Latest news with #ChicagoAutoShow
Chicago Tribune
23-02-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Kaitlin Mikrut
The Chicago Auto Show included more than opportunities to check out – and even test drive some – cars, trucks, SUVs and more, but also for one night, a chance...
Chicago Tribune
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Suburban breweries on tap at Chicago Auto Show ‘Flights' event
The Chicago Auto Show included more than opportunities to check out – and even test drive some – cars, trucks, SUVs and more, but also for one night, a chance to sample specialties from area breweries. Among the nearly two dozen brewers showcased at 'Friday Night Flights' last Friday night, several were on tap representing the suburbs. The Auto Show ran from Feb. 8 to Feb. 17 at McCormick Place. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Valentine's Day, attendees sampled a variety of new and popular brews for an additional cost. The brewers, including the ones from the suburbs, brought unique flavors to a wider audience. Alter Brewing Returning for its third year, Alter Brewing poured its Ambigram Hazy IPA, a brew featuring Mosaic, Citra, and Idaho 7 hops. Fruity and floral, it balances the hazy IPA trend without being overly bitter, owners describe the drink. With its main brewery in Downers Grove and additional restaurant locations in Oak Brook and St. Charles, Alter Brewing is approaching its 10-year anniversary. 'It's great to be a part of this,' Dustin Clay, operations manager, said about Friday Night Flights at the Auto Show. 'Seeing people who don't necessarily visit our brewery every day really helps get our name out.' Double Clutch Brewing Company Evanston-based Double Clutch Brewing Company showcased Little Juice Coupe, its first hazy IPA. Known for its German-style beers, owners say the brewery stepped outside its usual range with this citrus-forward offering. Since opening in 2021, Double Clutch has earned multiple awards, including silver medals for its Altbier and Helles Lager at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. The brewery's 12,000-square-foot space doubles as an event venue featuring rotating classic car displays, according to owners. Noon Whistle Brewing Noon Whistle Brewing, with locations in Lombard and Naperville, poured its flagship hazy IPA, Gummylicious, a beer packed with citrus hops. Launched in 2023, it has become the brewery's top-selling beer, according to owners. 'We designed this to be easy-drinking yet full of juicy, tropical haze,' said Mike Condon, co-founder. The brewery, which first opened in Lombard in 2014 and expanded to Naperville in 2020, recently redesigned its packaging to feature bold colors for greater shelf appeal. Sketchbook Brewing Company Making its Chicago Friday Night Flights debut, Sketchbook Brewing Company presented Orange Door IPA, a double dry-hopped brew that has been a company staple for over a decade, owners say. Despite its name, the beer contains no orange, instead drawing citrus notes from its blend of three different hops. Sketchbook's abstract can designs reflect its emphasis on beer as an art form. 'We believe beer and art intersect, and we try to showcase that on our cans,' said Michael Sotut, who represented the brewery at the event. With 18 styles available at its Skokie and Evanston taprooms, owners say Sketchbook fosters a community-driven atmosphere, even opting for TV-free spaces to encourage conversation. Tighthead Brewing Company Also making its first Chicago Friday Night Flights appearance, Tighthead Brewing Company featured its Scarlet > Fire Red Ale, a gold medal winner at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. 'This is a traditional red ale — roasty with light coffee notes and an easy-drinking profile,' said Scott Dykyj, sales representative. 'We're the only red ale here, which sets us apart.' Now in its 14th year, Tighthead operates a taproom in Mundelein with 18 beers on tap and around 10 available in the market. 'The event combines the auto show's excitement with the energy of a beer fest, making it a great experience,' Dykyj said.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Reviving Jeep: New leadership and fresh lineup set the brand back on track
