Fast cars galore took center stage at the opening night of the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show.
As the American automotive industry continues to rebound, some attendees say they are Ford fans.
"We have caught up and we're producing top of the line automobiles for the American people," said Ray Bowman, a Ford dealer.
The foreign made vehicles caught a lot of eyes, especially a $225,000 Aston Martin.
However, it's the smarter, more fuel efficient Amreican vehicles that people like Alla Valente were looking for.
"We really believe in American products. We're looking to put as much money into our own economy as possible," said Valente.
Mayor Michael Nutter, who suited up for Friday night's gala, says that with innovation being used to build American brands, tough times for the automotive industry are in the rear view mirror.
"GM is now the number one auto maker in the world again and so it puts hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work," said Mayor Nutter. The chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show agrees.
"Chrysler and General Motors, during bankruptcy, they've accomplished more in 12 months than it would take most manufacturers two years to do," said Michael Chapman.
The show is not all about boosting sales in the auto industry. Proceeds from Friday night's kickoff will benefit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Valente's daughter Nicolette, is a patient at CHOP.
"It's a great way to donate money, support a really great cause and have the proceeds go exactly where you want them too," said Valente.
The 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and runs through Feb. 5.
