Automakers rev up for 15th Puerto Rico Int’l Auto Show
Volkswagen will present the Tiguan T1, as well as several of its other models.
Prototypes, hybrid and futuristic cars, as well as other automotive novelties will be on display through Nov. 3 in Plaza Las Américas during the 15th edition of the Puerto Rico International Auto Show, which officially kicked off Monday.
The sprawling exhibit features the latest models from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Ram, Scion, Smart, Toyota and Volkswagen, which have come together to present their respective 2014 lineups. A total of 70 vehicles are on display from Macy’s to Sears, along the mall’s first floor.
Prior editions of the PRIAS have drawn more than 1 million visitors over the course of the two weeks, organizers said Monday. The event also serves as a platform to launch newly arrived models, which can be seen for the first time and exclusively at the mall.
Automakers unveil their best
New vehicle exhibits and special presentations by each of the participating automakers are at the event’s core, with the likes of Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus showcasing their latest product offerings.
Ford will unveil its the Fiesta ST, the sports version of the brand’s local best-seller, the Ford Fiesta, of which the company has sold 1,223 unit so far this year, said Pablo Haase, newly appointed Regional Director for Ford in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Central America.
Pablo Haase, Regional Director for Ford in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Central America.
The automaker will also have its Focus ST and the C-MAX Hybrid, Ford’s first hybrid to offer 47 miles per gallon combined, on display.
“These are very specific models that we’re displaying at PRIAS,” Haase said, who has been at his post for about a month.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz will line up its display along the fountain in front of Macy’s, where it will present the new additions to its 2014 luxury offer, most notably highlighting the new CLA model and Series S vehicles.
Consumers will be able to admire the high-end vehicles presented by Lexus in the area off West Elm, including the IS 2014, which has been fully re-imagined and redesigned for a knowledgeable and demanding driver.
Among the models that Toyota will present in its area is the new generation of the Toyota Corolla, in several trim levels — L, LE and S — as a follow-up to the official market introduction several weeks ago.
Mercedes-Benz will line up its display along the fountain in front of Macy’s, where it will present the new additions to its 2014 luxury offer.
“The world 47 years ago is not the same as it is now; the consumer has changed and is more knowledgeable,” said Mario Dávila, president of Toyota de Puerto Rico. “That’s why at Toyota we’ve taken on the task of improving what many already considered perfect, to be able to better address the needs and demands of a new generation of consumers.”
Rounding out the list of exhibitors is Chrysler, which will spread its lineup from Puma to Foot Locker to include the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler 2014, as well as the Dodge Durango, the RAM 1500 and the luxurious Viper.
Fiat will showcase its spacious new Fiat 500 model and the traditional Fiat 500 Large, with its unique Italian style. Volkswagen will present the Tiguan T1, the new Mazda 3 will be at the heart of its namesake automaker’s lineup, while Mitsubishi will put out its Mirage V and the newly redesigned Outlander 2014, among other models.
