The New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo officially opened the 2019 New York International Automobile Show after arriving in a track-ready Roush Mustang. During the event, the Governor also honored US Marine veteran Corporal Olivier Bagley, who served and was wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom, with the donation of a 2019 Toyota RAV4; presented by Governor Cuomo and Greater New York Auto Dealers Association President Mark Schienberg along with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Actor and Comedian Tracy Morgan also added some of his signature swagger to the event, emerging from the driver's seat of a 2020 Nissan 370Z 50th anniversary edition, anchoring a parade of 15 of the hottest classic Nissan Zs ever produced. In addition the show also had an impressive lineup along 11th Avenue of 35 additional custom and classic Zs to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the vehicles launch.

On hand to entertain and excite the crowds were former the Voice contestant Staff Sgt. Jeremy Gaynor rocking with the perennial crowd favorite West Point Band as well as a show stopping solo performance from Broadway star Anna Eilinsfeld, from Pretty Woman The Musical.

During his presentation, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of an Automotive Technician Task Force to develop programs for training auto technicians and enable those participants to transition directly into the automotive industry.