36th Annual South Florida International Auto Show Concludes With Memorable Exhibits and Attendance

MIAMI - Oct. 18, 2006: The 36th annual South Florida International Auto Show presented by Allstate concluded its 10-day run Oct. 15, 2006 with an estimated attendance of 665,750 local and visiting car lovers. That's the second highest attendance in the show's history, behind only the 2004 exhibition. Visitors saw all the latest models under one roof, some of which were first-time debuts.

More than 40 manufacturers filled the Miami Beach Convention Center with nearly 1,000 cars, SUVs, crossovers, trucks and concepts. Highlights included Camp Jeep, a rugged course to show off its Trail Rated models, and a full slate of industry unveilings. Mercedes-Benz held the world debut of its CL Class model 550 coupe. The president of BMW's high performance M division was here from Germany to help unwrap its 355i coupe for the first time in North America. Mercury unveiled the 2008 model of its Mariner SUV and Chevrolet displayed a new panel truck version of its HHR. Fans of exotic cars got to see the Bentley Continental GTC convertible for the first time in South Florida. Other new models included Nissan's new sub-compact Versa and a Spec B version of Subaru's Legacy sedan.

One surprise was the Ford Edge crossover, a brand new model that unexpectedly arrived at the convention center and excited visitors at the Ford exhibit. The Edge will officially debut in San Francisco later this month.

"This year's show attracted record breaking attendance due to the wide array of vehicles and terrific exhibits," said Rick Baker, auto show manager. "Camp Jeep's outdoor driving adventure, the Chevy Camaro and other concepts, nine hybrid models and a great mix of SUVs and crossovers made this year's show exceptionally appealing to crowds of all ages."

Opening day began with 13 press conferences that attracted local, regional and hemispheric automotive reporters for print and electronic media. 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. The 37th annual South Florida International Auto Show will be held November 9-18, 2007.

In addition to producing the South Florida International Auto Show, the association manages the annual Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show to be held March 21-25, 2007. The association will debut the Auto Show of the Palm Beaches presented by Northwood University later this year from December 7-10 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For more information on any of the auto shows, contact Show Coordinator Cliff Ray at 305-947-5950