New Cars Debut At South Florida International Auto Show
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 5, 2004 -- Major car manufacturers today unveiled their newest models as the South Florida International Auto Show opened its 34th annual exhibition on Miami Beach. The annual event is produced by the South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, which comprises more than 220 dealers in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
A full schedule of opening-day press events began with greetings at the Pontiac exhibit by Venezuelan race driver Milka Duno. Ford executives then hosted the U.S. auto show debut of the chrome-laden Lincoln Mark LT pickup and highlighted the new Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans, the all-new Mustang, the Escape Hybrid SUV and anniversary editions of the Mercury Grand Marquis and Ford Thunderbird.
In its first U.S. auto show appearance, the Mercedes-Benz 2005 SLK roadster joined presentations of the German maker's CLS, the "world's first 4- door coupe," and the Formula 1-inspired SLR McLaren.
Bentley CEO Andrew Stuart unveiled a 2005 Continental GT with a sports package and new design details by its historic partner Mulliner. Other high- end vehicles presented opening day included a new Maserati Quattroporte and new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti sports coupe. South Florida is in the top three U.S. markets for Ferrari, and Greater Miami accounts for two-thirds of Florida sales.
Kunio Ishigami, Chairman of Subaru of America was on-hand to announce details of its new B9X, a 7-passenger "crossover utility vehicle" scheduled for launch in 2006. Jeep detailed its all-new 2005 Grand Cherokee, which is more luxurious and now offers a HEMI engine, and the Liberty SUV, now with an optional diesel engine for 2005. Nissan celebrated the 35th anniversary of its legendary Z car.
Guest speaker for the annual media luncheon was new Hummer general manager Susan Docherty, who spoke of continuing U.S. demand for trucks and SUVs. Hummer launches a new H3 model next year and sees opportunities for international sales of its three models.
Sobre Ruedas, the leading Hispanic auto/lifestyle magazine, used the South Florida show to announce its annual "Best of Year" awards.
The annual South Florida show also features an XM Satellite Radio Million Dollar Alley display with such exotic motorcars as Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, Rolls-Royce, Lotus, Saleen and others, a Memory Lane room of classic cars from the 1900s, and a display featuring the latest motorcycles.
