One thing 2021 Ponte Vedra Auto Show promoter Justin Felker hopes is that people attending realize that car lovers are not all the same.
There are many cases where certain people enjoy one type of vehicle more than another, and he wants the auto show to reflect that variety that exists.
To help accomplish that he has added a new Bronco vs. Jeep category that will be judged at this year’s event.
The category will showcase Ford Broncos and various Jeeps, in a move to create interest for those who are passionate about off-road and sport utility vehicles.
“Off-roading in general is becoming a big thing, so we thought it would be pretty exciting,” Felker said. “People are pulling them out of barns and restoring them. Everything from the World War II versions to the 80s.”
It also highlights the decades-old rivalry that the two manufacturers have had when it comes to that class of vehicle.
“There are some really neat Jeeps and Broncos that are going to be coming,” Felker said.
Creating new categories is something Felker likes to do because it keeps the event fresh and gives attendees something new to focus on each year.
It also helps that passion for the Bronco has been rekindled with Ford re-introducing the brand with its 2021 model, which ended a 25-year hiatus.
“The Bronco and the Bronco Sport are big sellers, and the Jeep has always been a big seller,” Felker said. “They are really competing with each other for sales, and they are both at the top of their game right now.”
According to Felker, the region of Northeast Florida has a huge car culture.
“There’s all types of cars in this area, so we definitely don’t want to get stuck on one class of cars,” Felker said. “What makes it fun is to feature something totally different each year.”
His hope for the show is that every person there can find a vehicle they can connect with.
That means spanning the generations, so that a grandfather and grandson can both see and get up close to their dream cars.
