Style And Innovation Define 2004 Models: South Florida International Auto Show Opens Friday

MIAMI, Nov. 4, 2003 -- The first major exhibition of America's traditional auto show season opens Friday in this Sunshine State playground.

Crowds in excess of 650,000 will attend the South Florida International Auto Show from Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. This 33rd annual showcase will fill the Miami Beach Convention Center with 1,000 vehicles, including concept cars, pricey exotics, collectible antiques, motorcycles and accessories for all of the above.

"Because we open the season, there's a sense of anticipation and excitement," said Mike Hooley, show chairman. "People are anxious to see what's new, and here they are, all under one roof."

BMW is using the South Florida show for the North American debut of its new X3 compact SUV. Floridians also will get their first look at Volkswagen's upscale Phaeton luxo-sedan. Bentley will introduce the new Arnage T and the Continental GT, a 12-cylinder twin-turbo grand tourer. And DaimlerChrysler will showcase the luxurious Maybach, a new expression of the legendary Maybach motorcars of the '20s and '30s.

Lamborghini will unwrap the Gallardo, a new mid-engine two-seat supercar. Kia's Amanti sedan will debut, and Suzuki will show off two new models -- the compact Forenza and the mid-sized Verona. Dodge will put the second-generation Durango SUV on the floor and will unveil a 2005 production version of the brawny Magnum concept. Saleen will use the South Florida show to introduce its striking S7 (0-60 in 3.3 seconds), the fastest production car built in the U.S.

On press day, journalists will attend news conferences by Chrysler, Volkswagen, Kia, Ford, BMW, Bentley and General Motors. Keynote speaker for the annual press luncheon is Marti Eulberg, executive vice president of sales operations for Volvo North America.

The extensively redesigned Ford F-150 pickup is this year's Show Car, and visitors can register to win this year's giveaway car, a 2004 Volvo XC90 SUV.

On Wheels, Inc., publishers of "African Americans On Wheels" and "Latinos On Wheels" will join the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers to present the first Urban Wheel Dealer Award during ceremonies at the auto show November 6.

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.

For more information, visit www.sfliautoshow.com on the Internet.