February 4, 2009 (Washington Convention Center) – The Washington Auto Show is in town this week and through the weekend to highlight the next generation of cars.  In an economy that sees several Americans unemployed, and their financial futures challenged, organizers of the event are hoping consumers will still come out and see what the auto world has to offer.

Auto enthusiasts can see the complete line of their favorite cars to include Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Saab, Corvette, Bentley and others.   Helpful auto specialists are available on site to assist with customer inquiries.

Our Automotive Pick of the Day.

Many car manufacturers are pushing the idea of clean fossil fuels, hybrids, and electric cars.  Our stand out car of the day is in the electric car category. 

Introducing new auto maker, TESLA.  The TESLA Roadster is a high-end electric car that goes 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. 

It takes about 4 hours to charge and “uses the same amount of electric power that an electric clothes dryer uses”, said TESLA sales manager, Joe Powers .  

The mini two-seater starts at $109,000 (base), and $128,000 in its sports model.    The new TESLA is surely one car making its mark in the auto world.

Visit www.teslamotors.com for more info.

Do You EcoDrive?

Getting the best gas mileage in these tough economic times does have to be a challenge.   EcoDrive USA is a national consumer awareness program, recently launched by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers,  that concentrates on energy security, climate change, and the fluctuating gas prices.  A rep from the AAM offers three simple pieces of advice for becoming EcoDriver friendly.  

TIP #1: Consider driving slower.  Translation:  Stop speeding.  Speedings puts more carbon dioxide(CO2) into the atmosphere, and also burns more gas. That’s money you could be saving at the pump). 

TIP #2: Check tire pressure.  Driving with under-inflated tires puts more wear and tear on the car to perform.

TIP #3: No need to let your car warm up in the winter.   Letting the car’s engine run to warm the car before driving is another way unnecessary CO2 is released in the atmosphere.  Just start and go.

See there?  You probably were EcoDriving all along and didn’t even know it.  For more info on EcoDriving, visit www.EcoDrivingUSA.com.

Get Out and See.

The 2009 Washington Auto Show continues today at the Washington Convention Center, through the weekend with fun activities for kids, and informative Tech Sessions on various automotive issues like child safety, crash avoidance, and of course, fuel economy.

Celebrities like billiards player Jeanette ‘The Black Widow’ Lee, Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters, Vida Guerra (host of Speed TV’s car show, Livin’ the Low Life), WWE’s Superstar Batista®, and actor Idris Elba will also be on hand, as will several local athletes like Redskins’ Jason Campbell, and Wizards players.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, six and under.  (Weekend admission slightly higher).

For a complete list of scheduled events, vehicles on display, celebrity appearances, and more, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

See photos from Day 1 here.