, most of our exhibitors are returning with great product in spite of supply chain issues, and our registrations for Public Policy Day and the Sneak Peek Preview are far outpacing 2020,” said show producer and WANADA CEO John O’Donnell. “The city is behind us 100% and people are excited to get out and see some cars. And the show will get them excited to visit area dealerships and buy some cars,” he continued.
The show will kick off with Public Policy Day on Thursday, January 20. Public Policy Day, sponsored by Cars.com, the Virginia Department of Transportation, U.S. News & World Report, NADA, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Toyota will include a media lunch and press announcements, a special three-hour MobilityTalks conference, and the Sneak Peek Preview Reception from 5:00 to 8:00 pm the night of the 20th. The day will be highlighted by the announcement of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Cars for the Money” Awards at 5:00 pm.
On December 22, 2021, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser announced vaccination verification will be required for all indoor gatherings in the District beginning on January 15, 2022. This, of course, includes the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and, by extension, the auto show. “We are making the best of it,” O’Donnell remarked. “The city is doing what they feel they have to do and thus far the response from the public has been muted. We have a plan to execute the verification process seamlessly and don’t believe it will greatly dampen our customers’ experience.”
The show floor itself will feature exhibits from Acura, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Polestar, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota, and much more, plus Art-of-Motion and an expanded exotic car display. Additionally, an all-new EV Pavilion, Powered by Electrify America, will debut during the 2022 show, and Pepco’s EVsmart will return as the sponsor of the outdoor electric vehicle ride and drive.
WANADA members will want to send appropriate staff people to the Tag & Title seminar at the show (described below) and certainly will not want to miss the WANADA Member Reception, sponsored by Crovato BG Services. The WANADA Member Reception at the 2022 Washington, DC Auto Show is scheduled for Thursday, January 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Registration for the member reception is currently open here and the cost is $50 per person.
For more information on the show, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.
Download Bulletin PDF