 RICHMOND, VA – The 2004 Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show will showcase hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles from Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The auto show offers the chance to discover what's new in the automotive world for 2004 and preview future 2005 models. Showgoers browsing through the auto show will notice the increased amount of technology in the vehicles of today. From the latest safety features to luxury accessories, 2004-model cars and trucks are more technologically advanced than ever before. 'More passive safety, like adaptive front lighting and rear backup cameras, is being designed into today's new products,' said Matt Stone, Motor Trend executive editor. 'Audio systems are becoming more sophisticated; rear-seat DVD systems, a complete novelty just two years ago, are now standard features in more than a dozen different models and navigation systems are not only doing more, but are becoming easier to use and better integrated into instrument panels. Electronics will continue to play a major role in transportation development as time goes on.' Several manufacturers have also offered some unexpected vehicles for 2004, as traditional brand values are changing to meet a growing demand for niche vehicles. 'Carmakers are going places many of them have never gone before,' continued Stone. 'The Crossfire, a front-engined, rear-drive, two-seater sporty coupe represents a new territory for Chrysler, as does the Pathfinder Armada, certainly the first full-sized, traditional sport-utility for Nissan. Porsche has also entered the SUV game for the first time in its 55-year history.' From tire pressure monitors and adaptive cruise control to satellite radio and wireless cellular technology, the auto show will showcase the latest automotive trends. The following comprehensive guide highlights what's new or changed from nearly all domestic and import manufacturers exhibiting at this year's Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show.  |
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