South Florida International Auto Show to Wow Car Enthusiasts

In 1971, Datsun introduced the 240Z, gasoline was 36 cents a gallon and the South Florida Auto Show launched its first exhibition. Today, the auto show is among the largest and most prestigious in the nation. It gathers nearly 1,000 of the newest models from more than 40 manufacturers all under one roof at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Mark your calendar for this year's show dates, October 6-15.

"The auto industry always drums up excitement," said Chris Berian show chairman of this year's event, "and the South Florida show is a favorite. It kicks-off the traditional car buying season." "This auto showcase gets a big share of new-model debuts," said Berian. "Floridians are eager car lovers and the South Florida venue is also viewed as the open door to Latin Americans who are interested in the market."

Because the event is among America's top five, manufacturers use the most supreme exhibits to show off their newest models. This year's show will present the latest examples of "green cars," with hybrid-electric and other technology designed to help Americans get more value out of their vehicles. Visitors also will find the latest crossovers, SUVs, pickups, concepts or prototypes and accessories.

Other popular exhibits will include Motorcycle Mall, Million Dollar Alley with its exhibits of Aston-Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati and Rolls-Royce as well as Memory Lane which features an impressive set of cars dating back to the early 1900s. Scheduled to make its South Florida debut this year is Camp Jeep, an off-road playground DaimlerChrysler will build outside the convention center. Consumers can ride Jeep models up a hill, through a water trough and over logs and boulders. The new 2007 stretched Chrysler 300 is also said to be a greatly anticipated feature. Designed for the limousine industry and retail customers, the rear cabin features 46 inches of legroom, lighted writing tables and two 12-volt ports.

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. Show hours are: Friday, October 6, 5 p.m. - midnight; Saturday, October 7, 11 a.m. - midnight; Sunday, October 8, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, October 9-12, 2 p.m. - 11p.m; Friday October 13, 2 p.m.- midnight; Saturday , October 14, 11:00 a.m.- midnight and Sunday, October 15, 2 p.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.

For more information on this year's event, contact Show Coordinator Cliff Ray at 305- 947-5950 or visit the auto show's web site, www.sfliautoshow.com.