New Models Unveiled At South Florida International Auto Show

Car makers who used the South Florida show to feature new models included Dodge, Pontiac, Hyundai and Saab.

Dodge product manager Rich Ray unveiled a bolder but more comfortable Ram pickup. ``Our new hydro-formed frame and new suspension give a better ride, and the cab is full of such driver conveniences as adjustable pedals, a compartmentalized console, and a 60/40 split seat on the quad cab,'' said Ray.

Pontiac featured the new cross-over Vibe, a youthful mix of SUV, wagon and hatchback. According to brand manager Craig Bierley, ``The Vibe is aimed at 20 to 30 year-olds who want an affordable, roomy, maneuverable all-weather vehicle that is sleek and sporty.'' The Vibe is available with all-wheel-drive, a 6-speed manual transmission and 17-inch wheels. Inside, it features a DVD navigation system, 6-CD changer and a 110-volt outlet for personal electronics. The innovative new model was designed by Pontiac, engineered and developed by Toyota, and will be produced beginning in January at the joint GM/Toyota plant in Fremont, Calif.

Hyundai used the South Florida show for the North American debut of its 2003 Tiburon, a new 2+2 coupe that will be available in early 2002. According to Hyundai's marketing vice president Dave Weber, ``We now are the fifth largest import brand in America. Recent J.D. Power reports document our quality and our warranty and pricing are industry leaders.'' The new Tiburon is longer and wider, offers a new V-6, 17-inch wheels, a 6-speed transmission and an Infinity audio system.

More than 1,200 improvements have been made to Saab's flagship 9-5, said Dan Chasins, president of Saab Cars USA, at ceremonies that showcased three models for 2002. The Linear and Aero feature turbo-charged 4-cylinder engines, and the new Arc comes with a 200 horsepower V-6. All 9-5's have a new suspension, come with an OnStar communications system, and are available as a station wagon.

Schroer, the global sales and marketing executive at Chrysler in Auburn Hills, Mich., in a speech prepared for the annual press luncheon, characterized Miami as ``an Alpha city, where many American trends begin. This is especially true for the growing Hispanic/Latino market.''

The Jeep Liberty and Dodge Ram pickup, both featured at the auto show, are embraced by Hispanics, said Schroer, who revealed that Chrysler for the first time is designing commercials especially for the Hispanic market.

DaimlerChrysler also has a renewed focus on stability and profitability, said Schroer, in response to events on September 11. ``We feel that the best way to support America in this time of crisis is to maintain a viable company, one that keeps and creates jobs. We also have a new emphasis on product development, to stimulate buyers.''

Concept cars and other innovative vehicles at this year's show include the Buick Bengal, Chevy's SSR pickup, the Dodge Powerbox, Cadillac's Escalade EXT and a space-age SUV from Isuzu.

``The South Florida market loves its cars, especially the prototypes we're able to get each year,'' said Rick Baker, show manager, ``and that has helped us become one of the largest shows in America.''

The South Florida International Show runs through Sunday, November 4. It 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.

You can watch these press conferences yourself only on TACH.