South Florida International Auto Show Concludes 10-Day Exhibit

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2005 -- The 35th anniversary South Florida International Auto Show concluded its annual 10-day run Sunday with an estimated attendance total of 644,302. That is slightly less than last year, its busiest ever, and officials attribute the drop to residual effects of Hurricane Wilma.

Visitors to the Miami Beach Convention Center expressed strong interest in hybrids, future concepts and the 2006 expressions of favorite vehicles. According to show chairman Dan O'Malley, the mix also included some 2007 models ready to spotlight.

"We had the 10 newest hybrid models on the floor, a mix of SUVs, sedans and pickups," said O'Malley. "We also showcased eight concept cars. They always grab the visitor's interest." Opening day began with press events by Aston-Martin, Hyundai, Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Ferrari, Maserati, Nissan and Subaru. The South Florida exhibit also hosted the auto show world premiere of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade.

Dealer and manufacturer representatives reported continued interest in fuel-efficiency, convertibles and new expressions of the crossover and SUV. Motorcycles, which get their own room at this annual exhibit, also drew large crowds.

"The ability to examine 1,000 vehicles under one roof is a major appeal for car buyers," added O'Malley.

The South Florida International Auto Show is produced by the South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, which comprises 220 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Next year's show is scheduled for October 6-15, 2006 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information, contact Show Coordinator Cliff Ray at 305-947-5950.