October 29, 1998 – Disney and Chevron Announce Partnership for Autopia Attraction
“Autopia is a simple and magical experience that allows both children and adults to get behind the wheel of a car, some of them for the very first time, and go for a cruise along the highways of Tomorrowland.” – Disneyland President Paul Pressler
On October 29, 1998, the Disneyland Resort and Chevron announced a 13-year partnership, with Chevron sponsoring the park’s Autopia attraction. As part of the agreement, Chevron was to update and improve the original attraction; they announced tentative plans at the announcement of pre-show entertainment area, combination of the Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Autopia roadways, and new designs for the cars. Chevron would work with Disneyland Imagineers to give the ride a 21st century loo to it, taking cues from Tomorrowland for its sleek new design. Autopia originally opened on July 17, 1955, with Richfield sponsoring it from opening to 1970. Chevron’s sponsorship lasted until 2012; Honda would take over sponsorship in 2016.
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