Time to kick the tires: The Jacksonville Auto Show kicks off Thursday

The former train station in downtown Jacksonville will be filled with a different kind of wheels this weekend. The 37th Jacksonville International Auto Show will return to the Prime Osborn Convention Center for a four-day display of new cars, trucks and more.

As an expanded part of the annual new car and truck show, multiple events for adults and children will be held as a display of classic cars shines among the latest from automakers.

The Thursday-Sunday show is sponsored by the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association and its 62 dealer members in Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns. Auto companies from Bentley and Ford to Volvo and Volkswagen will show dozens of new cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Sponsors are expecting a great weekend full of people interested in kicking tires and enjoying the show’s new events, said Alan Verlander, whose Airstream ventures company handled show production this year. Organizers have rebooted the event, resulting in more car companies with vehicles to see, he said.

“We have 18 manufacturers now, which is one of the best auto shows for our size city in the country. I think you’re going to see a lot of people attending,” Verlander said. “The weather seems to be perfect to be inside and look at the cars, but we have also created an experience. If you like cars, but you like events, there will be lots of different things to do.”

All of Prime Osborne’s main showrooms will be filled with new vehicles, some in front of huge video screens or illuminated displays. Workers were setting them up on Wednesday in anticipation of the VIP party that evening. The dealer association has donated more than $2.4 million to nonprofit organizations through the program.

Outside, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and BMW will be test driving new vehicles, with drivers and passengers asked to sign a disclaimer.

As for what kind of vehicle people will see, Verlander said there are many possibilities.

“There are a lot of great electric vehicles out there,” meaning electric vehicles. “And obviously there’s your traditional gas car,” he said. “Trucks are popular, as are SUVs. … There are over 100 vehicles here that people can see and hear.”

Along with the new vehicles, the Southern Star Chapter of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America will display member cars at the show.

Among the events this year:

• Ladies’ night — Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., to benefit Rethreaded, a nonprofit agency that helps survivors of human trafficking. The evening will include wine tasting and live music. Tickets are available at 904 Tix.
• Whiskey, wine and wheels — 6 p.m. Friday, with bourbon and wine tastings and live music by the Vox Band. Entry requires upgrading to a VIP entry.
• Saturday Lifeguard Day — Active military and first responders will receive free admission with valid ID. College students also receive $5 off tickets with valid ID. Children’s choir performances are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music by the Chris James Band starting at 6 p.m.
• Sunday Education Day — The program includes a special Daytona 500 show and children’s choir performances from 1 to 4 p.m.
• children’s area, presented by The Y — The event will feature the Mini-Me Motor Club and face painting all four days.

Thursday’s show is from 3 to 9 p.m., then the hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 per adult, $9 for seniors, $8 for military and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free courtesy of VyStar Credit Union.

For more information and e-tickets, go to thejaxautoshow.com.