• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, April 1, 2024

NEW YORK -- While naysayers like to say that auto shows are dead, I’m here to argue that they are exactly what they need to be for the current auto shopper.

The media (aka folks like me) like to grumble that there isn't as much “news” (aka reveals) at the shows. But the media days last week offered plenty of news. More important, the consumer show is chock full of educational experiences about new technology, including electric vehicles. 

Before the official media day on the show floor, Genesis unveiled several concept vehicles at its nearby Genesis House. The GV60 Magma Concept, G80 Magma Special, X Gran Berlinetta Concept, and Neolun Concept are now on display alongside other Genesis production models at the show, which runs through April 7 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

Sporting a bold new shape, Nissan today showed off the all-new 2025 Kicks in Brooklyn, at the opening rounds of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center. The new model moved to Javits after the unveiling. 

Kia offered the world debut of its new compact sedan, called the Kia K4. Inspired by Kia’s "Opposites United" design philosophy, and in particular the "Power to Progress" pillar, the exterior symbolizes Kia’s determination to create the most aesthetically advanced mobility solutions.

Hyundai celebrated the North American debut of the redesigned 2025 Tucson and the world debut of the enhanced 2025 Santa Cruz at the show. The updated 2025 Tucson offers a more commanding appearance, updated lighting signatures, new alloy wheels and a redesigned interior. Santa Cruz offers an even more rugged exterior redesign along with a reimagined cabin.

Another significant reveal came from Porsche North America. Ten years after its launch, the Porsche Macan is heading into its second model generation, now in all-electric form.  With powertrains capable of delivering up to 470 kW (630 hp) on any terrain and a high level of day-to-day usability, the new Macan EV’s sports-car-like performance figures are matched by its fast-charging capacity of up to 270 kW.

Other notable new vehicles include the Ford Mustang GTD, Infiniti QX80, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Karma Kaveye, Lotus Emira and Polestar 4.

Camp Jeep and the Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo return to the auto show circuit offering rides over an outdoor obstacle course. Meanwhile, an indoor EV test track includes Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Lexus, Lucid, Nissan and Volkswagen.