Auto Notes

Baltimore show set at convention center

The Motor Trend International Auto Show pulls up at the Baltimore Convention Center Thursday for a four-day stopover that offers hundreds of cars, trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles for inspection.

A majority of manufacturers also will introduce crossover vehicles. The showcase will include the all-new Chevrolet HHR, the Subaru B9 Tribeca and the Mazda5.

“Manufacturers are still trying to define the crossover vehicle, and we will continue to see a variety of crossover vehicles enter the marketplace,” said Motor Trend executive editor Matt Stone. “No one wants to be just a minivan or a sedan owner anymore.”

In addition to a collection of exotic vehicles, concept cars and classic muscle cars, the show will offer appearances by World Wrestling Entertainment diva Torrie Wilson, SpongeBob SquarePants, Spider-Man and the Thing from the “Fantastic Four.”

Show hours are Thursday from noon to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, call 410/649-6022 or visit the Web site at www.motortrendautoshows.com/baltimore.

Alexandria car show sets entry deadline

The application deadline is Feb. 13 for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Classic Car Show in Alexandria.

The show begins at 8:30 a.m. with judging starting at 10 a.m.

Only car owners chauffeuring a dignitary will be allowed to drive in the parade.

And because of parade-day time constraints, the total number of participants in the automobile competition will be limited to 50.

All cars must be approved for show entry. To obtain an application package or for more information, call the Ballyshaners Inc. hot line at 703/237-2199, mailbox No. 2.

A application form also can be found at www.ballyshaners.org on the Internet.

Chicago show set at McCormick Place

Car buffs who don’t get enough of the latest wheels at the Baltimore auto show next week can try to attend the Chicago Auto Show Feb. 10-19.

The event bills itself as the oldest and largest one in North America.

The 98th edition is being produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has presented the show since 1935.

It will be held at the McCormick Place South complex, Lake Shore Drive and 23rd Street, in 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.

The show will feature many world and North American vehicle introductions.

The exhibit will show a wide range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, as well as sport utility vehicles, experimental cars and concept cars.

In all, nearly 1,000 vehicles can be seen at the show.

For more information visit www.chicagoautoshow.com on the Internet.

Midas still looking for longest commute

Midas until Monday will take last-minute entries for “America’s Longest Commute.”

To publicize the auto maintenance company’s 50th year, it is conducting a contest to find the person who drives the farthest to work in the United States.

The grand prize winner will receive free maintenance for one year and $10,000 in gas money.

Two additional winners will be awarded a Midas “care package for a long commute.”

Interested commuters can enter by visiting www.midas.com. on the Internet.

Fax or mail items of interest to Bill O’Brien, Auto Notes, The Washington Times, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Use fax number 202/832-2167. The deadline is 5 p.m. on the Monday before publication on Friday.