Small is Big: Cool Cars for the New Economy

    NEW YORK, March 9 Small cars are back in fashion, and
they're cooler than ever at this year's New York International Automobile Show
at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which opens with a special public
Sneak Preview on Friday April 13 at 1:00 p.m.
    "The New York Auto Show is always a time of high drama, media frenzy,
excitement and style.  And one thing is for sure, in the style-obsessed auto
world: small is big this year," said GNYADA president, Mark Schienberg.
    Auto manufacturers setting the small is big trend this year include Mini,
Mercedes, Nissan, BMW, and Jaguar.  Show visitors will be the first in New
York to see this new trend first hand.
    The new Mini, unveiled to rapturous applause in Europe with its clean
muscular lines, is expected to immediately grab the attention of the hip city
crowd.  Its classic wheel-at-each-corner shape that crouches low to the ground
gives the car a real dynamic advantage on the road, as well as a chunky fun
look.  Inside, Mini's funky interior is a modern interpretation of the simple
and straightforward look of the original Mini with its characteristic center
speedometer in the middle of the dashboard.
    Though bigger than the Mini, Mercedes will be showing off its new C-Class
Sports Coupe.  Show visitors will be among the firsts to see Mercedes' new
innovative panoramic sunroof that allows skyward vision from the windshield
header to the very rear of the car, making it the car to be seen in this year.
    Nissan's hot new Z is also expected to get car-lovers in a frenzy.  The
original Z (1969), and its subsequent reincarnations, became one of the most
popular small sports cars on the road until 1997 when production ceased.  Now
Nissan is set to return with an all-new model.
    BMW, always a show favorite, will display its new X-coupe concept car.  If
small, sporty BMWs are your thing, don't miss out on being the first in New
York to see this chic, two-door, all-wheel-drive offering from one of
Germany's finest automakers.
    Jaguar is also taking its luxury brand to a wider audience with its new
model, the X-type.  The highly anticipated new Jag will make its North
American debut here at this year's show.
    The 2001 New York International Auto Show opens for a special public Sneak
Preview on Friday, April 13 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Following the preview, the
Show continues from Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 22.  Prior to the
public opening, the Show welcomes media and industry during its annual Press
Preview, April 11 and 12.