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Pittsburgh International Auto Show

• When: Through April 21, 2008
• Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

PG VIDEO

PG auto writer Don Hammonds takes you on a tour of the auto show.

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It's on!

The Pittsburgh International Auto Show tomorrow through Monday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Downtown is chock full of all things automotive for the car lover in you.

Every auto show is unique because of what's going on in the world in general and what's happening in the auto industry and the economy in particular. Then there's the wildly fluctuating issue of "what's hot, what's new" in the auto industry.

This year, the word is green. That applies both to the green of the environmental movement and the green of those disappearing dollar bills in your pocket. Both are big concerns this year, so you can expect to see lots of environmentally friendly cars and trucks on display, including a good number of hybrids.

And of course, with high gas prices, this year's show should have a big emphasis on fuel- efficient vehicles.

The good news is that you won't have to sacrifice comfort, luxury, performance or style if you choose a gas saver or an environmentally conscious set of wheels. The auto industry has long since learned that people aren't usually in a mood to "do without" just because they are doing the "right thing."

But there will still be plenty of time to dream and fantasize, too, at the show. Plenty of luxury cars and sports cars will be on display to catch your fancy-- in fact, more than ever before. Even if you aren't in the market and just want to have some fun, you'll enjoy this show.

Pittsburgh's show is becoming increasingly important to the auto industry. There was a time, not very long ago, when Pittsburgh didn't get the latest in concept cars or production cars. We always seemed to lag behind a year or so. Not any more.

The very latest concept cars that were on display earlier this year in Detroit will be here. And the very newest production models -- including a premiere or two -- will also be on hand.

For entertainment, look for clowns, a NASCAR simulator, M-4 simulator, Team Ethanol/Rahal Letterman Race Car and the Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum.

Show hours are from 4 to 10 p.m. tomorrow ; from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday. General admission tickets are $10; $7 for seniors 60 and older and for military in uniform; and free for children 12 and under. The show runs through April 21.

• Recommended PG-tested driving machines

• One eye on gas prices and one eye on fuel-efficient vehicles