Alisa Priddle MotorTrend Hear this story It is time to get Jeep back on track. The brand once thought to have a license to print money has been struggling, as has parent Stellantis. But reorganization, more regional autonomy, new personnel, products and a more positive wind blowing through the halls in Auburn Hills are poised to get the storied brand back on the proper path. 'We need to get Jeep back,' said Mike Koval who this week was named head of Jeep sales and operations for the brand globally. Koval was at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show to reveal a new trim level for the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S, a premium midsize electric SUV. Changes have been afoot since Carlos Tavares resigned as CEO in December. Chairman John Elkann has been acting as interim chief and, with Antonio Filosa in North America, they have worked to restore morale at the automaker. It is working, says Koval, who moved to Jeep from Mopar earlier this week. There has been a positive energy over the past couple months, he says. People are back in the building in Auburn Hills and there is a new energy and vitality. 2025 Jeep lineup:An army-inspired Wrangler, fresh EVs and more Under Filosa, Jeep has stabilized over the last four or five months. And this week more changes were announced. Filosa handed the top Jeep job over to Bob Broderdorf who was leading the brand in North America and now assumes global responsibility. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Fixing Jeep Jeep is being restructured to be a single global brand, breaking down regional walls for a more streamlined bureaucracy designed to get everyone on the same page. In case you missed it:Jeep slashes 2025 Grand Cherokee prices '2025 will be our comeback story,' Koval said. The Wagoneer S will be joined later this year by another electric Jeep, the more off-road-oriented Jeep Recon. And the big surge is expected to come from the successor to the Jeep Cherokee which will fill a gaping hole in the lineup with no product in the largest segment. Koval would not say if the new model will continue to use the Cherokee name. Jeep will be at 24 auto shows this year compared with three in 2024, as well as other events, Koval said. The company is also paying close attention to tariffs the U.S. is placing on imports from China and threatening to slap on goods from Canada and Mexico. Stellantis has contingency plans in place, but the automaker has two plants in Canada and two in Mexico, including the one that makes the Jeep Wagoneer S that showed its Limited trim model at the Chicago auto show. The Wagoneer S debuted with a Launch Edition offered for the 2024 and 2025 model years, followed by the 2025 Limited trim. Koval would not say how many trim levels will be offered ultimately but a good guess is a Trailhawk version since Jeep has already shown us a concept. 'Jeep is synonymous with core values of America and fun and adventure,' Koval says. It needs to get back to its core and reconnect with buyers. 'I think we have a lot more freedom and latitude to get back to who we are.'
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Subaru introduces 2025 Forester and 2026 Crosstrek hybrids — and it's only getting started
Alisa Priddle MotorTrend Hear this story Subaru used the 2026 Chicago Auto Show to introduce the 2025 Forester hybrid, addressing a hole in the compact SUV's powertrain lineup. Later this year, the smaller 2026 Subaru Crosstrek will go on sale with the same hybrid system. And the Japanese brand is not expected to stop there. The current plan is to make the hybrid setup an option on the Premium and Limited trim levels of the Forester and make it standard on the Touring. It is not available on the base model, and notably is missing from the off-road-focused 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness that also made its global debut in Chicago. But wait, there's more! Subaru is considering offering a Forester Wilderness with a hybrid, says senior vice president of marketing Alan Bethke. 'I like the idea,' he tells MotorTrend. 'We think people would like that,' he says of adding the hybrid to the more rugged Wilderness. Low-price electrified power:The cheapest hybrid vehicles for 2025 Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. How soon could that happen? 'Pretty soon,' he says. 'It would be in the not-overly distant future if Subaru were to do that. I can't say exactly.' He would not say if it could be done in time for the launch of the 2026 Wilderness this fall. The 2026 Forester Wilderness does not go on sale until late summer, but that might be too soon. Bethke would not divulge if that is possible. The Forester Hybrid goes on sale in April or May with a starting price of $36,415 and the ability to travel 581 miles on a tank of gas, get 35 mpg, and drive in EV only up to 19 mph. The hybrid has unique features such as a new digital display and black roof. The digital display will migrate to the 2026 Crosstrek coming this fall. The hybrid in the Forester is different from the plug-in hybrid system with a larger battery that debuted in the Crosstrek but was dropped with the 2024 model. Bethke would not talk about the possibility of bringing back a plug-in hybrid. Like the rest of the industry, Subaru wants more clarity on regulations under the new administration in the U.S. Are EVs cheaper to maintain?:Why did our first Kia EV9 service cost $322? Hybrids for the Subaru Outback and Ascent? The larger Ascent and Outback do not have hybrids yet 'so we're working on plans for that,' Bethke says. The larger vehicles would need a different hybrid powertrain to couple with their larger engines and to ensure enough power for the bigger and heavier vehicles. It will be a busy year for Subaru. A new Outback is expected to debut at the New York auto show this spring, as well as a pair of electric vehicles — including a new nameplate. Photos by MotorTrend and manufacturer
