MAMA MAMA News

From Family Favorite to Best Overall: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Takes the Crown

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:09:54 GMT

Well… it did it. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy didn’t just show up—it showed out, earning the top spot in the 2026 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards.

After a full year of seat time, spirited debates, and more than 100 vehicles put through their paces at MAMA’s signature events, one thing became clear: this three-row SUV just gets it right.

Why the Palisade?

The Palisade Calligraphy stood out for all the reasons that matter in the real world—not just on paper. We’re talking:

Premium-level comfort that makes long drives feel short
Thoughtful tech that actually makes life easier
Head-turning design (yes, even in the school pickup line)
Everyday usability that works for families, commuters, and road-trippers alike

In short: it’s the kind of vehicle that fits seamlessly into your life—and makes it better.

As MAMA President Jim O’Brill put it, the Palisade “consistently impresses across the board,” delivering that sweet spot of refinement, versatility, and smart features that resonate with both journalists and real drivers.

From Segment Winner to Best Overall

The Palisade Calligraphy first earned its place as MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle—and then kept right on climbing to take the overall win. Not an easy feat in a field this competitive.

And it wasn’t alone—this year’s category winners highlight just how diverse and exciting the industry is right now:

2026 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Category Winners

Off-Roader: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Family Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Prestige
Pickup Truck: 2026 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI
Affordable Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen GTI
Performance Vehicle: 2025 BMW M5 Touring
Plug-In Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy

From rugged trails to daily carpools to electrified innovation, this year’s winners really run the gamut—and the Palisade rose above them all.

Why It Matters

The MAMA Favorites aren’t just another trophy. These awards come from nearly 200 automotive journalists who actually drive, live with, and evaluate these vehicles throughout the year. No shortcuts. No showroom-only impressions.

That’s what makes this win meaningful: it reflects what stands out after the test drives, the comparisons, and the real-world use.

And this year, the verdict was unanimous enough—if you want one vehicle that truly does it all, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is it.

Drumroll, Please… Meet the 2026 MAMA’s Favorites Finalists!

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:47:22 GMT

Well, the votes are counted, the debates have ended (mostly), and we’ve officially wrapped another round of MAMA’s Favorites. Our members showed up big this year, and the results did not disappoint. After all, journalists may disagree on, well, everything, but we know a good car when we see one.

So here they are: the vehicles that rose to the top, out-charmed the competition, and earned their ticket to the next round—MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle for 2026.

MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Prestige

MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: 2026 RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi

MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen GTI

MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2025 BMW M5 Touring

MAMA’s Favorite Plug-in Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy

These category winners now move on to compete for the big title: MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle for 2026. Emails to media members for voting will go out soon.

Stay tuned. It’s about to get fun.

MAMA’s Fall Favorites Fest Brings Together Leading Automotive Journalists to Name Seasonal Standouts

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:03:29 GMT

Journalists test drive the latest models to help guide car shoppers toward smarter purchase decisions

CHICAGO (November 3, 2025) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) today announced the results of its annual Fall Favorites Fest, where some of the nation’s top automotive journalists gathered to test drive the newest vehicles and select their seasonal favorites.

“Fall Favorites Fest is unique because it’s not about hype—it’s about hands-on evaluation by professionals who drive and review hundreds of cars each year,” said Jim OBrill, President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. “The insights these journalists provide help shoppers cut through the noise and make more confident, informed decisions.”

2025 MAMA Fall Favorites Fest Award Winners

Favorite Plug-In Vehicle:2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
Favorite Affordable Vehicle:2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona 4-door BEV
Favorite Off-Roader:2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Favorite Pick-Up Truck:2026 RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi
Favorite Luxury Vehicle:2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Prestige
Favorite Family Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

Vehicles Showcased

This year’s event featured a standout lineup, including several 2026 debuts, from brands such as Ford, Lincoln, Kia, RAM, Dodge, Jeep, Subaru, Acura, Honda, Genesis, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, and Land Rover.

Helping Shoppers Navigate the Market

By putting vehicles to the test in everyday driving scenarios, Fall Favorites Fest provides unbiased insights that directly benefit car shoppers. These awards reflect the collective expertise of seasoned journalists who know what matters most: performance, value, safety, and innovation.

Driven by Experts, Chosen for You: MAMA’s Favorite Cars

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:46:53 GMT

The results are in for the 2025 Spring Rally “MAMA’s Favorites” awards, recognizing standout vehicles across seven key categories as voted on by more than 75 automotive journalists. Held at the iconic Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the Spring Rally provides a rare opportunity for journalists to drive and evaluate more than 80 of the latest vehicles in one place—offering valuable insight not only to the industry but also to today’s car shoppers.

“The Spring Rally represents everything MAMA stands for—education, connection, and meaningful hands-on experience,” said Jim OBrill, President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. “What makes this event—and these awards—so impactful is the chance for journalists to evaluate vehicles the way consumers actually use them: on-road, off-road, and everything in between. These are not just industry accolades—they’re real-world endorsements that help guide car shoppers toward vehicles that deliver on performance, value, safety, and innovation.”

2025 MAMA’s Favorites Spring Rally Award Winners:

Favorite Family Vehicle: TIE – 2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid & 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige
Favorite Luxury Vehicle: 2025 Volvo EX90 Ultra
Favorite Off-Roader: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Favorite Pickup Truck: 2025 RAM 1500 RHO
Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2025 BMW M5 Touring
Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: TIE – 2025 Volvo EX90 Ultra & 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy
Favorite Affordable Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen GTI

These awards reflect what happens when seasoned automotive media professionals—who collectively drive and review hundreds of vehicles each year—test new models in dynamic, real-world conditions. The results go beyond hype, offering trusted guidance to consumers looking for vehicles that truly meet their needs.

The success of the 2025 Spring Rally would not be possible without the generous support of MAMA’s sponsors: Cars.com, Subaru, Scout Motors, Hyundai, Toyota, Jeep, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, Ford, GM, Genesis, Kia, and CDK Global.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Clinches Top Spot as 2025 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 18:19:29 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) proudly announces the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N takes the top spot as the winner of the 2025 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards—selected by nearly 200 automotive media experts who drove over 100 vehicles at the association’s signature events.

“We experienced an incredible variety of new, redesigned, and refreshed vehicles throughout 2024 at events like the MAMA Spring Rally, Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric,” said Jim O’Brill, MAMA President. “Each winner represents the pinnacle of innovation and quality in its class, but ultimately, one vehicle stood out above all—the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s a true performance marvel that captures the spirit of what MAMA loves most about driving.”

MAMA’s Favorites narrows the field naming seven category winners for the 2025 Favorite Vehicle Awards, with the victor chosen from these finalists.

The category winners are as follows:

Performance: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Family: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Luxury: Genesis GV80 3.5T
Most Affordable: Honda Civic Si
Off-Roader: Toyota Land Cruiser
Pickup: Ram 1500 Rebel
Plug-In: Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

MAMA’s Favorites is an evolution of the association’s longstanding awards, celebrating the diverse range of vehicles that capture the hearts of media professionals and consumers alike. Following rigorous testing and thoughtful discussion, the winners exemplify excellence across their respective segments.

MAMA’s 2025 Annual Business Meeting: The Road Ahead Looks Bright!

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:07:50 GMT

2025 is here, and if the Annual Business Meeting was any indication, it’s going to be another fantastic year for the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Buckle up—here’s your fun-filled recap of all the highlights, stats, and what’s on the horizon.

2024 Highlights:

Virtual Meetings: We hosted five engaging eMeets covering everything from Lexus’s TX debut to collector car insights with Jonathan Shaw of Hemmings. Topics ranged from EVs to iconic concepts, drawing in up to 80 attendees per session.

Spring Rally (May 21–23): 100 media pros, 60 affiliates, and 80 vehicles (including Polestar, INEOS, and Volvo EX30 debuts). New sponsors Brembo and CDK elevated the experience, with track time, karting, autocross, and off-roading thrills.
Fall Fest (Oct. 2): A new venue, 40+ vehicles, and plug-ins/EVs joining for the first time made this event unforgettable.

Our events reached new heights with:

558.6M in news media reach
5.6M from broadcast placements
118M on social, with 862k video views and 550+ posts

2025 Vision:
We’re putting the pedal down on in-person monthly lunches while keeping streaming options for maximum accessibility. Plus, stay tuned for these exciting events:

Spring Rally: May 20–22, 2025
Fall Favorites: Late September or early October (date TBD)
Chicago Drives Electric: Coming Summer 2025

Chicago Auto Show Update:

Save the date for February 6–8, 2025! Don’t miss our signature breakfast and the third year of MAMA’s Favorites Awards. This year’s nominees are:

Family: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Luxury: Genesis GV80 3.5T
Most Affordable: Honda Civic Si
Off-Roader: Toyota Land Cruiser
Pickup: Ram 1500 Rebel
Performance: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Plug-In: Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

New Leadership:
Please join us in congratulating our newly elected board members:

President: Jim OBrill
Vice President: Zack Pradel
Communications Director: Allison Phelps
President Emeritus: Rob Duffer

Here’s to a new year full of exciting opportunities, thrilling events, and continued growth for MAMA. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

2024 MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest covers more cars, covered by more drivers

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:09:54 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association hosted its second annual MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the scenic Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. Illinois. More than 50 journalists attended what turned out to be a beautifully warm fall day to get behind the wheel of nearly 40 new, refreshed or updated vehicles across all powertrains.

“MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest brought late model-year cars to our members to test in everyday driving scenarios, as owners will experience them,” said MAMA President Robert Duffer. “Member attendance and automaker participation continues to grow for MAMA’s Favorites.”

Participating manufacturers included Acura, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Toyota. Hyundai sponsored the welcome breakfast where Michele Tinson showed a sizzle reel highlighting their latest revamped lineup. Fall Fest participants were also treated to lunch sponsored by Genesis. The specifically chosen drive route for this Fall Fest allowed members to compare and contrast each vehicle with a mix of turns, curves, and stoplight acceleration and braking. Communications and product representatives were available on site to answer any questions MAMA members may have had leading up to category voting for the organization’s “MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle” awards.

