The Lehigh Valley Auto Show has a new Driver.

Driver, the mascot, will greet attendees at the 2026 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, March 18 - March 22, Goodman Campus, Lehigh University, Saucon Valley, Bethlehem.

Driver, a costumed character, isn’t all that’s new at the show, presented by the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association.

There’s a new location for the show’s gala,

The theme for the auto show is “Accelerating Excellence.”

“This year, we’re showcasing more than vehicles, we’re showcasing progress,” Dan Moyer, Executive Director, Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association (GLVADA), said at the Feb. 17 press conference in Stabler Arena.

“Economic progress, technological progress and the incredible momentum of the Lehigh Valley, “ Moyer continued. “The vehicles you see today represent the future of the auto industry.”

Headlining the 2025 auto show are SUVs and crossovers, reflecting national trends as the segment represents nearly 80 percent of vehicles on the road, Moyer noted.

“The vehicles you see here today are cleaner and smarter,” Moyer said at the press conference to a reporter for Lehigh Valley Press.

“Our commitment to innovation has never been stronger,” Moyer added.

“All of the dealers will be represented,” said Moyer of the auto show.

Attendees can compare models side-by-side in various categories, including electric vehicles, hybrid SUVs, performance models and advanced driver-assist technologies.

At the press conference were several vehicles from Lehigh Valley auto dealers:

• Acura SH-AWD MDX, Lehigh Valley Acura

• Audi Q5 Quattro, Ciocca Audi

• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray LT1 in Roswell Green, Outten Chevrolet

• Mercedes-AMG E53, Mercedes-Benz of Lehigh Valley

• Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Porsche Lehigh Valley

• Subaru Outback Limited XT, Faulkner Subaru

New Gala

At the press conference, it was announced that the inaugural “Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala,” is 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 21, Wind Creek Bethlehem.

The gala is intended to bring together community leaders, nonprofit partners and supporters for an evening of dining, entertainment and philanthropy. GLVADA will award more than $70,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Proceeds from the gala support charitable outreach, auto industry career exploration and youth education programs through the Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Foundation.

Introduced at the press conference was GLVADA’s mascot, Driver, a costumed character based on a Bernese Mountain Dog and sponsored by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. Driver will be a community ambassador at the auto show and future events.

At the press conference, Kendra Scott announced a 20 percent give-back initiative supporting the foundation, and Whoodle Works introduced a hands-on Paint Station to support youth education programming. The Boys & Girls Club of Allentown will participate.

Since 1996, GLVADA and its charitable programs have donated more than $1.9 million to local nonprofits and youth-serving organizations, an average of $150,000 per year.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association is a coalition of 44 new-car dealers with 75 franchises dedicated to promoting automotive excellence and strengthening the communities they serve.

Show highlights

Highlights of the 2026 auto show include:

• Expanded SUV, electric and hybrid vehicle showcases, highlighting the progression of technological advancements in the automotive industry.

• “Shiftn2Gear Tuner Show,” featuring a lineup of custom-tuned and modified cars.

• Driver, GLVADA’s new Bernese Mountain Dog mascot, sponsored by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union

• Kendra Scott jewelry activation and fundraiser

• Classic car club displays, including Thunderbird Club, March 20, Corvette Club, March 21, and Mustang Club, March 22

• Singer-songwriter Kendal Conrad returns to perform the National Anthem at the “Cars & Kids Gala”

• Daily tasting events, where attendees can enjoy local libations

• “Marketplace Marvel,” shopping featuring local businesses and one-of-a-kind finds

• Scouting America, Pine Wood Derby races

• Appearances March 22 by Miss Pennsylvania, 11 a.m. -1 p.m., and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Noon - 2 p.m.

Show schedule

2026 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, Murray H. Goodman Campus, Lehigh University:

• March 18: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• March 19: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• March 20: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• March 21: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• March 21: “Shiftin2Gear Tuner Car Show,” 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Parking Pavilion

• March 21: “Cars & Kids, Because We CARe Community Gala,” 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Wind Creek Bethlehem

• March 22: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Club events

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• March 20: Thunderbird Club

• March 21: Corvette Club

• March 22: Mustang Club

Admission

• Adults: $10

• Seniors (55+): $8

• Children (6-14): $8

• Children 5 and under: Free

• Veterans, Military personnel & First Responders: Free with ID, March 18, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tickets are valid for any single day (Thursday–Sunday) and can be purchased online: lehighvalleyautoshow.org or at the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Office.

Tickets for Auto Show, Cars & Kids Gala, and more: lehighvalleyautoshow.org.

Parking

Free parking available throughout the event at Lehigh University, Goodman Campus.

Information, sponsorship inquiries, silent auction donations:

lehighvalleyautoshow.org, or contact Dan Moyer, 610-972-5496, dmoyer2@ptd.net