Curious car buyers check out dozens of cars at the Central California Auto Show

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Car-lovers and curious shoppers can head to the Central California Auto Show in Downtown Fresno this weekend.

Bob and Emilia Torres made the trip from Merced Friday morning to sit behind the wheel of dozens of new cars on display at the show. The couple is shopping around for a new Chevy-- a car for her and a truck for him. "Always looking for something new, see what's available, basically what we could afford," said Torres.

More people like the Torres' can afford a new car these days as the economy recovers. "Right now we are definitely seeing an uptick in people spending some money," said Scott Biehl, President of the Fresno-Clovis New Car Dealers Association.

It's been a good year in general for the auto industry, with low-interest rates and sales on pace to break records. Biehl said this time of year is one of the best times to buy. "November, December, a lot of incentives out there, year-end incentives which benefit the customer. We have lots of inventory this time of year. It's a great time to shop."

Many consumers who haven't bought in years are buying again. "Little things are going wrong, they keep going wrong, so it's time to update and upgrade," said Debby Rickey, Hanford.

She has plenty to choose from as the event features the newest trucks, crossovers, hybrids, and cars. Including Motortrend's car of the year the 2016 Chevy Camaro.

The auto show runs through Sunday and admission is free.