NOVEMBER 2023
Hyundai IONIQ 6
The 2023 Miami International Auto Show, which recently ended its successful 10-day show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, reported an increase in attendance of more than 18% from the previous year’s show. The 2024 Nissan Z NISMO made its global auto show debut while the 2024 Hyundai Elantra and 2024 Sonata both held their North American auto show debuts in Miami. Other new vehicles showcased included the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Coupe, 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, and 2024 Jeep Wrangler. “We were thrilled to have hosted exciting vehicle debuts from Nissan, Hyundai, and others at this year’s show,” said Debra Koebel, auto show manager. “Our show provides an excellent opportunity for consumers to view the newest autos and technologies in the industry.” Two popular indoor EV tracks introduced South Floridians to the newest electric vehicles on the market. Show attendees were treated to rides in EVs from such manufacturers as Volkswagen, Ford, Cadillac, GMC, Nissan, Polestar, and Rivian. Among the popular vehicles on the track were the Cadillac Lyriq, Nissan Ariya, GMC Hummer EV, Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach E, and Ford’s F-150 Lightning. Hyundai also presented its indoor EV Track, “It’s Your Journey Course” offering rides in the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. Hyundai’s IONIQ 6 was named the Official Show Car of this year’s Auto Show.
The Antique Automobile Club of America’s South Florida Region once again presented the Memory Lane exhibit which featured nearly 40 autos including a 1928 Ford Model A along with a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, and a 1959 Mercedes 190SL. The Auto Show was able to bridge the worlds of automotive excellence and artistic ingenuity with a first-time exhibit that highlighted the creativity within the automotive industry. World-renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto partnered with Metro Wrapz to showcase a one-of-a-kind design of a Bentley Continental GTC that was provided courtesy of Braman Motors Miami. Also new this year was an exhibition of 12 eye-catching BMWs presented by the members of ”954 Bimmer Club.” Chevrolet hosted Ride & Drives just outside the entrance to the show encouraging attendees to get behind the wheel and take a drive in their new vehicles. Weekends featured impressive displays of vehicles presented by local Jeep, Volkswagen, Mustang, Corvette, and Exotic auto clubs greeting visitors upon arrival at the Miami Auto Show. The South Florida Automobile Dealers Association has been the official sponsor of the Miami International Auto Show since 1971. The Association comprises nearly 200 dealerships in Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties. The 2024 Miami International Auto Show is scheduled for August 30 through September 8.
Miami Auto Show Hosts First Responders Forum Over 150 First Responders from Miami Dade and Broward counties attended the 2nd annual First Responders Forum presented by the Miami International Auto Show. Debra Koebel, auto show manager, welcomed everyone to the forum and introduced the panelists which included specialists from fire departments in the City of Miami Beach, City of Hollywood, Miami Dade County and Broward County along with representatives from FPL and the Sheridan Technical Institute.
The forum focused on how to diffuse dangerous situations when an EV is involved in a traffic accident and provided insight on the current technologies for batteries and chargers. Among the television stations covering the forum were WSVN-Channel 7, NBC6, Telemundo, and WPLGChannel 10. Today, there are more than 2 million electric cars on U.S. roads. In the first quarter of 2023, over 320,000 electric cars were sold – that’s 60% more than the first quarter of 2022. Florida trails only California in the number of EV sales.
Nissan Z NISMO Earns ‘STAR OF THE SHOW’ Honors The 2024 Nissan Z Nismo earned “Star of the Show” honors from the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) while making its global auto show debut at the Miami International Auto Show. The selection of the award was announced during the Auto Show’s Media Day. SAMA judges also singled out two other outstanding vehicles for honors.
Nissan Z Nismo
The 2024 GMC Hummer EV was selected as Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Show and the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse was named Performance Car GMC Hummer EV of the Show. In addition to the winning vehicles, SAMA also noted a trio . of Honorable Mention selections in the Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV9 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. Woody Lesesne, president of Southern Automotive Media Association, presents the “Star of the Show” award to Kim Eubank, Nissan Group of the Americas and Stephen O’Neil, Nissan Group of the Americas, during the Miami International Auto Show’s Press Day while Gaston Rossato (right) and Joaquin Ruhl (left) look on.
Miami International Auto Show Opens in Grand Style The 52nd annual Miami International Auto Show got off to a great start as dignitaries from South Florida gathered to cut the ribbon officially opening the show. Miami Beach City Commissioner Steve Meiner (left center) and Auto Show Manager Debra Koebel, (second from right) are joined by Freddie Peterson, General Manager, Miami Beach Convention Center (left); Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager, City of Miami Beach (second from left); Wendy Kallergis, President and CEO, Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association (third from left) and Bob Goodman, President, Garber and Goodman (right).
Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Attends MIAS Press Day Highlights County’s Electrification Initiatives
Honorable Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava attended the Miami International Auto Show’s Press Day speaking to members of the Southern Automotive Media Association. She mentioned that Miami Dade County continues to advance the County’s climate action strategy by reducing emissions.
Miami HEAT Rising Star Makes Appearance Miami HEAT Center Orlando Robinson made a special in booth signing appearance at the Kia Display during the final day of the Miami International Auto Show. Robinson ranked 12th among NBA rookie leaders in rebounds per game, led the HEAT in blocks six times and was Miami's leading scorer off the bench on four occasions during the 2022 NBA season.
It’s time to mark your calendars for March 14–17 as the 32nd annual Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show will return to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Proceeds from the Auto Show will again benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The organization currently serves an estimated 13,000 children each year, making it one of the largest groups of its kind in the nation. It operates 12 clubs that provide a daily positive alternative to the streets for thousands of children. The Auto Show is expected to showcase many of the auto industry’s newest cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and EVs along with some of the hottest new motorcycles and an exhibition of classic autos. “Consumers who are in the market for a new car can gather helpful information on a variety of vehicles simply by attending the Fort Lauderdale Auto Show,” said Rita Case, Auto Show Chairperson. “Product specialists will be on hand to answer any questions.”
Matt Organ, Co-Chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (right), accepts a check for $77,000 from the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show. Presenting the donation are Marc Riley, National Sales Director of Rick Case Automotive Group (second from left), and Debra Koebel, President of the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association (left), as youngsters from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County look on.
Distinguished Automotive Leaders Inducted into the Florida Automobile Dealers Association Hall of Fame
Mario Murgado
Rick Case
Anthony Abraham
FLORIDA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
The Florida Automobile Dealers Association recently inducted a group of automotive visionaries into the Florida Automobile Dealers Association inaugural Hall of Fame. The event was held on November 2nd at the Four Seasons in Orlando. The Hall of Fame paid tribute to a remarkable lineup of individuals who have positively impacted the automotive sector and their local communities. The talented group includes three people who contributed greatly to the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association. Mario Murgado is a past chairman of the Miami International Auto Show while Rick Case and Anthony Abraham were longstanding members.
LIVING NOMINEES:
POSTHUMOUS NOMINEES:
George Nahas, Wildwood Glenn Ritchey, Daytona Beach Jim Ferman, Tampa Larry Morgan, Tampa Mario Murgado, Miami
Anthony Abraham, Miami Claude Nolan, Jacksonville Dwayne Hawkins, St. Petersburg Mike Meagher, St. Petersburg Rick Case, Fort Lauderdale
Sam Galloway, Jr., Fort Myers J. Saxton Lloyd, Daytona Beach Robert McElheny, Tampa Theo Proctor, Sr., Tallahassee Walter McRae, Jacksonville