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW WELCOMES RETURNING AND NEW SPONSORS
CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sponsors continue to show their support of the 2025 Chicago Auto Show with annual renewals from premier partners including and ComEd along with supporting sponsorships from NASCAR Chicago, AT&T, Shell Recharge and U.S. ARMY. Joining the sponsorship line-up in 2025 are Drive Chicago, Bally's Chicago and the Museum of Science & Industry. "We are excited to feature a full line-up of sponsors to the 2025 Chicago Auto Show," said Jim OBrill, senior marketing and sponsorship director of the Chicago Auto Show. "All sponsors, new and returning, enjoy custom branding packages, social media integration, media opportunities and more to help positively position these brands in front of consumers right here at the Auto Show." Chicago-based continues as a premier sponsor of the show with a long history as a show partner. They continue with category exclusivity as the official map sponsor to help show-goers find their perfect match when car shopping. They also have a branding presence on banners throughout the show and within the Chicago Drives Electric dual track as an official track sponsor. is also highlighting their "Best of Vehicles" for 2025 awards onsite and online. ComEd returns to the show as a premier partner and presenting sponsor of Chicago Drives Electric. To help customers make informed decisions as they navigate the emergent EV industry, ComEd offers a variety of resources and information including an online toolkit. Their team is present onsite throughout the show adjacent to the EV test tracks, powered by ComEd. Shell Recharge is back this year as the official EV charger of Chicago Drives Electric. Shell Recharge is providing chargers to power the electric vehicles, including 25 models, as they loop through the indoor test tracks over the course of the show's ten-day run. Shell Recharge's public charging network can be found throughout Chicagoland. NASCAR Chicago also returns to the 2025 Chicago Auto Show. Visit the NASCAR Chicago Street Race booth to get a glimpse of the official Chevrolet Camaro and all-new Toyota Camry promotional pace cars. Plus, take a spin around the Chicago Street Course on an official NASCAR Simulator, race RC cars on a mat featuring the 12-turn Chicago Street Course, spin to win prizes, and sign up for a chance to win tickets to this year's Chicago Street Race event on July 5-6. As a star sponsor, U.S. ARMY is challenging attendees with their deadlift bars and pull-up stations. Check out one of the newest Army vehicles, the RG31, a multi-purpose Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle that has a crew of 5-10, depending on the mission. Visitors can also sample a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE), test out the flight simulator or take a spin on the 360-camera. Drive Chicago joins the show as the official partner of the Supercar Gallery, an area at the show featuring rare, exotic and ultra-high-performance sports cars. Drive Chicago is hosting a contest on their website and via Chicago Auto Show social channels to give attendees the chance to go behind the glass with VIP access and see vehicles up close from brands including Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and more. AT&T is back with a branding package and new exhibit space on the show floor. Show goers can stop by for a free gift and learn how AT&T's new Connected Car program can turn your car into a WiFi hotspot with a 4-day free trial. Learn more about the 2025 show at For more information on Chicago Auto Show sponsorships, contact the Senior Marketing and Sponsorships Director, Jim OBrill at jobrill@ About the Chicago Auto ShowFirst staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2025 public show is Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit About the Chicago Automobile Trade AssociationFounded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chicago Auto Show Sign in to access your portfolio
