KENT LaCroix, chairman of the new-car dealership umbrella group — the Automobile Dealers Association (ADA) — said the plans for this year’s auto show are steadily progressing.

The show, which affords new-car dealers an opportunity to showcase their newest and latest stock, is scheduled for the weekend of March 23 to 25 at the National Arena in St Andrew.

“Everything is progressing nicely,” LaCroix told Auto. “And all the dealers are on board.”

The chairman, who was elected in July for an eighth straight term at the ADA’s helm, said he was encouraged by the speed at which things were progressing.

“The mezzanine floor of the National Arena has been already sold out,” he said.

He also revealed the price tag of the event’s staging.

“It should cost about $20 to $25 million,” he said.

The chairman had previously indicated that the auto show would be “exquisite in its presentation” with a “high-tech interior”.

He said this year’s staging of the show should be a treat for automobile lovers.

“There’ll be some dealers that will be showcasing some new products but they’ll keep that a secret until the show,” he said.

The annual auto show, which started in the 1960s, was not held for the last three consecutive years.

In 2009, the downturn in global sales due to the worldwide recession led to its cancellation. The year after — since not many vehicles were sold the previous year — the event was scrapped because of the high costs involved. According to the chairman, the event would have cost the group between $15 and $20 million to mount. And last year, the tsunami and earthquake in Japan shattered all hopes of staging the event.

“This year’s staging will be a memorable one,” LaCroix added.

At present, there are 18 members in the ADA.