The winners from each category, as well as those winners from the 2024 MAMA Spring Rally, will be voted on at the end of the year, and an overall MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle will be announced at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show breakfast on Feb. 6, 2025. The winners from the 2024 MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest are:

Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

Favorite Affordable Vehicle: 2025 Honda Civic Si

Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

Favorite Off-Roader: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

Favorite Pick-Up Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid 4x4 Supercrew

Favorite Luxury Vehicle: 2025 Genesis GV80

Favorite Family Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Just like last year, the MAMA Fall Fest event took place the day before CATA’s Chicago Drives Electric media day in nearby Oakbrook Terrace featuring more EV and plug-in hybrid models to sample.

MAMA would like to thank all the participating manufacturers for providing press vehicles and making the 2024 MAMA’s Favorite Fall Fest a great success.

Hemmings Gifts MAMA Members a Deep Drive into the Ever-Changing Collector Car Scene

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:23:16 GMT

On Wednesday, June 26th, about 40 MAMA members and affiliates joined Hemmings’ president, Jonathan Shaw, for a virtual roundtable discussion. Topics included an in-depth look at Hemmings’ history, the company’s evolution in the digital age, and the shifting demographics and behaviors of the collector car market. Also highlighted was the company’s focus on community engagement, innovative services, and the future of both internal combustion and electric vehicles in the world of car collecting.

Key points of the discussion:

Ernest Hemmings founded Hemmings in 1954 in Quincy, Illinois.
Hemmings has transitioned from a print media company to a digital marketplace leader.
25% of collector car owners are now millennials, and 22% are Gen Z.
Millennials spend about six months researching before purchasing a classic car, with an average price point of $30,000.
Despite the rise of e-commerce, 90% of collector car transactions still occur in the gray market.
Gen Z and Millennials prefer e-commerce and expect services that offer independent valuations and seamless transaction processes.
The Frictionless Marketplace was launched to cater to the needs of younger buyers.
Muscle cars continue to have cross-generational appeal, while interest in hot rods and cars from the 1930s to 1950s is waning. Restomodding is becoming more popular.
Even certain electric vehicles, like the Tesla Model 1 Roadster and Model S Plaid, are expected to become collectible.
Supporting institutions like America’s Automotive Trust and RPM Foundation is essential to ensure the availability of skilled craftsmen and women for car restoration.

With 92.2 million Americans interested in collector and classic cars, and with 31 million collector vehicles in the US alone, the market isn’t going anywhere. Hemmings is committed to providing sales and marketing support, as well as supplying trustworthy digital platforms for buyers and sellers to connect and keep the nostalgia alive!

MAMA Members See the Cars.com AMI List Hours Before Everyone Else

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:51:49 GMT

On Monday, June 17^th, Jenni Newman and Patrick Masterson from Cars.com hosted a virtual meeting and Q&A session for about 80 MAMA members and presented their annual American-Made Index. The AMI compares how much of a vehicle sold in America is actually American. “The automotive industry’s economic impact is much broader than the general public realizes,” Jenni cited. From car factories and dealerships, to auto parts stores and gas stations, the industry creates over 5.4 million American jobs. Yet, unsurprisingly, the country an automotive brand calls home has little to do with where their vehicles are made or where their parts come from.

To help sort through all the confusion, Cars.com looked at over 400 light-duty models on sale for the 2024 model year. Each vehicle was then weighted on five key factors on a 100-point scale: transmission country of origin, engine country of origin, US manufacturing workforce, final assembly location, and percentage of US and Canadian parts. (Note that Cars.com uses a minimum sales threshold, so some lower volume manufactures/models did not qualify to be ranked).

The vehicles that topped this year’s American-Made Index are:

#1 Tesla Model Y (3^rd year in a row)

#2 Honda Passport

#3 Volkswagen ID.4

#4 Tesla Model S

#5 Honda Odyssey

#6 Honda Ridgeline

#7 Toyota Camry

#8 Jeep Gladiator

#9 Tesla Model X

#10 Lexus TX

With changes in the political landscape regarding gasoline and EV vehicles—and with many manufacturers soon to start building EV batteries and EV vehicles in the USA—the American-Made Index will continue to change. Cars.com is taking the lead to demystify the very complicated world of automotive manufacturing and to provide a comprehensive list for consumers who want to keep their purchase dollars in the community and better support the US economy.

MAMA Rallies 100 Journalists for the 2024 Spring Rally

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 23:59:00 GMT

ELKHART LAKE, Wis.--The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted the 2024 Rally May 21-23 at Road America. 100 journalists put nearly 80 vehicles through their paces on track, autocross, street drives, and a technical off-road course sponsored by Jeep. Many of MAMA’s 160 members arrived the evening before the official start day to attend the, now famous, Lake Street Café Fish Fry Dinner sponsored by the Chicago Automotive Trade Association (CATA). Then, on Wednesday, May 22^nd with the Spring Rally in full swing, Toyota sponsored the kick-off breakfast with a presentation of their all-new Crown Signia. After the first morning of track hot-laps, street drives, and off-roading, the group fueled up with lunch sponsored by Hyundai featuring the new Elantra N.

The driving continued into the afternoon and members were also given the option to test out their karting skills at the Go-Kart track. By 4pm, the driving events had shut-down and a small but enthusiastic group of attendees made their way to the racetrack to participate in the fourth annual “4 Miles of Fitness,” sponsored by Kia, where they enjoyed walking, running, or biking downthe legendary 4.048-mile-long track.

Lincoln sponsored the cocktail reception with a static display of their new Nautilus strategically parked just outside by the courtyard. After dinner at the Osthoff Resort, everyone was invited to finish up the evening at the Siebkens Afterglow party sponsored by General Motors.

Day 2 continued the great weather with a breakfast presentation by Subaru with the new Forrester line-up. Street drives and a timed autocross competition sponsored by Genesis followed. Finally, the Spring Rally wrapped things up with a lunch presentation by Cars.com highlighting key statistics of the current automotive market.

MAMA welcomed new brands INEOS and Polaris to the event along with a new track day sponsor, Brembo.

“Brembo’s presence at the 2024 Rally showcases not only our wide range of increasingly digital and connected brake offerings but underscores our commitment to partnership with nearly every automaker present,” said Stéphane Rolland, president and CEO of Brembo North America.

This year’s rally marked the second year of MAMA’s Favorites awards. Members chose the following winners from seven categories.

Family Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Luxury Vehicle: 2025 Genesis GV80

Off-Roader: 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

Pickup Truck: 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel

Performance Vehicle: 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

Plug-In Vehicle: 2024 Kia EV9

Affordable Vehicle: 2024 Buick Envista

Post-rally results indicate over 550 posts, articles, videos, broadcast coverage and more reaching a collective 682.2M and nearly 1M video views. Engagement with social content topped 35.7k. (Source: Meltwater & Content Tracking).

Additional event sponsors include Brembo for the track laps and CDK Global for the EV drives.

Ciao, Bella! Head of Fiat North America Debuts the New 500e to MAMA Members

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:16:45 GMT

Kick-starting an exciting month for the organization, Head of Fiat North America, Aamir Ahmed, met virtually with 36 MAMA members to introduce the brand's hot new 500e.

A nameplate that's been missing from Fiat's stateside lineup for a few short years, the all-new Fiat 500e arrives here for the 2024 MY as a key tool in Stellantis's push towards a future of electrification. Prior to its U.S. homecoming, the latest 500e has been a hit in the European market, with more than 1 billion miles of accumlated real-world testing from owners. Sitting atop what Ahmed referred to as "STLA City" underpinnings and built in Italy, with a range of 162 miles per charge the new 500e aims to be the perfect EV for urban and sububran dwellers. Combining personified and iconic design, the latest and greatest tech, and a price tag just north of $32,000, the 500e is the first of many approachable EVs that will play an important role in helping consumers shift away from ICE. Furthermore, in a bid to ease the transition towards electrificaiton, Fiat confirmed every new 500e would include an at-home Level 2 charger or credits for public charging sessions.

After the presentation, Ahmed spent time answering several questions MAMA members asked about the vehicle. Buckle up, because MAMA members attending the 2024 Spring Rally at Road America later in May will have the chance to get behind the wheel of a new 500e, both for street drives and around the autocross course!

Chrysler Brand CEO Shows Off the Halcyon Concept to MAMA Members

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:29:32 GMT

MAMA hosted another informative virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 6th featuring something a little different. Instead of the typical new vehicle roll-out with facts and figures and marketing plans, Chrysler Brand CEO, Chris Feuell gave more than 40 MAMA members a glimpse into the future of the brand by showcasing the Halcyon Concept vehicle, lead the discussion with some background of what this concept represents: “The Halcyon is a concept car for the Chrysler brand that truly embodies every aspect of the Harmony in Motion ethos that we are moving towards with all of our future products.”

The Halcyon Concept illustrates the contemporary and sleek aerodynamic design, as well as, the comfort and self-driving technology that customers will see in all Chrysler vehicles starting in 2025. In fact, despite it’s futuristic look, many elements of the Halcyon concept are intentionally designed in a way to be produced very near term. In other words, the Halcyon Concept is a “real” versus “abstract” concept vehicle and is even built atop one of Stellantis's upcoming shared platforms: STLA Large.

Next up in the presentation was a video showing the Halcyon in action highlighting it’s style, comfort and autonomous driving capabilities followed by a lengthy but very informative Q&A session. Key takeaways include that despite the latest worldwide obsession with SUVs and crossovers, the Halcyon Concept proves that Chrysler is still dedicated to the car.And, Chrysler is aware that they not only have a (lack of) product problem, but they have a quality problem as well and, going forward, they are absolutely committed to changing that stigma with an emphasis on strong engineering and even stronger leadership.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Crowns the Chevrolet Trax as MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:00:00 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) has awarded the Chevrolet Trax as MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024. The overall winner was voted on by the association’s 189 nationwide media members and announced at the Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast on Feb. 8, 2024.

“The new Chevrolet Trax packages style, features, and value unlike any new car,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “Priced at less than $25,000, it costs nearly half of what new car shoppers are paying on average. It outshined more than 100 qualifying vehicles, and MAMA members responded by awarding it MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024.”

Revamped for 2024, MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle awards build on the strength of the association’s prior Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards. It was expanded to highlight the eclectic number of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base. Before determining the overall winner, members voted for the seven category winners after each of the association’s three drive events in 2023: The MAMA Spring Rally held at Road America, MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric.

The category winners for 2024 are:

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD
MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe
MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor
MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Ford Mustang Dark Horse
MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax
MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6

Two trophies were presented to representatives from GM at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast, with the Chevrolet Trax being awarded to both MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle and MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024. Additionally, throughout the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, MAMA board members met with representatives in attendance from the category winners above to present trophies on the show floor.

Congratulations to all!

Member Spotlight: Dave Sloan and Jen Morand

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:54:22 GMT

If the Circus Can Do It, Can’t We? — A Conversation with Dave Sloan and Jen Morand

As MAMA members and as people working in the auto industry, you should know long-time MAMA rock stars Dave Sloan and Jen Morand. We’re slipping this bonus Member Spotlight into Chicago Auto Show (CAS) week to celebrate and honor Dave’s last year running CAS, support Jen as she steps into the lead role of our hometown show, and show both of them how lucky we are to have them. Thanks, Dave and Jen, co-General Managers of the Chicago Auto Show, for taking time out of your jam-packed schedule for this interview, and for your dedication to putting together the best auto show in the country.

We appreciate you!

— the MAMA Board

CHERISE THREEWITT, MAMA VP of MEMBERSHIP:

Dave, can you talk about some of your career highlights over your years with the auto show?

DAVE:

Sure. I’ve been with the Chicago Auto Trade Association, I was Executive Vice President, in 1993, so I’ve been President of the CATA and general manager of the show since 2010, and then in 2022, is that when it was, Jen?

JEN:

Yup.

DAVE:

We became co-General Managers. That was so we wouldn’t lose Jen.

JEN:

[laughs]

DAVE:

And it’s all worked out… spectacularly. So, career highlights, one was when we expanded into two halls in 2005. We made an announcement in 2004. First, we had to get the North Hall.

DAVE:

We had to convince the tourism bureau, whose job it is to fill hotel rooms, that a public show, with largely drive-in attendance, was good for using that much of McCormick Place for that much time in a month that’s normally a quiet month on the McCormick Place calendar. And so we were successful in doing that and it happened to coincide with Chrysler, at the time probably Daimler-Chrysler, coming up with the idea of Camp Jeep, and so we had to convince the people at McCormick Place that we could have vehicles moving up and down hills, inside the show, and our initial answer from them was “no.” I wrote a letter to the mayor, and thankfully we had a very well-connected labor lawyer at the time who helped us get that letter into the right hands, and so the safety officials, it was really with the city, reconsidered, and it’s funny because we got the “no,” and the answer was, you can’t have vehicles moving where there’s, you know, the public. I was watching a commercial, this was some time during the year, after we got the “no,” and it was the circus at United Center and they had motorcycles going inside these steel balls, and it was like, “If the circus can do it, can’t we?” So anyway, we asked that question, better worded than what I just did there, and we got the “no” turned into a “yes.” As we got bigger, Daimler-Chrysler that year went from 60,000 square feet to 180,000 square feet, just with Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, and Chrysler. So they had a multi-brand track, they had a Dodge track, which was the trucks, back then before Ram, and then Jeep. It was just wildly successful for us, and has been for 20 years. And we’ll get them back [editor’s note: Stellantis, now the corporate parent of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler, will not be participating at the Chicago Auto Show this year].

DAVE:

Another highlight was the summer show. To think that this team, this small team, we were trying to get the show open during the pandemic and Mark Bilek just did an amazing job helping us be able to sell all of our tickets online and have timed entrance windows so we can sell all this to the city and to the state and get a “yes.” We couldn’t get a “yes” for February 2021 (the special edition ran in July 2021), but I’d had this idea for how we could refashion the show to be shorter and smaller and have an outdoor element to it with test drives, and make it less expensive to the manufacturers due to the shorter move-in and we’d charge less for five days rather than 10 so we cut our exhibits price by 40%. We got it approved and I remember the day we announced it at McCormick Place, the governor and the mayor were there, and Jen was like, her fingers were smoking on her keyboard, like, standing at this highboy table just getting us everywhere, just PR social media extraordinaire. Then we were able to open without too many, really any health restrictions at all because it was during a lull in the pandemic and it just really went well. We were the only show then, the only big show, that was able to run every year during the pandemic. Never missed a show.

CHERISE:

So, Dave, what are you going to miss most in retirement and what are you looking forward to most in retirement?

DAVE:

You know, for all the show anxiety that we have, as it goes… Jen’s been saying for the past couple of weeks, “I just can’t wait to get it open.”

JEN:

We need to get down to McCormick Place.

DAVE:

It really is fun to see just how much people enjoy the show. And then, on the association side, we’ve had a couple of big legislative victories that our team’s been involved in. We work with the best of the best of dealers. I know that there’s a bad reputation for dealers sometimes, but we work with really great people, really great businesspeople who are a big part of their communities and it’s gratifying to see just how they work together in their communities and work for something like BBQ for the Troops, or the betterment of this organization, and there’s a lot of great things about it. So, the excitement of the show and the fun of working with dealers who are just great businesspeople.

CHERISE:

What are your plans for retirement?

DAVE:

I’m looking forward to spending time with my granddaughters. My wife watches them every day. We moved close to their school, where they will go to school and where my daughter-in-law teaches, so we get to watch the little ones every day and then the older one, we get to see every day. Being a grandfather has just really changed my outlook on life. To be able to retire early and buy five extra years with my wife and my granddaughters is really exciting.

CHERISE:

This is for both of you — why is Jen the perfect person to take over for Dave? You can sing your praises here, Jen.

DAVE:

I will sing her praises. So, Jen is, like, the perfect employee. And [MAMA President Robert] Duffer will tell you this, because we had this conversation. When Jen came to tell me she had been recruited to a PR firm downtown, I said to Duffer, “It’s, like, my worst day. My one job was to hold on to Jen.” Then, he said, “Well, how long did you have her?” and I said, “10 years,” and he said, “That’s probably five years longer than you deserved to have her.”

CHERISE:

Sounds like Duffer.

DAVE:

Her expertise with social media and everything digital has allowed us to expand the reach of the show far beyond the 10 days at McCormick Place. That really is the future of where auto shows are going. So to lose her at this critical time, we could have made it work, but it was too much to overcome at the time. While I might have been the right leader for that particular moment, she’s the right leader for the future, so if we lost her, the question would be, could we ever get her back? I just couldn’t take that chance. So I accelerated my timeline, which worked, again, for me and my wife personally. It’s not a sacrifice, I don’t want to make it sound like it is. It’s what is right for our association, and Jen and I have had this discussion many times. The opportunity for me to put her in an opportunity to succeed at CATA really puts a nice little bow on my career because she is the right person to take us forward.

JEN:

Every time I hear that story, I told Dave this, I don’t have the words to thank him quite yet [laughs] because it just seems to fall flat. What I would say is, I’ve always looked up to Dave as a mentor throughout my whole career and we actually come from a very similar background, which is kind of full circle how we met and how I came to work at the Chicago Auto Trade Association in the first place. So our background is very similar, public relations, and that as we all know on this call has transitioned more to the digital…back in the day I was faxing press releases, and then it turned to, how do you reach the people where they are? The advent of social media actually started the Chicago Auto Show’s Facebook fan page, when it wasn’t a profile page, it was a fan page back in the day, and our Twitter account, so it’s kind of fun to come full circle. I give Dave a lot of credit for his foresight to see that because I don’t know many people who would have that same take on the situation. I feel very humbled, I always say this, [for Dave] to be really selfless and to think about the show and the positioning of our show moving forward. I feel very lucky to be in this position every day. Obviously we’re faced with a lot of challenges… we do have a lot of challenges, we’re not sugarcoating anything, and we’re going to adapt. Our whole team, Dave mentioned Mark, but we have a fantastic team. Jim OBrill, obviously, is a board member of MAMA, he’s a crucial team member to us. Hayley Feichter is another MAMA member, fantastic, talking about digital and social, it’s almost like the next generation. It’s been really fun to lead this team and co-lead with Dave. His knowledge, the 30 years’ historical knowledge, is so important. I would just add that there’s no one in our industry, the auto trade association leaders, that have done this. Sometimes the person retires too soon or unexpectedly and they don’t have a transition in place, so it’s actually sparked some of our leaders across the country to follow what Dave’s doing and say, “Wow, that’s really smart,” because this job is so unique. Like Dave said, he kind of alluded to it, we have a lot of legislative priorities, we do a lot of different behind-the-scenes things that people don’t always pinpoint with this job. You think of the auto show, what everyone knows about and hears about. It’s our Super Bowl, it’s our big event. But there are a lot of other priorities that we have throughout the year, so it’s been fantastic to have Dave as a leader and a mentor and to have him here these couple of years, to continue to learn from him has been… I mean, I’m just so fortunate and so lucky every day.

DAVE:

Just to elaborate on Jen’s strengths and the Chicago Auto Show for a moment, we have always branded ourselves as “the consumer auto show,” right? And the pendulum has swung back to, “Oh, auto shows are really about the consumer, it turns out,” singing our song that we’ve been saying for 10 years. The value we get through social media and hundreds of thousands of people on the show floor with a recording device, a phone, then pushes all that content out to their friends and family and followers, to be able to harness that and measure it and then be able to report those measurements to the OEMs, that is what Jen and Mark and now Hayley and Jim have done so well and really positioned Chicago well for the future, again. I echo what Jen said earlier about Mark and Chris Konecki, they’re kind of close to me in age and to make the move to Jen just signals to the manufacturers, the OEMs, the exhibitors, that we’re in this for the long haul. We see the future. And to have someone Jen’s age and experience and expertise shows exactly where we think the shows are going.

JEN:

Dave sort of mentioned this too, but in terms of the auto show, it’s not just the in-person event that’s an auto show, it’s all the digital tie to it. That’s where the sweet spot happens because what we found is that car shopping websites have a major uptick in traffic when our auto show is taking place. Showing that people are going to their sites, shopping for vehicles, learning about their vehicles. We know that our digital impressions, the numbers are crazy, it’s millions and billions of impressions, I almost feel silly saying that, but that’s the kind of reach that our hashtag and our mentions get during that period. Our team, Jim and Hayley, to their credit, we take a 10-day public show and the content from that show and we literally communicate with our fans throughout the whole year. That’s very unique to our show. I know other shows sometimes tend to go dark when their event’s not taking place, which makes complete sense, but we are lucky in the fact that we have other assets, like Drive Chicago, with our radio show, with our website, with our social channels, to use that as a platform as well. I think that because of our team’s strength and background in marketing and digital that we’re able to carry that message out in a year-round way.

CHERISE:

You can both speak to this. How has the partnership between CATA and MAMA been beneficial?

DAVE:

You may know that my predecessor, Jerry Cizek, told Jim Mateja, “Hey, we need to have a media association here in Chicago,” and Mateja got it going. I think I was around for the first rally, I was working for a PR firm and Rick Popely and my boss went and sent us a rally route before Mark Bilek got us in with Road America. It’s been a great relationship and the one thing that wasn’t said when talking about the investment in the Chicago Auto Show and so on, we do go halvers on that breakfast, MAMA and the CATA, and it used to be that someone from MAMA would sit, collect $20 or something like that for the MAMA luncheon at the time, which started on a Wednesday afternoon, and then we finally said, “Let’s just make this free and make it a breakfast,” and it worked for the two-day thing that we had. It’s really been a great relationship, obviously. We built this building during that time and then it became a place where MAMA could have luncheons and not have to pay a lot of fees for hosting something at a hotel or something like that. We love it because we’ve had four staffers as board members of MAMA in different capacities and there’s been a great relationship there over the years.

JEN:

I’d just elaborate too by saying that the MAMA group, and I think a lot of us share the same sentiment, just feels like family. It’s so wonderful to just be able to pick up the phone and call you, Cherise, or call someone at a manufacturer, and you already have that relationship established. Road America and the Spring Rally and those events certainly help cement that, but I just always appreciate the candidness that our group has with one another and just the ability to help one another, really. It’s been wonderful, and we look forward to continue that relationship. I know we’ve kind of gotten away from the in-person events because of the pandemic, we’ve had a lot of virtual lunch-and-learns, which are great, time-efficient and everything, that’s great, but our building was kind of the meeting place, too, so, happy to continue to offer that location to MAMA members. We look forward to another long-term relationship with the MAMA breakfast, of course, and us sponsoring and partnering on the Spring Rally. It’s been great. And I should mention, Chicago Drives Electric, that was one of those crazy ideas, well, not crazy but it came out and we said, “Well, we have six months to pull this off, let’s line it all up.” We’re going to have a consumer test drive day, of course, but also a media day, we called our friends at MAMA and they were of course on board and had some wonderful ideas about how to get it off the ground.That’s been a wonderful partnership now over the past couple years and we look forward to partnering for a third year in the fall.

CHERISE:

Thank you! See you soon!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

2024 Annual Business Meeting Recap and Board Election

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:03:29 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2024 Board of Directors during its annual January business meeting which was held on Wednesday, January 24th.

The newly elected board includes MAMA’s Secretary Paul Herrold, Treasurer Kelley Enright, and Communications Director Jim OBrill. President Robert Duffer, Vice President Robby DeGraff, and VP of Membership Cherise Threewitt continue with their second year term along with President Emeritus Harvey Briggs.

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association, which was founded in 1991, currently maintains a membership of 271 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields (+3% YoY).

It was also announced that the MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards have been changed. The new award program will be called “MAMA’s Favorites” and will include 7 specific categories: Family Vehicle, Luxury Vehicle, Off-Roader, Pick-up Truck, Performance Vehicle, Affordable Vehicle, and Plug-in Vehicle. Additionally, from each category, one overall winner will be selected as the overall “Favorite Vehicle of the Year” which will be revealed at the Chicago Auto Show MAMA Breakfast on February 8th.

The finalists of the MAMA’s Favorites are: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max (Family), Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD (Luxury), Chevy Trax (Affordable), Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe (Off-Roader), Ford Maverick Tremor (Pick-up), Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Performance), and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Plug-in).

New Member Spotlight: Brian Roskelly

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:03:15 GMT

Brian Roskelly, an editor at Cox Automotive with Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is another of the up-and-coming generation of auto journalists that joined MAMA in 2023. If you haven’t met Brian yet, keep an eye out—he’s sharp and ambitious, and is a great conversation partner at a press dinner.

MAMA: How did you get started in the automotive media industry?

Brian: Networking and persistence, before and during the height of a once-in-a-generation pandemic. My automotive career started with an internship at Mercedes-Benz USA's corporate communications agency in Atlanta, GA, but the two individuals who kicked off my support network were Scotty Reiss and Davis Adams, both fellow alumni from the University of Georgia.

MAMA: How did you find MAMA?

Brian: Encouragement from Midwestern industry colleagues who I now call friends (Robby DeGraff, Jill Ciminillo, probably others).

MAMA: What’s been your favorite vehicle you’ve reviewed?

Brian: Hyundai IONIQ 5.

MAMA: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

Brian: Biking, inline skating, skiing, riding roller coasters, exploring my city.

MAMA: What was your first car?

Brian: A 2013 Scion tC.

Here are links to Brian’s favorite recent article and video:

https://www.autotrader.com/oversteer/genesis-making-all-right-moves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQIcnQZRkSk

MAMA Members Get the Inside Scoop on Lexus's New 2024 TX

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:52:00 GMT

Kicking off another great year ahead, MAMA members on Tuesday, January 16, were treated to a virtual backgrounder that focused on an important addition to the Lexus's lineup: the new TX. 40 or so members tuned into a Zoom presentation by Brooke Sinek (Lexus Product Communications), Richard Hollingsworth (Lexus Product Marketing), and Katelyn Salzman (Lexus College).From the latest sales numbers, ongoing marketing efforts, and the key differentiators between the TX and cousin Toyota Grand Highlander, to a breakdown of the TX's trims, MAMA members were given the full inside scoop on this new three-row family hauler. As numbers indicated in the deck, the TX has already been a hit for the luxury brand after only a few months on the market. The timing of this virtual backgrouder proved to be just as beneficial too, as MAMA members learned more about the incoming TX500h F SPORT PERFORMANCE plug-in hybrid model set to arrive at dealers throughout Q1 and Q2.

Following the virtual backgrounder, MAMA members participated in an engaging Q&A session with Salzman, Sinek, and Hollingsworth. Look for the 2024 Lexus TX to likely be one of the many vehicles on the roster at our upcoming MAMA Spring Rally at Road America in late May.

A recording of the virtual backgrounder can be accessed here.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Announces MAMA’s Favorites Finalists.

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:50:38 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced the seven category winners for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 award. Each winner is now a finalist for the overall title that will be voted on by the association’s 189 nationwide media members.

MAMA’s Favorites is a new award, building on the strength of the association’s prior Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards. It was expanded to recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.

“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.”

All candidates for the awards were driven by MAMA members at one of the three drive events in 2023: The MAMA Spring Rally, MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric. Voting after each event narrowed a lengthy candidate list of more than 100 eligible vehicles to only a select few finalists in each appropriate category. After a vote in November, the category winners for 2024 are:

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD
MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe
MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor
MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Ford Mustang Dark Horse
MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax
MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6

Voting is now open for the overall MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of 2024 award that will be announced at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast, hosted by MAMA, on February 8.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 33st year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country and Canada. The association’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for the major issues in the automotive industry and to connect newsworthy products with key people.

MAMA Members Join GM for a Fireside Chat on EV Technology

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:56:23 GMT

On December 13^th , 42 MAMA members logged onto Zoom to learn about new EV batteries and technology from Andy Oury, the “Engineering Technical Leader for High Voltage Battery Packs” at General Motors. Andy explained the fundamentals of battery design and how it works, including the ins and outs of GM’s own Ultium EV battery and how GM uses this battery in their current product line up.

Next, Andy discussed the different ways in which individual batteries are placed into large EV battery packs, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then came some EV battery myth-busting: Andy addressed the common misconceptions that the general public has concerning EV batteries, including materials used in manufacturing, expected life-span, refurbishing and recycling, After the presentation, the spotlight was then turned to MAMA members for a Q&A session and final wrap-up.

From parallel versus series circuits and AC versus DC charging, to the differences between batteries used in electric vehicles and those used in consumer electronics, Andy was an encyclopedia of knowledge and kept everyone engaged throughout his presentation. MAMA would like to thank Andy Oury and General Motors for sharing valuable information about their Ultium battery technology and for educating our members on, not only how EV batteries are made, but how they really work as well.

Autumn MAMA Meetings Focus on New, Cutting-Edge Automotive Technology for the Consumer.

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:59:44 GMT

MAMA members were recently invited to attend two virtual lunch meetings to learn about some of the most innovative automotive gadgets available on the market today.

Emporia Energy, who previously gave a presentation about its consumer-facing charging equipment in the spring and was a sponsor of our 2022 Spring Rally at Road America, returned in late October to share details about the company’s newest home-use Level 2 charging station—a game changer for older homes limited to 100-amp electrical service or less. Until now, homeowners had to hire a professional electrician to increase their home electrical panel to a 200-amp service, costing thousands of

dollars. But Emporia’s latest Level 2 charger with Load Management allows homeowners to not have to upgrade their home’s electrical service anymore. CEO Shawn McLaughlin explained to MAMA members by continuously monitoring the total electrical usage of the home, the system automatically reduces power to the EV charging unit if a high load from other electrical sources is detected. When you plug in your electric vehicle, for instance, the system will begin charging at the maximum set rate. If, however, it’s a hot summer day and your air conditioning unit powers up, the Load Management computer will instantly reduce the EV’s charging rate to prevent any overloading on your home system and tripping a circuit breaker. Once the extra load is finished(the air conditioning unit cycles off), the system will automatically increase the charger rate once more. This all happens seamlessly: you’ll never know the charging rate was temporarily reduced. Best of all, the unit itself retails for only $599.

In a second virtual lunch meeting held in early November, MAMA members were introduced to Nextbase’s all-new line of

dashcams. Nextbase first joined MAMA a few years ago at our 2021 Spring Rally at Road America, partnering with Mitsubishi to not only showcase their lineup of dash cams but also a capable Outlander modified for the Rebelle Rally, in which members were able to take on the off-road course. This time, Nextbase’s VP of Marketing, Jeff Chuh, returned to chat about the company’s new "Nextbase iQ,” dashcams that integrate AI-powered technology and full 4G connectivity to offer buyers features previously only available as expensive built-in car options. Like Tesla’s Sentry Mode, for instance, the iQ’s Smart Sense Parking uses proximity and G-Force sensors to record when anyone is near your vehicle. It even sends video updates to your smartphone in real time. Another feature, Emergency SOS, will automatically alert emergency services with your location and other potentially-lifesaving details following a serious accident—great for older or less-optioned vehicles that are not already equipped with SOS services. The most useful feature, however, might be Guardian Mode: it notifies vehicle owners or parents based on specific triggers, like speeding, erratic driving, and GPS boundaries, to keep you alerted when your vehicle is left with a valet, mechanic, or most importantly, a family member. Pricing is equally as impressive, starting at just $499 for 1080p resolution, $599 for 2K, and $699 for ultra 4K.

For auto journalists, learning about car-related gadgets and tech betters our understanding of the

entire automotive landscape. MAMA-arranged meetings, whether virtual or in-person, help members from around the country and into Canada keep up with all the latest trends. We thank both Emporia Energy and Nextbase for their insightful presentations, engaging Q&A sessions, and continued support of MAMA.!

The Inaugural MAMA's Favorites Fall Fest was a success.

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:06:08 GMT

To kick-off autumn, in late September MAMA helds its inaugural MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest at the scenic Danada House in Wheaton, IL. Despite brief patches of gray skies and bouts of heavy rain, 30+ MAMA members throughout the course of the day were able to get behind the wheel of two dozen exciting new, refreshed, or updated vehicles ranging from sports cars with three pedals to posh luxury crossovers and impressive budget-friendly choices. Participating automakers included Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Jeep, Subaru, Ford, Acura, Hyundai, Toyota, Genesis, Alfa Romeo, Honda, Dodge, Kia, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GMC. In addition to ample time for video and static, two different drive routes allowed members to engage even more with the vehicle. Additionally, communications and product representatives were available on site to answer any questions MAMA members may have had leading up to category voting for the organization’s annual “MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle” awards. Winners will be revealed at next year’s Chicago Auto Show welcome breakfast. This event took place just prior to MAMA and CATA’s Chicago Drives Electric media day that focuses on EVs and plug-in hybrids.

Chicago Drives Electric puts media in over 40 new electrified vehicles

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:28:35 GMT

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area’s new-car dealer association and producer of the Chicago Auto Show, successfully concluded its second annual fall Chicago Drives Electric experiential test drive and educational event. MAMA partnered with the CATA for the Media Day before the event opened to the public.

Over 50 MAMA members joined local broadcasters for a day of driving and EV education. The day kicked off with a panel discussion on the current state of EVs led by MAMA President, Robert Duffer. The panel included Brian Normile from Cars.com. David Thomas from CDK Global, Ryan Burg from ComEd, and Elbert Walters from Powering Chicago. The hourlong panel discussion addressed concerns around infrastructure, preparing for EV ownership, charger installation and more. After the panel, media members were able to head outside and spend time in the latest vehicles.

Members were able to spend 15-20 minutes of on-road driving, engage with manufacturer representatives and capture content. New vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq, Nissan Ariya, Toyota Prius Prime and many more were all on the move. Kia also brought out the new EV9 for a static display. CDK Global sponsored lunch and provided the latest insights from their recent study and outside Weber Grill was grilling up hot dogs on electric grills plugged into an EV6 and Ford F-150 Lightning.

In addition to putting media behind the wheel, MAMA and CATA brought in a variety of experts to help break down the various aspects of EV ownership and tackle complex topics such as range anxiety; at-home charging solutions; on-the-go charging and infrastructure; tax credits and incentives; and where people can begin their search. On-hand experts included Cars.com, ComEd, Drive Chicago and Powering Chicago. Once again, Powering Chicago’s mobile field trip truck was onsite, a 73’ semi-truck and trailer outfitted with current and emerging electrical technology, including EV chargers, which provided a classroom for licensed electricians and contractors to offer knowledgeable insights.

The Media day concluded at 4:00, but Chicago Drives Electric carried on for the remainder of the weekend Friday through Sunday. Over the course of the weekend, the event attracted 1,437 total registered drivers and netted more than 5,800 in-vehicle experiences, doubling the attendance from the previous year. The buzz generated from the event carried over to social media; Chicago Drives Electric reached more than 4.6 million, according to initial results from media measurement firm Meltwater.

“We’re planning to bring back the large Chicago Drives Electric indoor test track and EV education hub to the 2024 Chicago Auto Show,” said Chicago Auto Show Co-General Manager Jennifer Morand. “Last year’s test track featured models from five different brands. We look forward to continuing that experience at the 2024 show.”

New Member Spotlight: Zack Pradel

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:37:52 GMT

We at MAMA are proud to have Zack Pradel among us and he’s the perfect choice for our quarterly Member Spotlight. Zack is a relatively new member of MAMA, but his energy and enthusiasm help make us what we are. You may have met Zack at the Spring Rally, but if you didn’t, or if you want to know him a little better, we’ve got you covered.

MAMA: How did you get started in the automotive media industry?

Zack: I always had a love for cars from a very young age. My dad also loved filmmaking as a hobby, so there was always a camera in the house. When I became a teenager, I managed to pair my interests together, making videos about cars. I then attended Aurora University and got a degree in Communication, doubling down on my career path.

MAMA: How did you find MAMA?

Zack: One day, a handsome fellow named Robby DeGraff followed me on Twitter. We started chatting about the industry, and he recommended that I check out MAMA. I wanted to wait until I was 25, and on my 25th birthday I applied!

MAMA: What’s been your favorite vehicle you’ve reviewed?

ZACK: It’s a tough choice since I have reviewed 1,200+ cars. I tend to lean towards cars from the 1980s and 1990s. If I had to pick, it would be the 1993 Nissan Skyline GTS25t. I filmed it around sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Safe to say it was pure bliss.

MAMA: What do your friends and family say about your job?

Zack: At first, my family was very hesitant. Which totally makes sense. I was earning pennies doing what was essentially a hobby. Now, they understand and are proud of me, although I still don’t think they know how it works. It clicked for my Mom when I got recognized in public in front of her!

MAMA:What are your long-term career goals?

Zack: Do the same thing but… More. I love reviewing cars and I don’t see myself stopping. I just want to expand my reach, and expand my collection of reviews. Spending a month in a different country to review their cars we never got here is the ultimate goal. Holdens? Peugeots? Tatras? Sign me up!

MAMA: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

Zack: The honest truth is that car reviews are still my hobby. I feel weird if I go more than two or three days without driving a new (to me) car. But when I do take time off, my girlfriend and I are trying to visit as many National Parks as we can. It’s her long time passion that I have fallen in love with over the last three years. We’ve done 18 so far, with an Acadia visit planned in September.

MAMA: Any advice to those looking to break into the auto industry?

Zack: Just make the thing. Whether it’s a blog post, video, podcast, or any other form of media, just make something. Your first one is going to be terrible. Your second one won’t be great. But your third one will be better, and your fourth will be even better than that. The best lessons I’ve learned have been from making the things I want to make, and slowly honing my skills over weeks, not minutes. There will always be things to learn and skills you can improve!

MAMA: What was your first car?

Zack: The first car I purchased myself was a 1985 Mazda RX-7 the week I turned 18. I loved that car and it was the catalyst for me to start my YouTube channel. Six months later, I blew up the engine, and decided to swap it with a newer, fuel-injected rotary engine. Without any instructions, it was a trial-by-fire learning experience, but it worked! I owned that car for five more years after that.

MAMA: What is your dream car?

Zack: What day of the week is it? I can’t stick to one car. One day I want an E30 M3, one day I want a Mustang Shelby GT350. But one constant seems to be an old air cooled Porsche 911. A 930 Turbo would be lovely.

MAMA: Tell us about something adventurous you have done.

Zack: Last fall I took my 2019 Mazda 3 Hatchback down a “4x4 Only” trail. I ended up 3-wheeling it and fording a small river, but the thing did it all easier than I expected. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t smart to do so with no support vehicle and two hours from any kind of cell service, but hey, it all worked out, right? (Minus the 4-foot gouge on the bottom of my Mazda from a particular boulder on the trail.)

Here’s a link to one of Zack’s most favorite recent reviews on his YouTube channel: 2007 Lotus Exige S Review - I Found The PERFECT Sports Car!

Lincoln Presents the All-New 2024 Nautilus to MAMA

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:21:20 GMT

With approximately 30 MAMA members in attendance at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) headquarters in Oak Brook IL and another 12 watching on-line, MAMA Vice President Robby Degraff introduced Monica Gorgas (Nautilus Brand Manager), Kelly Wysocki (Lincoln Communication), and Anika Salceda-Wycoco (Manager, Lincoln Communications) to the group. The topic on hand was the introduction of the absolutely beautiful -inside and out- all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus.

The Lincoln team explained that the brand is really focusing its “sanctuary” theme for the driver and passengers where everything is geared, not only to luxury, but to the enjoyment and the “revitalization” of the drive. Additionally, the new Nautilus is aimed at younger buyers with lots of on-board tech and a hybrid powertrain option. Some key features of the Nautilus include:

Two engine choices: a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder producing 250hp/275 lb.-ft torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission OR a 2.0L turbo hybrid version with 310hp total system power coupled to a CVT transmission.

The exterior gets a sleeker look with a more prominent grille and less chrome accents. The door handles now sit higher where the glass and sheet metal meet. The new Nautilus is a few inches longer and wider than the outgoing model, yet is actually lighter.

Arguably, the star feature of the new Nautilus is the full wrap interior curved display screen that sits up high and spans the entire width of the SUV. This eliminated the need for a head-up display and really gives an open and immersive feel to the cockpit.

After the slideshow, the spotlight was then turned to MAMA members for a Q&A session, followed by everyone getting to explore the two examples of Nautilus prototypes. Monica Gorgas, Nautilus Brand Manager, provided vehicle walkarounds and demos to MAMA members of the redesigned Nautilus’s cutting-edge technology and sumptuous features. This was a great way to get inside the vehicles and really see and touch everything the new SUVs have to offer. At the end of the presentation, all attending members were given a sample of one of the three new digital diffuser fragrances available in the Nautilus.

We cannot thank Lincoln enough for bringing the all-new Nautilus to the luncheon presentation ahead of its official release into showrooms. This gives MAMA members a huge advantage to be able to create content and showcase these vehicles before they are even available to the general public - adding value and importance to our organization.

MAMA Remembers Enrique Ramirez

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:26:42 GMT

All of MAMA is mourning the passing of Enrique Ramirez, a longtime MAMA member and supporter. He shifted into the high gear of the sky on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at his home after a 5 ½ year journey with cancer. Enrique was born in Los Angeles in 1969 and moved to Wisconsin in 2016 to join Road America as Director of Business Services.

Enrique was passionate about cars and racing. He could always be found at events like the Chicago Auto Show, race weekends at Road America, and he was a regular participant at the One Lap of America. He drove in this event 14 times, including the last three with his son, Eric.

Enrique was also a runner and participated in the Ragnar Relays six times and was the co-creator of the 4 Miles of Fitness event at the MAMA Spring Rally.

Enrique is survived by his wife, Suzanne, seven children, and one grandchild. There will be a Celebration of Life at Road America this Wednesday, August 9th at noon. Donations can be made in Enrique’s name to his charity of choice, The American Cancer Society. https://runsignup.com/enrram1

For more information, please call Eric at 608-477-0771.

The picture is Enrique and his son, Eric, celebrating their 2021 class win in the One Lap of America."

Midwest Automotive Media Association Rallies 100 Journalists for the 2023 Rally

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:44:58 GMT

ELKHART LAKE, Wis.--The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted the 2023 Rally May 23-25 at Road America. 100 journalists put nearly 90 of the the industry’s latest vehicles through their paces including on-track, autocross, street drives, and a technical off-road course sponsored by Jeep. This year, MAMA added an all-new Enthusiasts’ Paddock and content creation sessions.

MAMA’s 160 members in attendance started with breakfast, sponsored by Ford highlighting the Mustang. After the first morning of track touring laps, street drives, and off-roading, the group fueled up with lunch sponsored by Dodge when they were briefed on the Dodge Hornet.

Afterwards, driving continued and later that afternoon a group of members participated in the third annual “4 Miles of Fitness,” sponsored by Kia, where they enjoyed the legendary track by walking, running, or biking. Honda wrapped up the day with a dinner presentation on the latest safety technology in the 2023 Honda Pilot.

Day 2 offered up sunny skies and a breakfast presentation on the Hyundai IONIQ 6. Street drives and an autocross competition followed. Lunch, sponsored by Our Next Energy, marked the conclusion of the event.

Immediate post-rally results indicate nearly 500 posts, articles, videos, broadcast coverage and more reaching 157M with 1.24M video views and over 24,000 engagements (metrics tracked by Meltwater). More than ever before, Rally has proven to be a robust content generator for media members.

This year’s rally also marked the second year of MAMA’s Favorites awards. Members chose the following winners from seven categories.

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Kia Telluride X-Pro

MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90

MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary Edition

MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor

MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: BMW M2

MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6

MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) comprises about 240 automotive journalists and industry professionals from approximately 25 states and the District of Columbia. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all over. The organization’s purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, current issues and new products in the auto industry.

2023 MAMA Board Elected

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 03:53:05 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2023 Board of Directors during its annual January business meeting.

The newly elected board includes MAMA President Robert Duffer and Senior Vice President Robby DeGraff. Cherise Threewitt moves into the role of Vice President of Membership and Harvey Briggs becomes the President Emeritus.

Kelley Enright, Treasurer, and Jim OBrill, Communications Director, continue with their second year term. Afaf Farah joins the board as Secretary.

2023 Board: Cherise Threewitt, Robert Duffer, Kelley Enright, Jim OBrill, Harvey Briggs, and Robby DeGraff. Not Pictured: Afaf Farah

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association, which was founded in 1991, currently maintains a membership of 263 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

It was also announced that the winners of MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards will be revealed at the Chicago Auto Show MAMA Breakfast on February 9.

The finalists for Family Vehicle of the Year are the Hyundai IONIQ5, Hyundai Palisade, and the Ford F-150 Lightning. For Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year, the finalists are the Genesis G90, Genesis GV60, and the Lincoln Navigator.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and related news, visit www.mamaonline.org.

MAMA Meets Toyota’s New Crown

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:55:54 GMT

On November 29, Toyota presented details on the brand’s upcoming large sedan to 55 MAMA members via Zoom. MAMA President Harvey Briggs introduced Amy Chao, Senior Planning Analyst for Toyota's Vehicle Marketing Department.

The Toyota Crown midsize sedan is all new for the 2023 model year, after a 50-year absence from the U.S. market. It will serve as Toyota’s new flagship sedan, with unique styling unlike anything else in its class – and unlike any other Toyota currently in the United States. With a fastback-like silhouette, a raised ride height, and massive wheels, the Crown intends to stand out from the crowd.

The Crown features standard all-wheel drive and the choice of two powertrains, both electrified. Base XLE and Limited models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, good for 236 combined horsepower; top-tier Platinum models come powered by Toyota’s new Hybrid MAX system (introduced to MAMA members via Zoom in April) featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a rating of 340 combined horsepower.

Keep an eye out for the Toyota Crown, as well as other Toyota models, at the 2023 MAMA Spring Rally in May!

Key specs and features of the 2023 Toyota Crown include:

Elevated ride height
Standard full-time all-wheel drive
Choice of two hybrid powertrains
Fuel economy estimates of up to 41 mpg combined
12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Complimentary ToyotaCare standard maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles

'CHICAGO DRIVES ELECTRIC' EV TEST DRIVE AND EDUCATIONAL EVENT SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:58:50 GMT

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area’s new-car dealer association and producer of the Chicago Auto Show, successfully concluded Chicago Drives Electric—its first-ever electric vehicle experiential test drive and educational event. Due to the event’s overwhelming success among EV intenders, organizers plan to bring Chicago Drives Electric indoors to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show this February, 11-20, at McCormick Place.

In alignment with National Drive Electric week, Chicago Drives Electric aimed to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and help consumers understand how EVs can fit individual needs and lifestyles. Featured brands and vehicles included: Alfa Romeo Tonale; Chrysler Pacifica PHEV; Chevrolet Bolt EV; Chevrolet Bolt EUV; Ford F-150 Lightning; Ford Mustang Mach-E; Ford E-transit; Hyundai IONIQ 5; Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV; Hyundai Tucson PHEV; Hyundai Kona EV; Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV; Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV; Kia EV6; Volkswagen ID.4; Volvo C40 Recharge; Volvo XC40 Recharge; Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV; and Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV.

The event kicked off with a media day co-hosted by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). Over 65 MAMA members attended along with additional broadcast media to cover the event. Alfa Romeo kicked off the day with a presentation by Larry Dominique, Senior VP and Head of Alfa Romeo on the new Tonale. Immediately following was a presentation from Escalent Research's KC Boyce regarding the state of the EV Revolution. Two informative panel discussions and a lunch presentation from Cars.com were also part of the day's activities. Journalists were able to get behind the wheel of the aforementioned vehicles for some direct EV comparisons. Following media day, Chicagoland new car dealers and consumers were invited to attend the rest of Chicago Drives Electric.

In addition to putting interested parties behind the wheel of some of the latest EVs, event organizers brought in a variety of experts to help break down the various aspects of EV ownership and tackle complex topics such as range anxiety; at-home charging solutions; on-the-go charging and infrastructure; tax credits and incentives; and where people can begin their search. On-hand experts included Cars.com, Charge Enterprises, ComEd and Powering Chicago.

Organizers anticipated a range of 750-1,000 attendees. Over the course of the weekend, the event netted 947 total registered drivers and nearly 3,000 in-vehicle experiences, surpassing expectations. The buzz generated from the event carried over to social media; Chicago Drives Electric reached 4.5 million, according to initial results from media measurement firm Meltwater.

“We invited previous Chicago Auto Show ticket purchasers, in the form of one email, to preregister for their preferred date and two-hour timeslot,” said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. “We were shocked to find all the timeslots filled overnight! The response and interest were overwhelming, in a very good way, which is why we’re looking to enhance our indoor EV track at the Chicago Auto Show and incorporate elements of Chicago Drives Electric including consumer education and resources.”

“We’re planning to triple the size of our indoor EV track, adding more brands and vehicles, and building out the surrounding area with educational exhibits and panel discussions featuring industry experts,” said Chicago Auto Show Co-General Manager Jennifer Morand. “All of that rich content will translate well to social media where we’ll take in-person panel discussions and broadcast them live on our Facebook and Instagram channels, create educational Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, and partner with key influencers in the space to take over our social media channels throughout the show.”

“Chicago Drives Electric validated to us the public’s enthusiasm to further their knowledge about EVs,” continued Morand. “There are many complexities associated with the topic, which is why personal service and education is needed now more than ever, and the Chicagoland new-car dealers are dedicated to assisting consumers in their EV journey.”

According to the 2022 EVForward Dealer DeepDive study by independent analytics firm Escalent, the dealership will remain a pivotal part of an EV intender's shopping experience. The DeepDive survey found that 74 percent of respondents prefer to buy an EV at a dealership, rather than from an auto manufacturer or third party. This research proves that the franchise dealership model works just as well for EVs as it does for traditional vehicles.

“The Chicagoland dealers have been behind the Chicago Auto Show for nearly a century, and we are so proud to lead the way in this EV revolution into the future,” said Phelan. “This next stage of EV adoption will look more like getting average consumers into mass-market vehicles they depend on to get to work and manage family life. Dealers will remain critical in this process to bring EVs to scale.”

That's a Rally!

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:54:06 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association Hosted 87 Journalists for the 2022 Rally at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, Wis.--The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted the 2022 MAMA Rally on May 24-26 at Road America. Over the course of two days, 87 journalists working in automotive and related industries put a variety of the industry’s latest vehicles through their paces including on-track, autocross, and scenic street drives. Due to popular demand, the technical off-road course sponsored by Jeep was expanded to a full day.

Auto manufacturer partners and sponsors provided nearly 65 vehicles for journalists to test and evaluate over the two-day event.

The sky was cloudy, but MAMA members were eager to get the first day started after a breakfast presentation of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5. After the first morning of track touring laps, street drive evaluations, and muddy all-terrain off-road challenges, the group fueled up with lunch sponsored by Mazda when they were briefed on the new CX-50.

That afternoon, after the track went cold, a brave group of MAMA members participated in the second annual “4 Miles of Fitness,” sponsored by Kia. This event is an opportunity to enjoy the legendary track from a new perspective, walking, running, or by bicycle.

Later that evening, Subaru hosted dinner with a presentation on the new Solterra.

Day 2 offered up sunny skies and participants were greeted at breakfast by the new Nissan Z, with street drives and an autocross competition to follow. Lunch, sponsored by Cars.com, marked the conclusion of the event.

Preliminary voting for MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year (FVOTY) and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year (LFVOTY) Awards also took place. The FVOTY finalists include the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and 2023 Mazda CX-50. LFVOTY finalists include the 2023 Genesis GV60, 2022 Lincoln Navigator, and 2022 BMW i4.

A final round of online voting will take place later this year to determine the overall winner in each category. Winners in both categories will be announced at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show in February.

This year’s rally also marked the introduction of five new awards to recognize vehicles across a wider range of categories, including vehicles that are not new or redesigned.

“MAMA members have strong opinions, so we decided to give them another opportunity to express themselves with the MAMA’s Favorite awards.” said Harvey Briggs, MAMA President. “This diverse group of winners highlights the broad background and varied interests of our membership.”

Members chose their “favorite” candidates in each category from among the vehicles available to drive at the rally, with the following results.

MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Gold: 2022 Jeep Wrangler 392 Xtreme Recon, Silver: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, Bronze: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe

MAMA’s Favorite Street Vehicle: Gold: 2023 Nissan Z, Silver: 2023 Mazda CX-50, Bronze: 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid

MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Gold: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N, Silver: 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe (Tie), Silver: 2022 Toyota GR86 (Tie), Bronze: 2022 Mazda MX-5 Club RF (to qualify vehicles had to be run on the track or autocross course)

MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Gold: 2022 Genesis GV70, Silver: 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Bronze: 2022 Lincoln Navigator Black Label

MAMA’s Favorite BEV: Gold: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, Silver: 2023 Genesis GV60, Bronze: 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

MAMA Dives Deep Into Toyota’s i-FORCE Max Technology

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 14:17:34 GMT

On April 6, Toyota presented details on the brand’s latest hybrid technology to 38 MAMA members via Zoom. MAMA VP Rob Duffer introduced Jordan Choby, VP of Powertrain Controls at Toyota.

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system debuts on the new 2022 Toyota Tundra, providing the beefy truck with impressive horsepower and torque. The mission, Choby said, was to make the Tundra a “premium towing machine.” In the early days of development, the idea of a hybrid truck made people nervous, and the Toyota team was determined that they “don’t want a Prius truck.” The solution? Step up the Tundra’s luxury features and “double down on towing,” ensuring the new Tundra retains – or strengthens – its reputation within the large truck segment.

Choby said the i-FORCE MAX architecture is very modular, designed to be used with different engines and transmissions, with the goal of increasing electrification in the brand’s stable. It will be the sole powertrain on the redesigned 2023 Sequoia SUV. The system drives “powerfully and naturally,” according to Choby, and as the Tundra was designed specifically for the North American market, the team branched out into more areas of the country to evaluate its performance in different environments.

Keep an eye out for the Toyota Tundra, GR Supra, and GR86, as well as other Toyota and Lexus models, at the MAMA Spring Rally in May!

Key specs and features of the 2022 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX include:

Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a motor generator system located between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission
437 horsepower (an increase of 48 horsepower over the non-hybrid i-FORCE model)
583 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 104 pound-feet over the non-hybrid i-FORCE model)
Maximum towing capacity of 11,350 pounds
Fuel economy ratings of up to 19 mpg city/22 highway/21 combined in 4x4 models

Lexus Presents All-New 2022 LX 600

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 20:56:17 GMT

With 33 MAMA members logged on to Zoom, MAMA President Harvey Briggs and Vice President Rob Duffer introduced Carley Bly, Senior Analyst for Lexus. Bly introduced the fully redesigned 2022 LX 600, the flagship model of the brand’s SUV lineup.

Bly explained that the LX redesign focused on improving known pain points from the model’s previous generation, such as the outdated technology and unimpressive fuel economy. Lexus also improved functionality with fold-flat third-row seats and more efficient use of cargo space.

In a growing segment, Bly said, Lexus has a big opportunity and plans to double the brand’s market share. However, Lexus anticipates some of those new buyers will be “Land Cruiser orphans,” moving upmarket to Lexus because Toyota has discontinued the mechanically identical, but less luxurious, legendary Land Cruiser off-roader. Lexus also plans to appeal to younger affluent couples, and features like newly-available 22-inch wheels and upgraded technology should support that goal.

Though the Lexus LX 600 has already started to arrive on dealer lots, the brand plans to raise awareness with an upcoming national TV campaign, which Lexus has not done for the LX in 14 years.

As usual, MAMA members couldn’t wait for the Q&A session, despite the familiar caveat that Lexus could not discuss future product. In conclusion, those of us who have already seen the new LX 600 got a great refresher with the opportunity to ask questions, and the rest of us are even more ready for our first encounter. We can’t reveal specifics yet, but Bly and the Lexus team are excited to participate in the 2022 MAMA Spring Rally.

Key specs and features of the 2022 Lexus LX 600 include:

An all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission
Standard dual touchscreen infotainment interface
Five available trims, including the all-new F SPORT and Ultra Luxury models
Available 5- and 7-passenger configurations
Available 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
Standard and available off-road technology and hardware
Towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds

Genesis Motor America Bolsters Leadership Team with Former MAMA Board Member, Wendy Orthman

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:19:14 GMT

- Wendy Orthman has joined in the role of Executive Director, Marketing

News Provided by: Genesis Motor America

Genesis Motor America is pleased to announce the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Peter Donnellan as Executive Director, After Sales, Customer Satisfaction, and Training, and Wendy Orthman as Executive Director, Marketing. Both Donnellan and Orthman will be reporting to Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America.

Donnellan joins Genesis from Audi where he held multiple positions as Regional Aftersales Manager, VP of Aftersales for FAW-VW in Changchun, China, and Senior Vice President of Aftersales. During his tenure, he led the strategic efforts that improved the company's JD Power CSI ranking by 11 spots to #1. Internally, his strong leadership skills allowed him to improve the annual employee satisfaction score from last place to first place. Peter's experience also includes roles in Customer Service Operations and Owner Retention with Lexus and various field positions in Sales and Service with Acura and Honda. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University.

"Peter is a leader with a proven track record in driving exceptional customer experience results," said Marquez. "As a brand with the ambition to provide a tailored experience to suit the needs of our customers, we are pleased to have Peter onboard."

Wendy Orthman will lead Genesis marketing strategy in the U.S., continuing to grow awareness and consideration for the brand.

Orthman brings more than two decades of integrated marketing and communications experience in the auto industry both in the US and abroad. She joins Genesis from INFINITI Motor Company where she was the Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications based in Yokohama, Japan. Prior to that, her extensive marketing and communications background includes roles focused on brand, social media, and product lifestyle communications at Nissan, FCA and GM.

"Genesis is a new brand with an incredible opportunity to grow," said Marquez. "I am looking forward to working with Wendy to enhance and grow our presence in the market and increase consumer consideration for the brand."

Orthman brings a passion for creative thinking, diversity and inclusion, and challenging the status quo. She was an early adopter in leveraging the power of social media in automotive, and has won awards for creative launches. Orthman holds an Executive MBA from Northwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications & Advertising from Michigan State University.

Genesis Motor North America

At Genesis, we put the customer at the core of everything we do. Genesis is a global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design, safety, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Genesis designs customer experiences that go beyond products, embodying audacious, forward-thinking, and distinctly Korean characteristics within its unique Athletic Elegance design identity. With a growing range of award-winning models — including the 2022 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, GV70, along with G70, G80, G90, GV60, and GV80 — Genesis aims to lead the age of electrification by focusing on a dual electrification strategy involving fuel-cell and battery EVs, starting with its Electrified G80 and GV60 electric models. Genesis has stated its commitment to becoming a 100% zero emission vehicle brand by 2030 and to pursuing carbon neutrality by 2035.

SOURCE Genesis Motor America

Chicago Automobile Trade Association Names Jennifer Morand President of Association and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:10:11 GMT

CHICAGO (Feb. 28, 2022) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) today announced that Jennifer Morand was named co-CEO of the 500-member dealer association. She joins David Sloan in the top job as they together lead the organization that represents the Chicago area’s franchised, new-car dealers and produces the annual Chicago Auto Show. Effective March 1, Morand will officially transition to the role of President of the CATA and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show.

“I’ve known for a number of years that Jen would someday be President of the CATA and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show,” said Sloan. “When she was recruited by an outside organization for a great opportunity, I realized it would take a bold move to keep her. So, we accelerated the timeline a bit and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”

“This is a pivotal time for the franchised dealer model, the association and the auto show,” said Sloan. “Jen’s strengths as a communicator and a marketer perfectly align with where we want to take the organization as well as the future of the auto show.”

“When I first made the offer, she declined, but then I got our Executive Committee involved and they were incredibly supportive and persuasive,” said Sloan.

“Jen is the type of person that you just can’t let go,” said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. “We’re thrilled that she and Dave will lead the organization for a two-year transition, at which time she will fully take the reins.”

“I applaud Dave for having the foresight to appoint Jen as his successor, even if it meant expediting his own retirement timeline,” said Keefe. “When he shared the vision with me and the board, it clicked with us immediately. We’re excited to see what’s in store for the future of the association and the Chicago Auto Show, especially at this crucial time when change is imminent.”

