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Cleveland gears up for 2017 auto show

Maybe you’re looking to catch a glimpse of that life-sized LEGO Batmobile from Chevrolet.

Or, you’re hoping to drive away in a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Premier.

It could be you’re a car or truck enthusiast who wants to check out the latest in what the industry has to offer.

How about getting behind the wheel for a Ride N’ Drive?

Lou Vitantonio insisted the 2017 Cleveland Auto Show set to open Friday at the I-X Center in Cleveland will offer all of that and more.

“There’s really so much for people to look forward to,” said Vitantonio, show president. “If you’re a car or truck enthusiast, you’ll want to be at this show. But there really is something for everybody, for every member of the family.”

Organizers said the show, presented by AutoTrader.com, will feature more than 1,000 concepts, pre-production vehicles and new vehicles. Held annually, the event marks the start of the automotive spring selling season in Northern Ohio and, organizers said, it is considered one of the top five auto shows in the U.S., rated as one of the strongest nationwide in terms of influencing its impact on a regional market.

New this year is the Northern Ohio Hero’s Day that provides an opportunity for military personnel and veterans, as well as first responders including police, firefighters and other emergency and safety workers, with proper identification to attend the show at no cost opening day.

Back by popular demand, the Classic Car Competition will be held in the Classic Concourse on the lower level of the I-X Center.

Camp Jeep and the Ram Truck indoor rides are also back this year, the latter showing off a brand new, redesigned display that demonstrates the power and towing capabilities of Ram trucks. Both displays are 24,000 square feet, allowing professional drivers to put Jeep and Ram vehicles through a series of obstacles and demonstrations.

Throughout the Cleveland Auto Show’s nine-and-a-half-day run, there will also be plenty of family fun and entertainment with celebrity appearances that include the Cleveland Browns, Cavs and more. Each day of the Show, attendees also will also be able to enter to win the Official Vehicle Giveaway Vehicle. Specifics on this year’s Official Giveaway Vehicle Contest will be released at a later date.

“The Cleveland Auto Show is a must, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle,” said Ken Ganley, show chairman. “It’s also a great place to take the whole family for a day or evening of fun and entertainment.”

The show will open to the public 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and run daily through March 5. For more information about the show, tickets or events, visit www.clevelandautoshow.com.

vshank@tribtoday.com

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