South Florida International Auto Show Sets New Attendance Record

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 17, 2003 -- The 33rd annual South Florida International Auto Show set a new attendance record of 663,939 persons during its 10-day run at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The previous all-time high set last year was 654,052.

The annual exhibition, which closed on Sunday, November 16, is considered among the nation's top auto shows. This year's show featured the North American debut of BMW's new X3 mid-sized "sport activity vehicle." Ford introduced its redesigned 2005 Ford Escape, which has improved safety features, more power and towing capability and an on-demand 4WD. Volkswagen unveiled its newest entrant into the luxury market with the debut of its Phaeton luxury sedan, and Kia introduced its new full-sized Amanti sedan. Other press conferences featured the redesigned 2004 Dodge Durango, a special- edition Bentley Arnage and a new Maserati coupe called the Vintage.

Visitors also got their first look at DaimlerChrysler's eye-turning Maybach, a new expression of the legendary limousine of last century. And, they examined America's fastest production car, the Saleen S7, a 7-liter 550 h.p. model that sprints from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds.

"We had an amazing response to this year's show," said Mike Hooley, auto show chairman. "People were really interested in seeing the latest models for this and next year. Plus, this is the ideal location to see every manufacturer under one roof."

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.

The 34th annual South Florida International Auto Show is scheduled for November 5 - 14, 2004 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For additional information on next year's event, contact Show Coordinator Cliff Ray at 305-947-5950.