The 2024 Washington, D.C. Auto Show, currently underway, has become a pivotal arena for both policy discussions and the latest in automotive innovation.
The show opened Jan. 18 with Public Policy Day, featuring the Auto Caucus Roundtable, bringing together key U.S. representatives and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.
“Our Public Policy Day symbolizes the commitment we have to help navigate the forefront of automotive regulation and technology development,” said John O’Donnell, president and CEO of WANADA. “These constructive conversations on the future of transportation need to be had in a healthy and public space for our automotive industry to move forward in a positive and beneficial way for all.”
The show continued to captivate attendees with panel-led discussions and keynote speeches, primarily focusing on EVs. An announcement of the 2024 Best Cars for the Money awards by U.S. News & World Report and three industry reveals by Toyota, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin rounded out the day, leading to the show’s evening VIP Sneak Peek event.
A day after the opening, on Jan. 19, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center saw an increase in visitors, undeterred by the snowy weather. The exhibits featured a diverse range of vehicles, from the latest electric models to classic cars. Notable displays included the all-new Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan's EV Track Experience, and the 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV.
The lower level of the venue showcased a blend of historical and contemporary automotive marvels, with classic car clubs celebrating the evolution of models like the Corvette and Mustang. The Art-of-Motion exhibit and DC Car Scene added a local flavor, displaying custom bikes and cars.
The weekend of Jan. 20-21 featured exotic displays from Exclusive Automotive Group, McLaren of Washington and Rolls-Royce of Washington. These included the new Rolls-Royce Spectre, Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, and Aston Martin DB12. Tesla's display offered visitors a first-time experience inside the Cybertruck and the new Model 3.
A heartwarming moment of the show was the conclusion of the Hands On Hope contest. Mitchell Haverty, an employee of Children’s National, won a brand-new Hyundai IONIQ 6 and a $60,000 grant for pediatric cancer research at Children's National, while Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center received a $40,000 grant. This contest was part of Hyundai Hope on Wheels.
The Washington, D.C. Auto Show continues through Jan. 28, with tickets available on the website, showcasing the latest in automotive technology and serving as a crucial platform for policy discussions, shaping the future of transportation.
