Latest news with #ClevelandAutoShow
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Grave concern': Not everyone sold on I-X Center transformation plan
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The I-X Center appears headed for a dramatic transformation. Over the years, it became a tank factory, then one of Cleveland's most iconic event spaces. But that era appears to be coming to an end. LIVE: Cuyahoga County exec. to address Senate's budget plan for Browns dome On Monday night, Cleveland City Council approved a deal that clears the way for a major corporation to lease one million square feet inside the I-X Center. In exchange, the city gains access to 69 acres of valuable land near the airport that officials believe could drive significant long-term growth. The deal includes the promise of more than 200 high-paying jobs. But not everyone is on board. The new lease runs 49 years, replacing the previous agreement, which had about 14 years remaining. Critics argue that the city is locking itself into a long-term plan that hasn't been fully fleshed out. 'It's a 49-year lease. That's a long time,' said longtime councilman Mike Polensek, one of only two members to vote against the proposal. Polensek also raised concerns about the future of beloved events, like the Cleveland Auto Show, which have long called the I-X Center home. 'The income tax—we have to share with Brook Park, who are trying to take our Browns as we speak,' he added. City officials say the Huntington Convention Center downtown could host those large-scale events moving forward. But Polensek isn't convinced. 'I don't know if the Huntington Convention Center can support those kinds of shows,' he said. As for the identity of the new corporate tenant? The city is staying tight-lipped. Officials say only that the economic impact will be worth the tradeoff—and that the next chapter for the I-X Center is focused on business, not show business. Ohioans can soon buy over twice as much nonmedical marijuana 'Now to find out at the 11th hour that it is going to disappear is of grave concern to me,' Polensek said. City leaders haven't yet announced when events at the I-X Center will officially come to an end or when the new tenant will move in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New car and truck sales jump in NE Ohio. See which brands remain hot sellers
New vehicle sales are on the rise in northern Ohio. New vehicle sales rose 7.75% in March compared the prior year, according to the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers' Association (GCADA). The region totaled 19,697 new vehicle sales last month, up from 18,280 in March 2024. "Coming out of the Cleveland Auto Show in early March helped kickstart the spring selling season,' Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the GCADA, said in a prepared statement. 'Consumer traffic remained strong throughout the month as shoppers looked to buy vehicles prior to the tariffs being applied.' New car, truck and SUV sales have surpassed 54,000 in 2025 so far. 'Preowned vehicle sales continue to struggle, as inventory is difficult to come by and interest rates raise concerns for customers," Vintantonio said in the statement. "We are cautiously optimistic that overall sales will continue to outpace 2024.' Retail sales figures are based on vehicle registration reports from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle sales data includes all dealers in 21 counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne. Chevrolet remains the best-selling brand for northern Ohio, with 2,954 cars sold. Ford is closely behind at 2,377. Here's a look at the top ten most popular car brands in March: Chevrolet: 2,954 Ford: 2,377 Honda: 1,830 Kia: 1,647 Toyota: 1,451 Subaru: 1,188 Hyundai: 1,034 Jeep: 962 Buick: 746 GMC: 710 The number was 17,551 vehicles sold last month in northern Ohio, down by 7.82% compared to March of last year. Year-over-year, used car sales are down by 8.61%. This article originally appeared on The Repository: New car sales in Northern Ohio increased in March, up nearly 8%
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota impresses with the largest car display at Cleveland Auto Show
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Toyota's presence at the Cleveland Auto Show cannot be denied. More than 30 new Toyotas make for the largest car display at the I-X Center, giving guest a prime chance to check out the full lineup as we head into closing weekend. 'We want consumers to come in to get in the vehicle, see how they feel, read the dimensions, the specs and then really look at all the new redesigned models that we have to offer for 2025,' Brunswick Toyota Certified Sales Consultant Mo Hanini said. Hanini said Toyota's newly redesigned Camry and 4Runner are two of his favorites from this year's lineup. 'This Camry XSE is a sport model that's a little more aggressive,' Hanini said. 'This one actually gets 44 miles a gallon where you can actually go even upwards over 50 miles a gallon if you go towards the LE model, which is more of the base model but really redesigned. Wireless CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, remote connect with remote starter is also standard as well.' Local scratch-off wins $500,000 top prize He said the 4Runner is well known for being able to handle all-terrains, but a lot has changed, including a new chassis and tumble fold rear seats. 'It's a four-cylinder turbo turbocharged engine and they did a great job with that redesign,' Hanini said. Car show guests like Ed, Kelly and Tom Kijauskas said they're impressed by Toyota's large footprint at the auto show, with the RAV4 near the top of their list. 'If you wanted to get a car for the longevity, Toyota is the number one car to get,' Ed said. Hudson job fairs set for laid-off JOANN workers Hanini said it's a great time to swing by Brunswick Toyota for great deals. 'We are also offering $500 off as a coupon,' he said. 'If you go to the auto show and you come to us before the auto show is done.' The Cleveland Auto Show closes out this weekend and ends March 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW aims to wow Cleveland Auto Show guests, create lifelong customers
