Media News

MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Senior Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com

Contact: Jennifer Morand
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW IDENTIFIES TRENDS THAT GET FANS BUZZING

CHICAGO (Feb. 12, 2020) – As the nation's largest auto show, the Chicago Auto Show serves as the venue where automotive and technology trends are identified, not just for the Chicago area, but for the nation. The more than 1 million square-foot venue features approximately 1,000 of the industry's latest cars, trucks and SUVs for consumers to peruse - and even test drive - throughout the show's 10 consecutive days.

To identify and assess trends, Chicago Auto Show organizers partner with Meltwater, a media intelligence company, to monitor what gets fans excited and sharing content via social media. The 2020 Media Preview featured more than 20 brand-new vehicle debuts that sparked excitement among fans. Specifically, according to the media intelligence software, Toyota is leading the charge and dominating the chatter in the social media space as it relates to the Chicago Auto Show. Toyota's marketing phrase "Let's Go Places" is the No. 1 hashtag used (#LetsGoPlaces) associated with the show's official hashtag #CAS2020. Behind #LetsGoPlaces is #Tundra, #Highlander and #Tacoma, in that order.

In addition to the trending vehicles, Chicago Auto Show organizers found that its women-focused event What Drives Her (#WDHCAS2020) was also a top trend on Twitter throughout the event, which took place during the show's Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 7.
"As one of the first major automotive events of the calendar year, the Chicago Auto Show is perfectly positioned to harness the power of social media," said Tony Guido, Chicago Auto Show chairman. "Our social media team is armed with advanced e-listening tools to identify trends that arise from the nation's largest auto show. Those trends that surface from our show also set the stage for the nation."

Since the Media Preview kicked off, the show's official hashtag #CAS2020 was the No. 1 trend on Twitter for the 8th consecutive year. At the halfway mark of the public show, #CAS2020 garnered 76.1 million impressions on Instagram and 94 million on Twitter, surpassing last year's number by more 69 million impressions - thus far.

The Chicago Auto Show also continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media all show long. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS2020 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops, powered by DriveChicago.com; and ongoing social media contests throughout the show floor, accessible by following the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Attendees can connect with the Chicago Auto Show's vibrant communities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube for a virtual backstage pass to learn about the hottest cars, special events and contests. The show is open each day Feb. 8-17 from 10 a.m. through 10 pm., except for the final day of the show, Presidents Day, when it closes at 8 p.m. 

For more information on the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. For high resolution photos and b-roll, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/media/online-newsroom-gallery.

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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2020 public show is Feb. 8-17. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

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