South Florida Auto Show Opens November 9

MIAMI, Oct. 17, 2007 -- When the annual South Florida International Auto Show comes to town November 9, some of the most exciting new models in years will again debut at one of America's most important automotive displays.

Fuel economy and function are the buzzwords for the 2008 model year as buyers look at the fastest growing segment in the showrooms: car-based stylish, versatile but practical SUVs and crossovers. Close behind are new small cars that not only are tiny but tony, with a flare that attracts younger drivers. Many stalwart family sedans now sport high tech entertainment in the cabin and green-car technology under the hood.

From November 9-18, the Miami Beach Convention Center will shimmer with 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-hair Florida weekend. Futuristic concepts and prototypes always draw a crowd, and this year's group includes the Ford Flex, a modern mix of SUV, minivan and crossover.

"There's no place like South Florida to kick-off the auto show season," said Bill Sandidge, show chairman. "We've got so many new models under one roof, visitors can take their time checking out each one, and the allure of South Beach is just across the street."

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 popular models and rebranded them with familiar Taurus and Sable names. Chrysler Corporation's enduring minivans are redesigned for 2008, as are the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord.

Even the combustion chamber is more consumer-friendly. Drivers will find more choices that include hybrid, flex-fuel and clean-diesel. 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

Speaking of Jeep, the off-road playground called Camp Jeep returns this year. Just outside Hall D near the show's entrance, visitors can sample the rugged "Trail Rated" experience with rides in new Jeeps up and down hills, over logs and boulders, and through a water trough.

Show Car for this year's event is the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The 505-horsepower American super car has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily- driving civility and value. Zero to sixty? Four point three seconds.

NBC 6, the auto show's flagship station, will air a live 30-minute television special during the auto show's opening day on Friday, November 9 beginning at 7:30. It will feature many of the debuts and introductions from press day events, interviews and special features that capture the excitement of this major event. Host will be NBC 6 anchor and antique car collector Bob Mayer.

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 and Broward 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.