International Auto expo returns to Utah with changes for 2016

SM Headline: More cars are being test driven in Utah this weekend; keep reading to know why

This year’s International Auto Expo at the South Towne Exposition Center has more than 350 new 2016 model year cars on display that can now be test driven during the show.

Cars on display range from the turbocharged Ford Focus RS, to the supercharged Jaguar F type R.

The ultimate goal of the expo is “to provide an environment for people to see vehicles they are interested in, but be able to look at them in a non-sales environment, without worrying about making a purchase,” said Todd Hovsepian, the event director for the expo. “It generates revenue for Utah. They see cars they like, and some end up buying cars at their local dealers.”

"It’s nice to look at cars without being at a dealership” said Skyler Stratford, a local Utah resident. “We have been stopping at all of the displays, and we are really interested in the Dodge Dart.” Skyler said.

“It’s really a no-pressure situation," said Utah resident Dar Nelson. "Everything and every car manufacturer is here in one place.”

The display of cars at each vendor had a range of vehicles from small passenger cars, to full size pickups. The best-selling vehicles in Utah are the cars that come with an all-wheel drive option.

“People here like the all-wheel drive option that comes in the Tucson and Santa Fe. We have a lot of positive feedback on those models,” said Ashley Daniels, a representative for Hyundai.

Hyundai is not the only brand that has had increased all-wheel drive sales in Utah.

“The CR-V, the HR-V and the Pilot sell the best here, simply because they have all-wheel drive,” said Victor Bostrom, a representative for Honda.

The expo is located at 9575 State Street in Sandy and is open to the public from 10 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday.