Big Trends to Look for at the Chicago Auto Show

This week will be chock full of car talk, so get ready, get ready, get ready! As you know, I was able to attend the media preview of the Chicago Auto Show this year, and it was amazing. So many great family cars. So many great luxury cars. So many cars in general. I was also able to participate in private tours and media presentations as a guest of She Buys Cars. Let me tell you how amazing it is to have connected with other women who love cars and sharing their reviews of them as much as I do. We started with a #WhatDrivesHerCAS luncheon and ended with walking around to various auto makers and asking the important questions consumers so often do. Before I got started, I had to take a photo under the Auto Show Globe, otherwise the entire visit didn’t happen. 

What a time to be alive! #CAS17 #shebuyscars #steelmatters pic.twitter.com/gRwYXHqNgI

— N² (@NatashaNicholes) February 8, 2017

We started off with a luncheon panel lead by phenomenal women in the automotive industry. They’ll get their own post, because it was just that inspiring. It was fantastic to see the representation of women in the automotive field, and in the realm of automobile purchasing. We have a lot of pocket power y’all, and it’s a driving force. 

 

Now about those trends. 

Autonomous Cars

While I’m still not fully vested in the aspect of a car driving me from one place to another without ANY input or action on my part, I must admit it’s pretty neat to think about. There were several concept and prototypes on the showroom floor to showcase the best in ideas with self driving cars. Make sure you visit! 

Electric Vehicles 

With the introduction of the Chevy Bolt to an already wider array of electric vehicles, the uptick of greener cars doesn’t seem to be plateauing anytime soon. The Bolt is the second addition to the electric vehicle branch of an already wide array of gas friendly cars. The Chevy Volt made its appearance several years ago, and now the bolt, with it’s hatchback look is making its rounds. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQTWNxLhzor/?taken-by=natashanicholes

Technology 

I don’t know what I can say to make you understand all of the cool new ways that cars are becoming more tech friendly. From being able to connect Alexa or your Echo to your car so that you can start it up and set the temperature, to being able to connect whether you are team iPhone or Android. Technology is getting a front seat in many of today’s vehicles, and I don’t see this trend slowing down either. 

A bonus trend to look out for would be the input of all of the women who have helped create the cars that you love. From creating more intuitively designed cars to their input on function and design. Women are all in your favorite car makes and models. 

You still have one full week to enjoy the Chicago Auto Show – you can visit from now until next Monday and purchase tickets ahead of time! If you’re a Bank of America cardholder you can even get $3 off your ticket price. 

The Auto Show is taking place at McCormick Place from now until February 20. Hours are from 10 am until 10 pm, with February 20’s hours being 10 am until 8 pm. 

Remember to have fun, take lots of photos and wear comfortable shoes! You’ll need them! 

This post is written in partnership with She Buys Cars. All thoughts, and opinions expressed are my own.