New-car fever is putting money into buyers' pockets this year at the Twin Cities Auto Show.
Amid heightened interest in new cars and trucks, two car companies are offering $50 gift cards to people who register with a salesperson at the show and agree to test drive a vehicle at a local dealership.
Weekend attendance at the show in the Minneapolis Convention Center increased 5 percent over last year's first weekend, said Scott Lambert, president of the Greater Metropolitan Automobile Dealers Association of Minnesota. The show continues through Sunday.
Ford/Lincoln and Chevrolet offered the best show incentives to potential customers who later visit a local dealer. Ford is offering a $50 MasterCard gift card and Chevy is offered a $50 gift card to Target, Best Buy, Lowe's, Amazon or Dick's Sporting Goods. The cards are mailed two to four weeks after the test drive.
Admission to the show is $10, but attendees can easily find discounts on tickets outside the Convention Center and at the gate.
On Saturday and Sunday, anyone who wants a free booster-seat safety check can drive up directly outside the Convention Center on Grant Street. One free ticket to the auto show is offered to those who take part. Tickets are $2 off for those who buy online or print a coupon at www.twin citiesautoshow.com.
Those bringing a nonperishable food item also receive $2 off admission Friday through Sunday.
Besides the promos, this year's show offers a number of new attractions. In addition to the 450 new models on display, a sprawling Camp Jeep obstacle course ride, a rock climbing tower and a Jeep kids track were popular Saturday and Sunday.