Auto Expo displays latest technology


7 photos
Save Story
Leer en espaƱol

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SANDY -- The Utah International Auto Expo is back.

The 4-day show opened Friday and was crowded all day.

Auto dealer owners have often said that Americans have been driving their cars and trucks longer than they used to before buying something new. Big crowds at the auto show are an indication that people are interested in seeing what's out there.

And there is plenty to entice you.

A Ford Escape SUV, for instance. Say you're carrying a heavy sack of groceries from the store, and your keys are in your pocket or purse.

"You simply approach the vehicle, and as you do, there's a sensor under the back bumper, and the vehicle will open for you," said Conn Famuliner, of Ford Motor Co.

Once your groceries or the dog is in the back, the motion sensor closes the back hatch.

The vehicle also has a push-button ignition; keys are almost becoming obsolete.

Utah International Auto Expo
Jan. 13-Jan. 16, South Towne Expo Center 9575 South State Street Sandy, UT 84070 801-565-4400

Also at the show was the inaugural offering by a company called Fisker.

A high performance electric car, it plugs in, but is also powered by the sunroof.

"That solar panel, as the sun hits it, regenerates the batteries, as well," said Sharif Hadley, the owner of the car.

But the vehicle that's turning the most heads and causing people to pull out their cameras is a Toyota Tundra, the ultimate tailgating party truck.

"It adjusts back and forth," said Phil Willcox of Toyota Motor Co. "We have a gas grill, and your flat screen monitor. It's actually decorated with sterling silver, as well."

The truck is not for sale, but if someone were interested, it would cost more than $100,000.

Photos

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah
Keith McCord

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast