Miami – Nissan felt Miami was an ideal spot to reveal the Rogue because it’s a prime market to reach Hispanic Buyers…. “We believe that launching in Miami [is] a strong sign of commitment.” A Nissan spokeswoman said the brand has had success owning regional auto shows such as the Miami International Auto Show. Nissan had two global debuts in Miami this year – revealing the Rogue at a launch event the day before the show and the Sentra SR Turbo the following day for press on the on the show floor. The global unveiling were welcome news for Rick Baker, the show’s manager. Baker, who also is president of the South Florida Automotive Dealers Association, said the show was moved up from its traditional November dates to September because of the construction of the Miami Beach Convention Center. The November time slot meant Miami lost out on global launches to the Los Angeles Auto Show. He remembers instances where manufactures would only have displays on the opening weekend for his show before quickly removing them so they could be transported to Los Angeles. This year, Miami hosted three global debuts – the two Nissan models and the Ford F-150 STX. The show plans to stick with the September time frame next year. Baker said he doesn’t mind if the automakers debut products at outside venues during the exclusive launch events in the city as long as the vehicle makes it to his show, he’s fine. “Give me a couple {global debuts} a year. It’s all I want,” Baker told Automotive News “Keep me on the map.”
Reports
New Models on Display at Fort Lauderdale Auto Show
Ft Lauderdale – The 26th annual Fort Lauderdale International Auto Show returns to the Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center with proceeds from the show again benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County. Hundreds of cars, trucks and the SUV’s will fill the more than 200,00 square feet of exhibit space at the convention center….