Cruising Through Bureau County: A Celebration of Automotive Passion

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, Bureau County comes alive with a series of captivating car shows that draw enthusiasts from near and far. From the quaint streets of Walnut to the vibrant community of DePue, and the historic Soldiers and Sailors Park in Princeton, these events offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of automotive history and culture.

Revving Up for a Memorable Season of Car Shows

Walnut Fall Fest Car Show: A Showcase of Classics, Rats, and Muscle

The Walnut Fall Fest Car Show is a highly anticipated event that takes place on Saturday, October 5th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of downtown Walnut. This open-invitation show welcomes all makes and models, from timeless classics to the rugged charm of rat rods and the raw power of muscle cars. With a $10 entry fee, participants can look forward to an array of door prizes, dash plaques, and the thrill of a 50-50 raffle. Proceeds from the event will benefit the W.C.C.B Hot Rod Camp, a program that nurtures the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

Cruise Night in DePue: A Celebration of Automotive Camaraderie

On Thursday, October 10th, from 5 to 8 p.m., the DePue Village Parking lot next to Casey's will come alive with the Cruise Night in DePue event, sponsored by the Silver Dome. This lively gathering promises an evening filled with trophies, a captivating car parade, delectable food, and the energizing beats of live music. The rain date for this event is set for Thursday, October 17th, ensuring that the festivities can continue regardless of the weather.

Illinois Valley Toy Run: A Heartwarming Blend of Charity and Automotive Passion

The 20th annual Illinois Valley Toy Run, scheduled for Sunday, October 13th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will take place at the Soldiers and Sailors Park on South Main Street in Princeton. This event offers a unique twist, as the entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl of any age. Attendees can look forward to the presence of an authentic replica of the iconic Starsky and Hutch Car, as well as other Hollywood-inspired vehicles. The day will be filled with door prizes, a 50-50 drawing, and the lively tunes of the AMC Sound DJ Service. Additionally, participants can embark on a 40-mile round-trip countryside cruise, which promises a different route each year, allowing them to explore the scenic beauty of the region.Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the timeless allure of automotive craftsmanship, these car shows in Bureau County offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of automotive passion, community, and charitable giving. From the gleaming chrome of classic cars to the rugged charm of rat rods, each event promises to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.

Stellantis Showcases Electrified Future at Paris Motor Show 2024

Stellantis, the global automotive powerhouse, has announced its participation in the 90th edition of the Mondial de l'Auto / Paris Motor Show 2024, set to take place from October 14 to 20, 2024. The company will spotlight three of its iconic brands - Citroën, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo - as well as the debut of the Chinese brand, Leapmotor, at the prestigious event.

Redefining the Electric Vehicle Landscape with Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation

Peugeot: Electrifying the Future with Efficiency and Driving Pleasure

Peugeot will present its comprehensive 100% electric range, the widest of any European mainstream carmaker, showcasing its commitment to technological innovation and enhancing driving pleasure. The all-new Peugeot E-408 will make its world premiere, completing the brand's lineup of twelve 100% electric vehicles, including nine passenger cars and three commercial vehicles, which are among the most efficient in the market. Visitors will also be able to experience the Long Range versions of the E-3008 and E-5008 fastback SUVs, which offer up to 700 and 668 km of range respectively, the best in their segment. Inside the Peugeot booth, the brand will unveil two major technological innovations: the INCEPTION concept and the revolutionary HYPERSQUARE steering wheel, accompanied by a unique simulator. Throughout the event, Peugeot will offer a wide range of engaging activities, putting visitors at the heart of its world. Additionally, Peugeot will have a test-drive center for its entire range set up at La Seine Musicale in Boulogne Billancourt.

Citroën: Affordable Electric Mobility for European Customers

Citroën will present a fully renewed lineup with three world premieres in Europe's key segment. Committed to providing affordable electric mobility to European customers, the C3 and C3 Aircross will be displayed for the first time and made accessible to the public. As the pioneer of micromobility with the Ami, Citroën's booth will feature an Ami Tower to celebrate four years of success in France and many European markets. The Citroën Studio, in partnership with YouTube, will host visitors and conduct interviews and podcasts with experts, thought leaders, and journalists.

Alfa Romeo: Celebrating Iconic Design and Performance

Alfa Romeo will return to the Paris Motor Show, showcasing its full lineup, including the national premiere of the new Junior VELOCE 280CV, the sportiest version of the range, and the global preview of its IBRIDA version. Visitors will also witness the global preview of the 2025 model year Tonale, showcased with new features for the first time, and the iconic 33 Stradale Fuoriserie, produced in only 33 units. Additionally, the Giulia Quadrifoglio SuperSport, a limited edition that celebrates Alfa Romeo's sporting history with a bold reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio logo in black, will be on display.

Leapmotor: Bringing Advanced Electric Mobility Solutions to Europe

Leapmotor, the Chinese brand, will present its tech-centric and affordable electric mobility solutions at the Paris Motor Show. Leapmotor's Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Zhu Jiangming, together with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, will unveil the all-new B10, a C-segment SUV, expanding Leapmotor's product line-up in Europe's core segment through this unique partnership. This highly anticipated model is the first global model based on Leapmotor's new B platform, marking a significant step in the brand's strategic growth in the region by bringing its advanced technology to an even broader audience. Leapmotor will also showcase the C10, a fully equipped, family-oriented D-segment electric SUV, and the Leapmotor T03, a compact A-segment urban EV with B-segment interior space. The Leapmotor C10, built on the LEAP3.0 technology architecture, features central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and a flagship intelligent cockpit.Leapmotor International, a Stellantis-led joint venture, is launching operations in Europe now with the T03 and C10 models through 350 points of sales globally by the end of the year. The company is focused on redefining the electric vehicle landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Stellantis' Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares will deliver a keynote address during the Paris Automotive Summit on October 15, highlighting the company's strategic vision and commitment to sustainable mobility. Stellantis' diverse portfolio of 14 automotive brands, plus its new Chinese brand, Leapmotor, ensures that there is a vehicle for every type of driver, from the urban commuter with quadracycles like the Citroën Ami to the luxury seeker with Maserati and the adventure enthusiast with Jeep® and Ram.Stellantis is executing a multi-energy strategy across its products, platforms, manufacturing, and supply chain, enabling the company to adopt a wide variety of electrification adoption scenarios with a range of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell offerings. Through the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis is leading the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe, and affordable mobility solutions.The company is investing more than €50 billion over the decade in electrification to deliver on the targets of reaching a 100% passenger car BEV sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. To achieve these sales targets, Stellantis is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity, including support from battery manufacturing plants in North America and Europe. The company is on track to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, with all scopes included and single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.