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Leaving an impression — that's the goal of every automaker with a display at the Cleveland Auto Show. Few hit their mark with the same accuracy as BMW. The German-engineered luxury and performance line is represented extremely well at the I-X Center, with six vehicles in its showcase, including the electric i7 xDrive60. Students escape school bus fire in Cleveland Heights 'I'm pretty blown away at all the technology updates that I've seen and everything that it does,' said auto show guest and Avon resident Jeremy Betsa. 'It's not even like you're in a car, you know? It feels sort of surreal.' Nathan Lancry, owner and president of BMW of Akron said the auto show is always a great place for enthusiasts and car shoppers to get a feel for each brand, but BMW is unique because it is listening to its customers in order to improve the product. 'BMW is really taking a lot of knowledge from our customers, such as places like here at the auto show,' Lancry said. 'They've taken the opinions and the ideas from consumers, and they really engineer those ideas into real life, right here in the ultimate driving machine.' Lancry said the BMW i7 is a must-see because it's loaded with unique features, from doors that open with the touch of a button, to a curved display and massage seats. Rear seat passengers also have a widescreen theater monitor equipped with FireTV, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Auto show guests are in love with the design. 'I don't want to drive this car, I want to be driven in this car,' Betsa said. Local scratch-off ticket hits top prize Auto show guests can also go for a ride in one of three brand new BMWs at the CLE-V Test Track, a free experience giving guests a few laps around an indoor track at the I-X Center. 'Happy to hear about how many people are impressed by the test track because it gives them an opportunity to really try that car out without having to rush into a showroom,' Lancry said. Lancry said BMW of Akron is ready to assist new customers, while also looking to preserve and maintain existing customer relationships for generations to come. 'Generations and families that have done business at that BMW dealership,' Lancry said. 'And it's rewarding to see the loyalty that's been enmeshed into that brand.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cleveland Auto Show guests invited to try new CLE-V Test Track
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The very first brand you experience at the Cleveland Auto Show is Chevrolet, one of America's most trusted and best-selling brands year-after-year. It's 2025 lineup showcases more than two dozen vehicles and also gives guests the chance to both ride and drive new models and ride along in new EV's at the brand new CLE-V Test Track. Cleveland Auto Show is back at the I-X Center 'It's really exciting,' Serpentini Chevrolet General Manager Ryan Serpentini said. 'I mean, obviously, this is our favorite time of the year. This is kind of the kickoff to our busy season. You know, nice thing is Chevy puts a lot of time, effort and money into making this a really great experience for our customers.' Serpentini said the large-scale showroom provides plenty of variety, and spotlights some of the best-selling models like the all-new 2025 Equinox, Traverse and more. 'We've got the Blazers and the Traverse that are also here at the show and then Tahoe and Suburban, if you want to get really big third row SUVs as well,' Serpentini said. 'The Traverse was redesigned last year and has been super popular. They've ramped up production this year. So, you've seen a lot more of those in the showroom and on the lots as well.' There's also several versions of the Silverado, including the 2500 HD High Country, built for the toughest of tasks, and also two Corvettes for those who like to live life in the fast lane. 'The toys are out,' Serpentini said. 'Yeah, spring is coming, so if you want those, they're out here as well.' Kia's K4, Telluride sparkle among redesigned lineup at Cleveland Auto show Serpentini said there are multiple Serpentini Chevrolet dealerships located in Northeast Ohio, ready to serve interested buyers. 'Come on out and we will take care of you,' Serpentini said. The CLE-V Test Track is new this year, giving Auto Show guests the chance to ride in the passenger seat of one of three of Chevy's EV models, like the Blazer, Silverado and Equinox. Ride and drives are also available. 'Chevy wants you to get behind the wheel and they want you to feel it, especially when it comes to the electric vehicles, because people are a little bit apprehensive to give those an opportunity,' Serpentini said. 'And so, this is a great chance that if you don't know a lot about them to get behind the wheel and drive them for yourself.' Thursday is Heroes Day at the Cleveland Auto Show, where military, first responders and health care professionals get free entry with a valid ID badge. Browns Hall of Famer Joe Thomas will also be signing autographs from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
