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Doug Robinson of General Motors Creative Services applies a decal promoting Flex Fuel Ethanol vehicles in preparation for the auto show. Kelvin Ma/Tribune photo
By Michael Sasso
The Tampa Tribune
Small and fuel-efficient are the hot themes at the Tampa Bay International Auto Show, which opens tomorrow.
The annual event, being held at the Tampa Convention Center through Sunday, will feature about 400 vehicles from about 35 manufacturers showing off their new or redesigned 2007 models.
A big emphasis at the show this year will be small, fuel-efficient vehicles and gas-electric hybrid vehicles, said the show’s event manager, Marty Beecham.
Manufacturers will display 11 hybrid cars and sport-utility vehicles. They are: The Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Escape, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Lexus GS Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Mercury Mariner, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander.
Hybrid vehicles operate using a battery and a gasoline engine. They typically run off the battery alone at low speeds while utilizing the gas engine at higher speeds or accelerating.
The number of hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S. account for less than 2 percent of sales, and they can be hard to find at local dealers. However, dealers and manufacturers hope that a combination of fuel efficiency, low emissions and tax incentives granted to hybrid buyers will help increase sales.
Aside for the hybrid vehicles, manufacturers also will have on display some of their conventional gasoline engine vehicles that feature exceptional fuel efficiency.
These include Toyota’s new Yaris model, Nissan’s Versa and the Honda Fit. For those more interested in performance vehicles, a collection of Ferraris, modified Dodge Vipers and hot rods will be on display. Outside the show, the duPont Registry will have on display high-end exotic cars and yachts.
Admission to the auto show is $8 for people ages 13 and older; $4 for military, seniors and students ages 7 to 12; and free for children ages 6 and under.
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