PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh International Auto Show shifted into gear Thursday as hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles packed the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Representatives from more than 35 domestic and foreign manufacturers displayed the latest in automobile technology, including increasingly popular hybrid cars with engines that run on both gas and electricity.

Gregory Scott, a marketing manager with Ford, showcased a new hybrid car that can accelerate to nearly 50 mph on electricity before consuming any gas. The Ford Fusion, he said, also offers one of the best miles-per-gallon ratios and is extremely fuel efficient.

Cathy Glasgow, president of Butler County Ford of Butler, plans on receiving Fusions later this year.

She offered an optimistic opinion for the automobile market despite the economic downturn. She has faith in the new line of car models and praised the auto show as a "wonderful event" to kick off the new auto season.

"This time of year, tax refunds start coming back, spring is in the air and people get excited," she said.

Mick Wolcott, chairman of the auto show and president of two Chrysler and Jeep dealerships in Pittsburgh, said the event is a good way to jump-start the spring selling season.

He said the auto show will provide a spark for consumer spending even though it only runs for four days this year instead of nine days as in years past. He attributed the shorter time to scheduling conflicts with the convention center.

Wolcott said the auto show attracts so many people because it's a consolidated, nonselling event. Visitors are free to roam dozens of car exhibits without the pressure to buy.

"It's a wonderful advantage for a customer looking to buy a car," he said. "They're not bothered by salespeople, and they don't have to drive to seven or eight different dealerships to find what they're looking for. It's a fantastic event."

Wolcott added the car show offers more than just the newest designs and models. There are displays that include a miniature racetrack for children, a replica of a NASCAR vehicle and a bomb squad car used by a SWAT team, among other attractions.

Auto dealers in the Butler County area attending the event's opening remained optimistic this year's selling season won't imitate the faltering economy.

Gregg Semel, general manager of Billco Motors in Wexford, said he's glad the auto show is scheduled for a time of the year when auto sales typically decline.

He complimented the spacey and modern convention center as the perfect venue to showcase the hundreds of new models and designs for curious customers.

"Automobile dealers in Western Pennsylvania rely on the February auto show for a winter boost," he said. "The show is exciting for both buyers and sellers to share this fantastic facility and see what all the excitement is about."

Semel said he's anticipating the showing of the new Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, a fuel efficient, environmentally friendly car that gets about 50 miles per gallon during city driving.

Dennis Baglier of the Baglier Buick-GMC Mazda in Butler talked about the newest model of the GMC Sierra hybrid truck. The truck, which has the best fuel economy in its class, lets drivers run the engine on electricity and gas during low speeds while a V8 engine kicks in for highway driving.

Baglier said the car show provides unprecedented access for customers to peruse every new vehicle option this year.

"People like to see all the different cars here," he said. "It makes them think about possibly starting the shopping process."

Denise Brennan, executive vice president of the auto show's sponsor, the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, agreed with Baglier, saying the open climate of the auto show brings in thousands of potential buyers.

Visitors are free to jump in to most vehicles, she said, to get a feel for the interior design and gadgetry. Representatives from dozens of car companies also are available for visitors' questions.

Brennan praised the event for the exposure it gives to local dealerships but added that it's more than just shiny cars and impressive gadgets.

"There's something for everybody," she said. "The focus is on cars, but there're a number of interactive activities for the entire family."

The auto show runs until Sunday. Admission is $10 while members of the military and seniors can buy a ticket for $7. Children under 12 are granted free admission.