National Press Release

CHICAGO, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a comprehensive snow removal plan in place, weather that's expected for Saturday morning in the area shouldn't affect patrons heading for McCormick Place for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

"We encourage those who are considering visiting the show to not alter their plans due to thoughts of snow complications," said show General Manager Jerry Cizek. "Sufficient crews have already been scheduled to handle our surrounding surface lots. After all, it's Chicago and we're able to deal with such things and not feel like we're being held hostage in our homes. Access to underground or covered lots will also be cleared."

"Public transportation is a great option, too," said Cizek. "And those wishing to use it can use our comprehensive Web site, www.ChicagoAutoshow.com for full information for using CTA and Metra to get to the show."

Over the weekend, the Chicago Auto Show will operate free shuttle bus service from the Millennium Park Garage, located at Columbus Drive and Monroe Street. Shuttles will bring show visitors directly to the door of McCormick Place. Parking lots and shuttles will operate throughout event hours. Full maps for parking are available on the show's Internet Web site.

"This has proven to be a wildly popular show," said Auto Show Chairman Mark Scarpelli. "We're expecting to be ahead of last year's attendance and our ability to handle traffic, parking and snow removal around McCormick Place isn't an issue we ignore in our planning. It's not the first snow we've experienced in our 108-year history, nor will it be our last. It's something we have contingencies for and now we get to put them into play."

The Chicago Auto Show opens Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and closes Saturday night at 10 p.m., and at 8 p.m. Sunday, the final day of the 10-day run.

Advance ticket sales and full information can be found at www.ChicagoAutoShow.com

SOURCE Chicago Auto Show