Dealers Link 2013A:Layout 1
11/27/13
11:54 AM
Page 1
DECEMBER 2013
AUTO SHOW CLOSES SUCCESSFUL 10-DAY RUN The 43rd annual Miami International Auto Show ended its 10-day run on Sunday, November 17 with an 8 percent increase in paid attendance from the previous year. Considered among America’s top five Auto Shows, the Miami show presented several hundred new cars, crossovers and SUV’s from more than 40 major manufacturers. “The response from attendees to the new autos and exhibits was overwhelmingly positive,” said Richard Baker, show manager. “The auto manufacturers really stepped up their displays this year with many interactive activities to both engage our customers and entertain them.” Numerous manufacturers including Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Scion, Mazda and Toyota participated in Ride & Drive events that put attendees behind the wheel for a spin around the streets of Miami Beach. The popular Camp Jeep exhibit celebrated its 1-millionth visitor during the show and offered cup cakes to those waiting to test ride the unique, interactive, off-road experience. Two exhibits which debuted last year have quickly become crowd favorites. Havana Classics featured 12 autos reminiscent of Cuba of yesteryear including a 1936 Ford Cabriolet originally owned by Academy Award actress Katharine Hepburn and Topless in Miami showcased convertible versions of the Porsche 911 4S Carrera Cabriolet, Chrysler 200, Fiat Abarth, and Nissan 370 Z, to name a few. Show organizers engaged in live conversations throughout each day of the show – tweeting about what and who to check out next while displaying Instagram feeds of show-goers’ favorite vehicles. Making special
appearances at this year’s show were former Miami Heat star Tim Hardaway and NASCAR’s Kenny Wallace. The social media campaign also gave way to a daily People’s Choice Award, honoring the vehicle with the most mentions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram each day. Among the winners were the 2014 Maserati Ghibli sedan, Lamborghini Aventador and Corvette Stingray. “We’re seeing firsthand the incredible impact social media is having on the auto industry,” said Cliff Ray, show coordinator. “Our show is capturing a youthful, enthusiastic new audience of car buyers looking for entertainment. And we’re happy to provide it with our new exhibits and contests.” Additionally, showgoers had the opportunity to enter a drawing to win this year’s give-away car, a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro LT. Opening day press conferences were highlighted by the national auto show debut of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade SUV. Other manufacturers making announcements at the Miami show included Nissan, Jeep, Ram, Maserati, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and Aston Martin. Press day also saw the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) present its annual awards. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette was recognized as “Star of the Show,” Land Rover Range Rover Sport as Best Utility Vehicle of the Show and the all-new Cadillac ELR as the Green Technology Vehicle of the Show. Ford’s performance simulator was recognized as the Best Interactive Display by a manufacturer. The 44th edition of the Miami International Auto Show will be held November 7-16, 2014.
Dealers Link 2013A:Layout 1
11/27/13
11:49 AM
Page 2
OFFICIAL SHOW CAR: CORVETTE STINGRAY It is over 60 years old and moving into its seventh generation, but, like fine wine, quality cheese, and Sophia Loren, the Chevrolet Corvette just gets better with age. Chevy gave the iconic American sports car a complete makeover for 2014, and our show attendees saw the result for themselves. “It was a treat for our attendees to be greeted upon arrival by the Corvette,” said Cliff Ray, show coordinator. “The cameras came out immediately and the Show Car helped set the tone for a great auto show experience.” With a new 6.2-liter V8 engine, the 2014 model is the most powerful standard Corvette ever with 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque delivered to the rear wheels through either an all-new seven-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. With EPA ratings of 17 miles-per-gallon city and 29 highway, Chevy claims this as the most efficient sports car on the market.
“We didn’t set out to build a Stingray,” says John Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet Performance Cars Marketing Manager. “We set out to build the greatest Corvette we could. It wasn’t until we got done with that that we said, ‘You know, this really does remind everybody of the ’63, in terms of not only in the look of the car but how the car feels and how it reacts.”
Mario Murgado, auto show chairman, presents a check for $15,000 to Ronald McDonald as Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida and house residents look on. This year’s donation brings the total during the years to nearly $300,000. Ronald McDonald House® (RMH) is a temporary "home-away from home®" for families to find rest, support and time away from realities of the hospital procedures and routines. The Miami House opened its doors in 1981 and is located on the campus of the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital.
MAKE WAY FOR THE UPCOMING FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Buckle up and get ready to head out to Broward County’s car event of the year at the 23rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show from March 20 - 23 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show, managed by the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, will exhibit the latest design and technology the auto industry has to offer. Hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles will fill over 200,000 square feet of display space. Viewers will have the opportunity to admire, inspect and experience vehicles first hand. Product specialists will also be on the floor to answer questions about the vehicles. Benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, the auto show is considered one of the charity’s
top fundraising events, and has raised in excess of $4 million for the organization since its inception in 1991. “Each year we look forward to bringing this incredible event to Ft. Lauderdale,” said Rick Baker, SFADA president. “We hope to continue to increase attendance, which benefits not only the Boys and Girls Clubs but our local dealers as well.”