Pamplin Media Group – All revved up: Portland International Auto Show returns

With two years of new vehicles, the Portland International Auto Show drives into the Convention Center Feb. 24

COURTESY PHOTO: FORD - The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is the performance version of the all-electric SUV that will be on display and avaiable for free test drives at the 2022 Portland International Auto Show.After taking last year off because of the pandemic, the Portland International Auto Show is back for 2022, taking place from Thursday, Feb. 24, to Sunday, Feb. 27, at the Oregon Convention Center.

Auto dealers and vehicle repair shops are among the highest employers in the Portland area and offer relatively high wages. The show has traditionally been the largest display of new vehicles in the Pacific Northwest. Now, with two years of releases to experience, there is more to see than ever.

Special sections on the show are scheduled for Pamplin Media Group newspapers before it opens. The newspapers also will include discount coupons offering $3 off adult admissions until 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

The automobile industry is moving ahead rapidly, with entirely new products, concepts and technologies every year. Here are some highlights of this year’s show:

COURTEY PHOTO: FORD MOTOR COMPANY - Ford has revived the Bronco for 2022 as a rugged midsize SUV (above) and a smaller off-road capable Bronco Sport.2021 and 2022 trucks and SUVs: Fresh off their awards as the North American SUV and Truck of the Year, Ford will present the 2022 Bronco off-road SUV and the innovative Maverick compact pickup truck. The base Maverick includes a hybrid engine that returns up to 42 MPG in city driving and starts at around $21,000.

New Car Giveaway: Everyone at the show has a chance to win a new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid by entering the drawing at the Pamplin Media Group booth.

North American Car of the Year: The 2022 Honda Civic won this prestigious award. The super-successful four-door or hatchback compact has been completely redesigned and starts at just $21,900.

COURTESY PHOTO: TOYOTA - All attendees have a chance to win a new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid during the New Car Giveaway at the 2022 Portland International Auto Show.Electric Vehicles: Electrified vehicles are making news, and many will be at the auto show. Subaru will bring its all-new Solterra electric SUV, while Ford also will highlight the all-electric Mustang Mach-E GT, released in 2021, and the all-electric F-150 Lightning, which can power your house in an outage. Federal tax credits are available for most EVs and Oregon also offers rebates of up to $5,000, depending on household income.

Performance cars: Traditional muscle and sports cars also are continuing their resurgence with several of the newest models on display. They include both the hardtop and convertible versions of the latest Chevy Corvette, which is now a mid-engine sports car. Also appearing are completely redesigned versions of the mechanically similar Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86. Nissan has released the much-anticipated latest version of its legendary Z sports car, which features retro styling.

COURTESY PHOTO: SUBARU - The all-electric 2022 Subaru Solterra was co-designed with the Toyota BZ4X.Motorcycle Pavilion: The Motorcycle Pavilion is on the main floor across from the Dragon Café and features everything on two wheels, to three, and even four wheels. Among the brands on display are Harley Davidson, Indian, Ducati, BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph, Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris.

Technology to the forefront: Automotive technology is quickly spreading throughout the range of available vehicles. This year’s show features information about available technologies and the progress of recharging infrastructure for electrified vehicles. PGE, Pacific Power, Clark Public Utilities, the Oregon Electric Vehicle Association and Chargeway will present Electric Avenue to acquaint audiences with EVs and the availability of recharging stations for your home and in public.

PMG PHOTO: JEFF ZURSCHMEIDE - The legendary Chevy Corvette was redesigned in 2021 as a contemporary mid-engine sports car.Rides & Drives: Vehicles from several manufacturers are available for test drives on all four days of the show. Participating brands include Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen. Test-drive options include SUVs, passenger cars and pickup trucks. Among those available to drive are the all-electric 2022 Ford Mach E and Mach E GT. Volkswagen is offering an indoor test drive of the all-electric ID.4 because it produces no emissions. Others are located on the streets and plaza outside the Oregon Convention Center.

Great Outdoors: Oregonians love getting out of town to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Outdoors exhibit showcases the accessories needed to make the most of recreational opportunities.

COURTESY PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN - The 2022 ID.4 is the first all-electric SUV produced by Volkswagen.The Garage: Buying a new car is just the beginning, and the independent businesses staffing The Garage will show audiences how you can customize their vehicle without affecting the basic warranty. Color wraps, performance enhancement and visual customization are all on the table here.

PDX Rides: Attendees can meet Portland’s automotive enthusiast community at an indoor, privately owned car exhibition arranged by Portland Cars & Coffee.

Adopt-a-Pet: Animal-friendly Subaru will be offering adorable pets for adoption and also collecting donation for animal shelters.

COURTESY PHOTO: PIAS - Recrerational equipmentn will be on display at the Great Outdoors exhibit.Refreshments: Food and beverage are available throughout the Oregon Convention Center for those who want to relax between exhibits. They include Coffee Time, sponsored by Don Francisco’s Coffee, near the entrance to Electric Avenue. Adult beverages are available at the EC Electric Tailgate Lounge, sponsored by EC Electric and in the Garage Feature on the main floor.

COVID-19 precautions: For the safety of all guests, vendors and workers, current state of Oregon COVID-19 restrictions will be in place at the Oregon Convention Center. The Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association also will require proof of vaccination, or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, for everyone 5 and older to enter.

COURTESY PHOTO: PIAS - Vehicles will be customized during the Auto Show at The Garage on the main floor.Auto Show Fact Box

The Portland International Auto Show is the largest annual display of new vehicles in the Pacific Northwest.

With more than 480,000 square feet of exhibit space, it features more than 600 vehicles from 35 manufacturers, the latest in-car design and technology, exotics from around the world, hands-on Rides & Drives, and more.

What: 2022 Portland International Auto Show

When: Thursday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 27

Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.

Show hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Adults (13 and older) $15; seniors (62 and older) $12; military (ID required) $12; children 7 to 12 $8; children 6 and younger free

Parking: $15 at Oregon Convention Center garage, regular rates on streets.

Discounts: $3 off adult admission Thursday and Friday until 3 p.m. Discount coupons will be published in Pamplin Media Group newspapers before the show. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Presenter: Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association

Media sponsor: Pamplin Media Group

For more information, visit portlandautoshow.com.


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