South Florida Auto Show Opens Friday

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 8, 2007 -- The 37th edition of the annual South Florida International Auto Show opens November 9 and the most exciting new models will once again fill the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Fuel economy and function are the buzzwords for the 2008 models as buyers look at the fastest growing segment in the showrooms: car-based SUVs and crossovers that are stylish, versatile and practical. Also on the floor: new small cars with features that attract younger drivers. The rest of the family? Digital entertainment in the cabin and green-car technology under the hood.

From November 9-18, visitors will examine nearly 1,000 shiny new models from 40 manufacturers. Other displays and rooms will feature accessories, exotic cars, classics from years gone by and modern motorcycles for that wind- in-your-hair Florida weekend. Concepts and prototypes will suggest future designs.

"There's no place like South Florida to kick-off the auto show season," said Bill Sandidge, show chairman. "Visitors can take their time checking out each one, and South Beach is just around the corner."

A top General Motors executive will address journalists on opening day. Troy A. Clarke, president of GM North America, will be the guest speaker at a press luncheon November 9. Clarke previously was president of GM Asia Pacific and held executive positions for manufacturing and labor relations for Mexico and North America.

New Models for 2008

New models include the Infiniti EX35 and Nissan Rogue SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover, the Saturn Astra hatchback, Scion's xD and Pontiac's G8 performance sedan. Ford and Mercury have refreshed some models with familiar names, Taurus and Sable, and Ford will show off its all new Flex crossover. Chrysler Corporation's enduring minivans are redesigned for 2008, as are the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord.

This year's green machines include new hybrids from GM: the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe. Three new diesels debut: the Mercedes-Benz (the GL320 CDI and ML320 CDI) and a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD 4x4.

Camp Jeep Returns

Camp Jeep returns this year, giving visitors rugged "Trail Rated" rides up and down hills, over logs and boulders, and through a water trough.

Show Car for this year's South Florida event is the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The racetrack-hot but civilized American super car has fans among enthusiasts, journalists and racers world over.

Tickets to this year's show are $10 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Discount tickets to the show are available at participating new car and truck dealerships and McDonald's restaurants in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

The hours for the 37th annual South Florida International Auto Show are as follows: Friday, November 9th, 5 p.m. - midnight; Saturday, November 10th, 11 a.m. - midnight; Sunday, November 11th, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Monday, November 12th, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Tuesday, November 13th, Wednesday, November 14th and Thursday, November 15th, 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Friday, November 16th, 2 p.m. - midnight; Saturday, November 17th, 11 a.m. - midnight; Sunday, November 18th, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, which comprises more than 220 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties, has been the official sponsor of the South Florida International Auto Show since 1971.