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The New York International Auto Show will return to the Javits Center this summer, taking place from August 20-29 — and in a hat-tip to the latest eco-trends, almost a whole floor of the event will be dedicated to electric vehicles.
The news was announced yesterday (Wednesday) by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The aim is to bring in 1 million visitors over the 10 days of the show. “The annual New York International Auto Show is not just one of our most beloved summer traditions, it is a great economic engine for our state,” he said. “Last year this widely popular event was canceled due to the pandemic, but thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers in beating back COVID, the show will return this year.
“We are excited to welcome back auto enthusiasts and industry professionals for this year’s show with full, pre-pandemic attendance levels and a new exhibit focused on electric vehicles with five indoor tracks where attendees can go for a test drive. This is a sure sign that New York is coming back stronger and better than ever,” Cuomo added.
Dating back to 1900, the event is the first and biggest auto show in North America — and was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Tickets go on sale June 30, and to cater for pre-pandemic attendance numbers the venue will be instigating touchless advance ticketing, social distancing, and extensive cleaning protocols.
Over the past year or so, Javits Center has been closed to conventions and events, but it has transformed twice — first as a 2,500-bed emergency hospital. Then earlier this year, it became the flagship public vaccination center for the state. At times, it was administering 14,000 shots daily on a 24/7 schedule, with lines around the block.