BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Whether you imagine yourself in the seat of a Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Honda or Ford, you'll be able to rev up some enthusiasm for what's new at this year's Lehigh Valley Auto Show.
The auto show, at Lehigh University’s Goodman Campus, features three showrooms filled with the newest models from 44 car dealerships specializing in luxury and mid-range vehicles.
The show runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today-Saturday, March 20-22; and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, March 23.
Tickets, at $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students, are valid for any single day (Thursday–Sunday) and available on the auto show website or at the door.
Parking is free.
Calling NASCAR fans
On Wednesday, the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association held a preview of 2025's theme "Ignite Your Imagination."
Spotted in three showrooms were the newest models by Audi, Acura, Chevrolet, Kia, Honda, Toyota, Jeep, GMC, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Subaru, Volvo and more.
Some vintage cars, including a Chevrolet Chevelle SS and a restored Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority bus, also took up showroom space, adding in some old-time charm.
For race fans, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver and Nazareth native Sage Karam will sign autographs on Friday and a tuner show will take place Saturday.
Also this weekend, for the strong there will be a pit crew challenge with a competition for both children and adults.
Proceeds will benefit Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Hospital Pediatric Unit.
Just window shopping
No matter the budget, Dan Moyer, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Automotive Dealers Association, said there are vehicles of all price points on display.
Last year, close to 63,000 people attended the show, which gives consumers a chance to talk to car dealers without having to feel pressured.
It's haggle-free and educational.
"There's a lot of people that come and they're in the buying decision and want to learn more about the different models out there and compare. They're asking the questions: What fits my needs? What best suits me? The consultants are here to offer that information, but they can't sell the vehicles here."Dan Moyer, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Automotive Dealers Association
"There's a lot of people that come and they're in the buying decision and want to learn more about the different models out there and compare," Moyer said.
"They're asking the questions: What fits my needs? What best suits me? The consultants are here to offer that information, but they can't sell the vehicles here.
"Customers can make future appointments, but they cannot sell on the floor."
Peek under the hood of a 2025 Acura ADX that retails for $35,000 or, in another showroom, the swanky 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach-S for $250,000.
To be fair, the Maybach's amenities include a refrigerator, champagne flute cupholders and hot stone massage seats.
For car enthusiasts and hopeful buyers, the show also serves as an opportunity to learn about automotive trends.
An emphasis on hybrids
Manufacturers such as Ford, Honda and Toyota allotted extra space at the auto show, now in its 26th year, to show off their electric, or EV, and hybrid models.
While auto industry experts say the growth rate for electric vehicles has slowed to 20%, there is still high consumer demand for hybrid models.
Buyers still are seeking ways to save money on gas and curb emissions, Chris Saracen, vice president and partner of Kelley Auto Group, said.
Kelly Auto Group, established in 1967, features Nissan, Mitsubishi, Buick, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and RAM models, and has showrooms in Emmaus, Allentown, Hamburg and Philadelphia.
According to a new report by Forbes, EV sales in the United States are expected to grow 6.7% in 2025.
Consumers can claim a federal tax benefit of up to $7,500 for certain new electric vehicles, but it's unknown if President Trump will repeal that credit, which was created in 2008 and amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Regardless, Saraceno said buyers seem to be more satisfied with their hybrid models versus electric models.
It's not uncommon for Saraceno to hear of buyer's remorse and dissatisfaction with the lack of charging stations on the road.
"If you're traveling long distances, you have to stop and charge it, and then you have to wait a half hour, and 45 minutes in line to even get it charged, " Saraceno said.
"Then you have to wait to get it charged. It's almost too inconvenient. Electric vehicles are great if you're going to drive locally.
"I will tell you personally, I'm driving a hybrid right now. I drive about 25 miles a day. I plug it in every day when I go to work and I think sometimes I go six to seven weeks without putting any gas in it."
Talks of tariffs
Chatter about tariffs wasn't mentioned much among VIP guests who sipped on cocktails and small bites at the preview that featured lively musical sets by the Philadelphia Mummers.
Though there is a potential panic in the auto industry about President Trump's threatened 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico, Moyer said.
According to NPR,the tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico would drive car prices up and disrupt the automotive supply chain in North America.
Those tariffs have been paused until April.
"The smarter manufacturers and the smarter dealers have already increased their inventories," Moyer said.
"There are more cars that they made and shipped over here already that are on our land that are not going to get hit by the tariffs."
Rebates, incentives to buy
If you can afford it, buy your car now — well, at least that is what the car dealers will tell you.
Of course, they're in the business to say that, but vehicle manufacturers, — specifically domestic car companies like Ford and Chrysler — are hoping to entice buyers with rebates.
They are also making cushy advances with techy amenities such as electric drivetrains, driver-assistance systems and connectivity features.
"Stellantis, which manufactures Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, has had some challenges where they inflated their prices over the last three years and the consumer was pushing back," Saraceno said.
"Now they're getting more realistic and we're seeing them offer rebates and going more upscale with their models."
Future trends
While the Lehigh Valley Auto Show is a must-see for auto enthusiasts, it's also a way to help others.
On preview night, staff from Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Hospital Pediatric Unit was presented with a check for $10,000.
"This is why we do it — to give back to the community," Moyer said. "Over the last 10 years, we've donated $150, 000 to nonprofits."
As for next year's car trends?
"I think you're going to see more efficient gas-engine cars. I think with the push-up being all-electric," Moyer said. "We've got great minds out there coming up with beautiful-looking fast cars.
"Who would have thought that you could get in an SUV today and drive zero to 60 in 3. 4 seconds?"
For more information on the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, visit the website.
