The last time the Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest, convened in the humongous McCormick Place exhibition hall, it was February 2020. COVID-19 was a virus nearly contained in China and hadn’t arrived in America’s Great Lakes, that we then knew of. That was February 2020.

    You might have heard or even attended when the Chicago Automotive Trade Association hosted a 2021 minified show this past summer…outdoors. Skipping an auto show year in Chicago has only had the dubious distinction of occurring during wartime.

    In welcoming back the 2022 Chicago Auto show inside half of McCormick Place floor it is high time to put a period so wrought with health, economic and emotional havoc behind us. However, in compliance with State of Illinois directives and out of extra health caution, admittance to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, DOES require the wearing of protective FACE MASKS.

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In the Flesh: hundreds of new vehicles at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, occupying half of McCormick Place’s exhibition floor space, for an easier browsing expedition

Be Sure to Follow ChicagoNow.com/Drive-He-Said and Roadblazing.com on Twitter / Instagram .

PLUG IT IN: With petrol power still prevailing, most automakers have announced and heavily invested in comprehensive transitions to a petroleum alternative motor vehicle future. Many already offer comprehensive gas battery electric hybrid options to their traditional fare, including pick-up trucks. Others have bestowed full plug-in battery electrification to names like names like Mustang (Mach-E) and F-150 (Lightning), Hummer (EV) and Silverado (EV).  Recent announced federal government grants intended to reduce the cost of hydrogen hydrolysis by as much as 80% spells a place for fuel cell electrics at the reduced hydrocarbon footprint energy table as well.

CLASSICS UPDATED: Not to be dissuaded by the battery and fuel cell electric crowd, there is a bevy of traditional gasoline powered car and light truck favorites, containing from frugal 3 cylinder to heart thumping 8 cylinder turbocharged power, including some intriguing updates to some endearing and enduring classics.

TECH IS WHERE IT’S AT: Even the more affordable new cars & and light trucks have a rear camera as standard equipment and offer some variation of Advanced Driver Assist System, which typically includes self-steering, accelerating and braking within an identifiable lane above a nominal speed and lane departure or rear cross traffic warning.

GOING VERTICAL, OVAL OR GRID: with Jeep, Ram, Toyota and Volkswagen indoor offroad and track courses. Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo will make local streets drives available outside (weather permitting).

KIDS OF ALL AGES: can enjoy several arcade style driving simulators and live music in the evenings.

MUNCH AND CHUG: There’s light / hearty digestible fare for the hungry or thirsty. (Access to the dining concession area requires proof of vaccination.)

TWITTER-ers: can tweet to @ChiAutoShow.  Follow the hashtag #CAS2022, for the latest exhibit news or to share their Chicago Auto Show experiences.

APP IT: 2022 Chicago Auto Show MOBILE APPs are available for Android and Apple devices, qualifying users for a $3 off admission.

MAP IT: Here is a handy 2022 Chicago Auto Show guide and .PDF Floor Map, which can be enlarged.

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WHAT: 2022 Chicago Auto Show . Hundreds of vehicles on display along with plenty of interactive activities in over half a million square feet of space; the largest in North America.

WHERE: McCormick Place (at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60616)

WHEN: from February 12, 2022 through February 21, 2022

WHAT TIME: 10 am to 10 pm daily (8 pm on the final day).

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HOW MUCH:

– Adults: $15, Seniors and Kids aged 4-12: $10

Discounts & Coupons (valid Weekdays only) :

– $5 coupons off Weekday adult admission at Chicagoland car dealers.

– $5 coupons off admission Tuesday February 15, 2022 for First Responder or Military bearing identification.

– $5 coupon off regular admission February 16 – 18, 2022 with donation of 3 cans of food (benefiting Safe Haven Foundation kiosk in Grand Concourse)

– Tickets may also be purchased online at: tickets.drivechicago.com

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GETTING THERE:

Parking at McCormick Place runs $16-$25, reduced to $10 after 6 pm. Remote Millennium Park Garages ($15 daily) offer free shuttle services.

Public Transportation: the CTA , Metra Electric Line .

Senior/ Disabled Accessibility: Scooters and wheelchairs can be rented at Gate 4 ($20 daily).

Further details: the 2022 Chicago Auto Show website: www.chicagoautoshow.com

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