The Chicago Auto Show

The first "official" Chicago Auto Show was held March 23-30 1901, at the Coliseum, which was located on Wabash Ave. and 16th street.

To the right is a picture of their ad placed in the Chicago Tribune newspaper entertainment section.

The statement at the bottom of the ad reads: "Vehicles always running on the track for the use of visitors. Motors and accessories."

Samuel Miles, considered the "Father of the modern auto show."   served as the show manager from 1901-1932.

The track inside the Coliseum was 20 feet wide and looped the exhibits of the Auto Show.

This attraction helped to dispel public apprehensions and illustrated that motor vehicles were safe and easy to handle.

  Today, the Chicago Auto Show         resides at the Chicago McCormick     Place, Lake Shore Drive at 23rd         Street.

  The 2008 Chicago Auto Show will be   the 100th edition, giving the             Chicago Auto Show the distinction     of being the first auto show to           reach 100 editions.

  Manufacturers from around the         world consider the Chicago Auto         Show as North America's most           significant consumer exposition.

CHICAGO AUTOMOBILE TRADE ASSOCIATION Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. 

The CATA is comprised of more than 700 franchised new car dealers and allied members, employing 56,000 people in the metropolitan area.

CATA dealerships contribute to the state, county and city tax base with gross receipts of $16.5 billion in new car sales alone; $26 billion in new, used, parts and service. The extended impact of tax base contribution through CATA dealership employees make this group one of the largest tax constituencies in the city and state.

The CATA's mission is to promote and maintain honesty and dependability; employ truth and accuracy in dealer advertising; strive to constantly improve business methods and ethics; and maintain fair competition to serve both dealer and customer.

While the Chicago Auto Show was first staged in 1901, the CATA has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935.