Industry's swagger on display at Chicago Auto Show

The swagger returns to the Chicago Auto Show in 2015 because in the eyes of automobile manufacturers, the Great Recession remains a distant, rear-mirror memory.

Numbers continue trending nicely upward. With books closed on the 2014 calendar year, automakers sold a healthy 16.5 million new vehicles in the U.S., up over 5 percent from 2013's already pleasant 15.6 million cars and light trucks purchased. The 16.5 million units represent the best showing since 2006.

Drilling down deeper into these numbers, passenger car sales remained relatively flat; light truck sales have accelerated the strong sales pace.

While major metropolitan cities worldwide host auto shows, Chicago's is important because of its "common folk" approach. The event caters to consumers, and as such, draws a large number of curious visitors thanks to accommodating McCormick Place digs. Both McCormick Place North and South buildings combine for this event, allowing plenty of shared space for vehicles and their warm-blooded counterparts.

This year marks the 107th version of the Chicago Auto Show - the nation's longest running by a country mile. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association, based in Oakbrook Terrace, has produced the event since 1935 and ranks as the nation's largest and oldest metropolitan dealer associations.

In all, more than 1,000 production ready and concept vehicles drape McCormick Place, making this a one-stop indoor shop for comparison shopping. According to Foresight Research surveys conducted after last year's Chicago Auto Show, 55 percent of attendees intend to buy a new vehicle within 12 months of visiting the show.

"A dealership can be a lonely place in the dead of winter but the Chicago Auto Show helps kick-start sales, providing Chicagoland the momentum to lead the nation," said John Webb, 2015 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

Room to roll

The expansive pallette allows for numerous and stately experiential indoor riding displays found in the South Hall, a fun fact setting Chicago's show apart. Toyota offers a 27,000-square-foot "Camry Experience" track to get an inside feel for the 2015 sedan. Jeep's off-road adventure returns with coaster-like hills and descents. These experiences include a professional driver behind the wheel with attendees as passengers. Early birds catch a break as waiting times and ever-growing lines increase as the day progresses.

Speaking of a jump start, this years show caters to early risers. Doors now open at 9 a.m., an hour earlier than year's past with the same 10 p.m. closing time, allowing additional floor time each day.

Need more of a hands-on input? Several automakers provide outside driving loops available for drivers 21 and older with valid licenses, many originating from the lobby of the North exhibit hall on level 1 near Gate 21 during select daylight hours (weather dependent). Participating automakers include Mazda, Kia, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Scion, Ford and Subaru. These brands provide information at their respective show floor areas and designated first-floor lobby displays.

Kiosks throughout the single-floor showrooms allow show-goers to vote for their favorite vehicle or best new vehicle introduction. Automakers and show sponsors have added more lounge-like seating areas sporting plug-in ports for recharging aching feet and portable electronics. McCormick Place North and South buildings support free hi-speed Wi-Fi allowing showgoers to share their experiences in real time with social media outlets and friends and family outside the show. When up and about, interactive displays and huge projector walls add to the fun factor.

Splashy debuts

Nissan, Toyota and Ram 1500 (a division of the newly named Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, or FCA) pickups all made big splashy introductions at the Detroit Auto Show last month with the V-8 Titan turbo diesel, redesigned mid-size Tacoma and off-road intended Ram Rebel trim respectively, and the momentum carries forward to Chicago.

Ram truck debuts the opulent, full-size Laramie Limited in light and heavy-duty editions expected to dealers during the second quarter of this year. Chevrolet's 2015 full-size Silverado Midnight Edition makes its first public appearance.

Other vehicles debuting at the Chicago show include Honda's third-generation, eight-passenger 2016 mid-size Pilot crossover and its up-level Acura division's refreshioned 2016 RDX compact crossover. Chevrolet unveils an updated version of its 2016 Equinox compact crossover.

Ford pulled the wraps off a 2016 Police Interceptor Utility (with a four-pawed assist from Keegan, an attentive Belgian Shepard during the media preview) built at its huge and historically significant south-side Chicago assembly campus. Chicago-built Police Interceptor Utilities and sedans get shipped to 80 countries worldwide for use by law enforcement.

Alternative perspective

Lower fuel prices of late have not detoured long-range, alternative power goals as Chevrolet brings to Chicago the second-generation 2016 extended range plug-in Volt, promising 50 miles of pure electric driving before seamlessly switching to the on-board conventional gas engine.

General Motors' Bow-Tie division made news Thursday morning during a Midwest Automotive Media Association news conference when GM North American President Alan Batey announced Chevy's all-electric Bolt concept, unveiled in Detroit last month, will become a production reality.

Bolt's generating quite a buzz with an anticipated 200-mile electric range between plug-ins with availability in all 50 states. Although an exact on-sale date has not been announced, its "fast track trajectory" most likely has Bolt in dealerships within three years based on estimates gleaned from the Volt's concept-to-reality timeline.

The Bolt EV concept did not make it to Chicago, as the one-and-only existing platform traveled north of the border to the simultaneous-running Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. A couple alternative-powered concepts at the show and making news: Mitsubishi's GC-plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) concept is a futuristic crossover complete with swivel seats and surround media hub; and Kia's closer-to-reality Trail'ster, based on its highly successful Soul platform.

But wait, there's more

If any doubt existed to a lack of swagger and mojo, Ford brings to Chicago the liquid silver painted edition of its recently debuted, rear-drive limited-production GT, a sultry two-door high-performance mid-engine supercar. Check out the gull-wing scissor-like doors and V-6, 600-plus horsepower EcoBoost engine (and estimated $100,000 plus price tag).

Need something a bit more airy? Buick's all-new 2016 Cascada, represents the first convertible from GM's entry luxury brand in 25 years.

Law and order

Geopolitics and new laws recently enacted here in Illinois also bode well for vehicle sales in the near future.

The steady drop in world crude oil prices have driven pump prices to their lowest levels in years while Illinois residents now can take advantage of lower monthly auto lease payments thanks to change in auto leasing tax structure taking effect Jan. 1. Long overdue, this updated calculus puts Illinois in step with 47 other states with a proportional approach, in effect reducing lease tax payments by as much as 50 percent each month.

Nationwide, leasing accounted for an estimated 27 percent of new auto transactions in 2014, up from 22 percent in 2012. Illinois historically lagged behind these numbers, but now on an even footing, these leasing percentages will be enthusiastically watched and tracked this year. Something to ponder while walking the show.

Chicago Auto Show at a glance

<span class="fact box text bold">Where:</span> McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago

<span class="fact box text bold">When:</span> Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 22

<span class="fact box text bold">Show hours: </span>9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except final Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

<span class="fact box text bold">Tickets:</span> $ 12 adults, $6 senior citizens 62 and older, children 7-12. Kids 6 and younger free with paid family member. Purchase at tickets.drivechicago.com.

Weekday discount coupons are available at participating new car dealerships and participating Shell service station locations.

<span class="fact box text bold">Special events:</span>

• Daily Herald Family Day, Monday, Feb. 16

• Women's Day, Tuesday, Feb. 17. All women admitted for $6.

• Food Drive benefiting Safe Haven Foundation: Wednesday to Friday, Feb. 18-20. Show-goers bringing three cans of food receive a $6 discount off an adult admission.

• Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Day, Friday, Feb. 20.

<span class="fact box text bold">Accessibility:</span> On-site scooter and wheelchair rentals are available by calling Scootaround toll-free at (888) 441-7575

<span class="fact box text bold">Info:</span> Details available online at chicagoautoshow.com.