GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO OPENS NATION'S OLDEST AND MOST-VISITED AUTO SHOW
Reflecting the diversity of the new car industry and the state he represents, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo officially kicked-off the 117th New York Auto Show with a burn out in a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon before leading a 10-car electric vehicle parade to promote the State's new $70 million commitment to eco-friendly cars. In his remarks, the Governor recalled attending the event as a kid with his father and fellow Governor Mario Cuomo, calling the Show a, "New York institution."
"This year's auto show features dozens of electric cars available in New York State." -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo
"By showcasing the industry's best new cars and trucks and state-of-the-art designs all under one roof, this event keeps visitors and car enthusiasts coming back year after year. I am pleased to help kick-off this year's Auto Show, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to take advantage of this can't-miss event," said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association which operates the New York Auto Show.
"It's fast, fast, fast..a testament to American ingenuity." -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Also on opening day, Governor Cuomo presented the keys to a brand new Toyota RAV4, donated by Toyota, to an American soldier who lost part of his right leg when he stepped on a improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Sgt. Joe Mille (below), 25, who originally is from Sitka, Alaska, but now lives in upstate New York, received a Purple Heart for his bravery. "I haven't been able to drive the regular way since I lost my leg below the knee in the 2012 explosion," said Mille. The vehicle was modified, also as a donation, by Bussani Mobility.
Sgt. Joe Mille and wife Katelyn with their new modified Toyota RAV4
More than one million visitors are expected to attend the ten-day event. The Show features nearly one thousand of the world's latest automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and concept cars at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manahattan.
