While you can’t go car-shopping in auto dealers’ showrooms because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the showrooms will be brought to you on “The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers 2020 Virtual Auto Show,” 6:30 p.m. May 9, WFMZ-TV.

This feature program, a collaboration between WFMZ-TV and the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, was created to enable consumers to check out many of the new models in one place, filling the void left when the pandemic canceled the 23rd annual Lehigh Valley Auto Show, which was to have been presented by the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers, March 19, 20, 21 and 22, on the Lehigh University Goodman Campus, Saucon Valley.

The Lehigh Valley Auto Show will not be rescheduled this year, according to a May 5 press release from the Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association.

“The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers 2020 Virtual Auto Show” will be rebroadcast 6:30 p.m. May 16 and 7 p.m. May 18, WFMZ-TV, and at various times during May on MeTV, Heroes and Icons and Retro TV networks.

Following the WFMZ telecasts, “The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers 2020 Virtual Auto Show” will be available on www.wfmz.com so that consumers can watch all or parts of the show at their own pace and focus on certain makes, models or vehicle types.

“Our show is a buyer’s show. We present it annually to assist local consumers in gaining first-hand knowledge of the latest products on the market. We do this in a fun and no-pressure atmosphere so that attendees can compare and contrast different makes and models before visiting dealer showrooms,” said Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association President Sam Borelli.

“Under the current mandates, dealer showrooms are not open for in-person visits, so the virtual show provides another way customers can view the newest models available,” Borelli said.

“All of our member dealers offer online sales and are available to answer buyer questions and to make sales and financing as convenient as possible given the current situation,” said Borelli.

The Lehigh Valley Auto Show is the association’s biggest fundraiser with proceeds going to nonprofit organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley region.

“This was the most difficult aspect of the decision to cancel the show as it generates so much in charitable donations,” said Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association Executive Director Tom Kwiatek.

“In addition, our auto show gala raises at least $25,000 for one organization. This year’s recipient was to have been Good Shepherd Pediatrics,” Kwiatek said.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association website, www.glvada.org, will have links to dealer websites to make it easier to check out the availability and price of vehicle makes and models.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association, founded in 1998, includes 63 new car franchised dealers responsible for 6,370 jobs, with a combined annual payroll of more than $390 million (according to the 2018 Automotive Industry Economic Impact Study prepared by Auto Outlook, Inc.).

The association produces several major events each year, including its signature event, the annual Lehigh Valley Auto Show. The association and its member dealers are active in the community, supporting area nonprofit organizations and programs that recognize and educate local automotive technology students.

The association’s goal is to help consumers get the most from their experiences with the group’s member dealerships in addition to doing its part to help the communities where its members live and work.

Information: www.glvada.org