Environment, Budget Focus Of Clean Air Car Showcase

By Shereen Oca
Staff Writer

Filling up the gas tank can be a hassle, and with gas prices continuing to rise, the task has become a costly burden.

This Saturday, people will have the opportunity to learn about the different environmentally and budget-friendly options car manufacturers have to offer at the Fourth Annual Clean Air Car Showcase. Visitors can explore, examine and test-drive fuel-efficient cars that feature the newest technologies from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Citadel Broadcasting Company’s TalkRadio 790 KABC started this event four years ago anticipating the current trend of going green, said Roxane Requio, manger of integrated marketing and promotions.

“We hope to educate the public on clean air, especially in California with all the traffic,” Requio said.

Past events have taken place in Santa Monica and Orange. This year, KABC worked with the Downtown Long Beach Associates, to bring the expo to the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, 95 S. Pine Ave. About 2,500 people visited the showcase last year, and organizers say they expect this weekend’s turnout to be the same.

Hybrids, concept cars, Partial zero-emissions vehicles (PZEV) and one electric car will be on display, including the Chrysler GEM (electric), Dodge Chrysler Jeep Zio (concept), Ford Focus (PZEV), Nissan Altima Hybrid, Subaru Outback (PZEV) and Toyota Prius Hybrid.

Each manufacturer will lend two of its cars for a “Ride ‘N Drive,” which Requio said may end up being this year’s highlight.

“It’s not a salesperson trying to sell you the car,” she added. “It’s the engineer and product specialist. It’s more comfortable.”

Those who wish take one of the cars for a spin around a pre-set course, which includes stretches of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach racecourse, must be at least 18 years old with a valid drivers license.

Event emcee will be KABC’s “Motorman” Leon Kaplan. He will be broadcasting live from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, the Air Quality Management District and Air Resources Board will set up booths to discuss and answer questions about air pollution.

For more information, call 436-4259 or visit www.downtownlongbeach.org.