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Morand began her career with the CATA in 2008 as a seasonal Communications Specialist to help with public relations for the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. After working in agency public relations for several years she returned to the CATA as Manager of Public Relations and Social Media in 2012. She was promoted to Director in 2014 and has established the Chicago Auto Show as an industry leader through strategic media relations, targeted digital campaigns and social media engagement year-round—despite the show only being 10 days.

Sloan has been with the CATA since 1993, beginning as Executive Vice President before being named President in January 2010. He worked for General Motors Corporation’s Communications prior to joining the CATA.

“I am beyond grateful and honored to have been recruited by Dave and the CATA board for this prestigious, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Morand. “After an intense period of carefully weighing all sides—while simultaneously producing the auto show, nonetheless!—it quickly became clear that accepting the role was the right decision all around. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better scenario than to have a steady, strategic leader in Dave to stay on board through the transition period.”

“It’s evident the auto industry is rapidly changing, and we need to be planning for the future, not adapting to the now,” continued Morand. “I look forward to rising to the challenge to lead this organization into the next decade and beyond.”

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the Chicago Auto Show, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

###

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.

About the Chicago Auto Show

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2022 public show is Feb. 12-21 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Ford Presents Maverick to MAMA

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:38:09 GMT

MAMA kicked off the 2022 eMeet season with guests from Ford to discuss the new 2022 Maverick compact pickup. After MAMA VP Robert Duffer welcomed the 40 members in attendance, he introduced Ford representatives Rhonda Bambrick from Ford’s communications team; Trevor Scott, Marketing Manager for the Ford Maverick and Ranger; and Dawn McKenzie, Communications Manager for the Ford Trucks line.

Many MAMA members have already experienced the Maverick through events or press drives, so this eMeet was less like an introduction, and more like a second or third date. Trevor Scott refreshed meeting attendees on Maverick’s specs and features while providing insight on the truck’s success so far. As Ford anticipated, the unibody pickup, with its standard 5-passenger crew cab, has captured buyers both new to the brand and to trucks in general.

Some noteworthy trends from early sales data:

Strong interest in coastal areas where pickups are not typically popular
Many buyers transitioned from sedan or SUV ownership
Buyers are younger and skew more female and more diverse than traditional pickup sales

One of Maverick’s unique features is its customizable bed, designed specifically to encourage DIYers to come up with new and creative ways to fit the truck into an active lifestyle. Many Maverick owners share their innovations on social media, which has created a community feel among early adopters. Custom bike racks are an especially popular example, according to Scott.

"There's really a lot of exciting things we're seeing from our customer base thus far," said Scott.

The Maverick has proven so popular that the initial production run of hybrid-powered trucks is already spoken for, the model enjoys a turnaround time of just four days on a dealer lot, and it has earned several accolades, including 2022 North American Truck of the Year and Car Connection’s 2022 Best Car to Buy. Check out the Chicago Auto Show, from February 12-21, to see it for yourself.

Key specs and features of the 2022 Ford Maverick include:

Unibody design with 5-passenger cabin
XL, XLT, and Lariat trims
FX4 package for upgraded off-road capability
Base hybrid model; turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain available
FWD standard; AWD available with turbo 4-cylinder
4,000-lb max towing capacity
8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities
Starting price of $19,995

Member Coverage:

Midwest Automotive Media Association Elects 2022 Board of Directors

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:18:56 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2022 board of directors during its annual January business meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom.

MAMA President Harvey Briggs, Senior Vice President Robert Duffer, Vice President of Membership Jennifer Newman, and President Emeritus Damon Bell continue into the second year of their two-year terms.

Kelley Enright, who served as Secretary, moves into the role of Treasurer. Cherise Threewitt and Jim OBrill were elected to two-year terms as Secretary and Communications Director, respectively.

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association, which was founded in 1991, currently maintains a membership of 240 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

The finalists for Family Vehicle of the Year are the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022 Kia Carnival. For Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year, the finalists are the 2022 Acura MDX, 2022 Genesis GV70, and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer/Wagoneer.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and related news, visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 31^st year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 240 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

MAMA Hosts 2021 Rally, Celebrates 30th Year

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:35:57 GMT

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – Oct. 19, 2021 – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted the 2021 MAMA Rally last week at Road America, one of the world’s premier road racing tracks. Over the course of two days, more than 70 automotive and related industry journalists had the opportunity to put a variety of the industry’s latest vehicles through their paces including on-track, scenic street drives and a technical off-road course.

“What better way to celebrate MAMA’s 30^th anniversary than reconnecting with so many colleagues to experience the latest and greatest from the auto industry at this legendary track following a challenging year,” said MAMA President Harvey Briggs.

A handful of the attending manufacturers also provided detailed overviews of their latest product offerings. Additionally, it was the first time journalists were able to experience the all-new 2022 Jeep Compass Limited, which made a special appearance at the Rally following its global reveal at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show Special Edition.

Road America sponsored the morning breakfast to get attendees fueled up for a fun day at the track. It was mentioned during the breakfast that Road America will host major IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA and vintage car races in the upcoming 2022 season. Following the morning of track touring laps and street drive evaluations, Nissan’s Product Planner Wade Willat shared highlights of the 2022 Nissan Frontier with MAMA members during a lunch presentation. Willat discussed the ways in which the iconic mid-sized pickup was totally redesigned for the 2022 model year including a rugged, bold exterior; adventure-oriented interior; a best-in-class 310 horsepower; and equipped with the latest driver assistance and connectivity technologies.

“Nissan is happy to continue its partnership with the Midwest Automotive Media Association at their member-only events,” said Wendy Payne, Nissan Midwest Regional Communications Manager. “Their solid media group offers us the opportunity to showcase newly launched vehicles such as the all-new 2022 Frontier to this important audience in order to help us get the messages out on new products.”

The 2022 Frontier arrived at dealerships last month. Pricing begins at $27,840 for the Frontier S King Cab 4x2.

After the track closed and street drives concluded for the day, a dozen MAMA members took part in the inaugural “4 Miles of Fitness,” sponsored by Kia, a new on-track fitness event where attendees had the chance to run, bike, or walk a shortened two, or all four miles of the Road America racetrack that they drove on just moments earlier.

Later that evening, Lexus hosted the dinner presentation to showcase the 2022 NX 350 and 2022 IS 500. The NX 350 expands to four powertrains, including a 2.4-liter turbo and Lexus’ first-ever 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, and is the first vehicle with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and digital latch with safe exit assist. As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine provides a boost in displacement and performance over the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. It expands the IS family and ushers in a new era of F SPORT Performance models that are geared towards passionate driving enthusiasts who desire higher levels of performance over the standard F SPORT Design and Handling models.

“The MAMA Rally continues to be one of the premier events for automotive media in the country,” said Curt McAllister, Midwest Public Relations Manager for Toyota/Lexus, and a 24-year MAMA member. “Road America is the perfect backdrop to showcase our vehicles on and off the track. The dinner sponsorship provided Lexus a tremendous opportunity to do a deep dive on two of our newest products, the 2022 NX and 2022 IS 500.”

Jeep opened the second morning of the MAMA Rally with a breakfast presentation on the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the 2021 Grand Cherokee L, both of which were available for test drives during the Rally.

“For 80 years, the Jeep brand has introduced an iconic lineup of vehicles. The off-road course created by the team at Jeep Jamboree at this year's Midwest Automotive Media Association Rally was the perfect place to showcase some of the newest Jeep models,” said Scott Tallon, Product Director, Jeep Brand – North America. “Providing SUVs for both on and off-road driving, like the premium Grand Wagoneer, the family-friendly Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the redesigned Jeep Compass, along with the rugged 4x4 Jeep Wrangler, enables the media to experience the same level of passion and excitement of adventure that our customers do.”

Throughout the day, journalists also had the opportunity to maneuver 4WD and AWD trucks and SUVs through a newly created off-road course designed by experts from Jeep Jamboree and sponsored by Jeep. Participating vehicles included the Ford Bronco, Ford Raptor, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Wrangler 392 Xtreme Recon, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Nissan Frontier, Ram TRX, Subaru Outback Wilderness and Toyota 4Runner.

Following an action-packed morning of more street driving, off-roading and MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year analysis, Volkswagen wrapped up the Rally with a lunch presentation and overview of the 2021 ID.4 AWD. The Volkswagen ID.4 is the brand’s first all-electric SUV and first global EV. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, ID.4 marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value, features that have marked the brand for decades.

“ID.4 is a transformational car for Volkswagen, at a transformational time in our industry,” said Mark Gillies, Senior Manager of Product Communications for Volkswagen of America. “We are pleased to have such a great group of journalists experience everything the car delivers for our customers and for the brand as a whole.”

In addition to the meal sponsorships and presentations, MAMA received support from the following sponsors: Acura, Cars.com, Chicago Automobile Trade Association, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz.

Voting for MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year (FVOTY) and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year (LFVOTY) Awards also took place. The finalists include:

FVOTY Finalists:

· 2022 Honda Civic

· 2022 Hyundai Tucson

· 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

· 2022 Kia Carnival

· 2021 Toyota Sienna

· 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

LFVOTY Finalists:

· 2022 Acura MDX

· 2022 Genesis GV70

· 2022 Infiniti QX60

· 2022 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer

· 2022 Lexus NX

· 2021 Mercedes-Benz S Class

To qualify for the awards, the vehicle must have four doors and be new or significantly updated within a year of the Rally. Eligible vehicles must have been available to drive at MAMA’s July 2021 Summer Drive and this 2021 Rally. A final round of online voting will then take place to determine the overall winner in each category, both of which will be announced during the MAMA breakfast that will open the 2022 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview in February.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991 and now in its 30^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) comprises nearly 240 automotive journalists and industry professionals from approximately 25 states and the District of Columbia. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, current issues and new products in the auto industry.

Nissan Introduces All-New 2022 Pathfinder to MAMA

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:12:05 GMT

Last month, Nissan held an eMeet to introduce the redesigned 2022 Pathfinder to the MAMA audience. Vishnu Jayamohan, Nissan’s Senior Manager of Product Strategy and Planning, opened the presentation by sharing Nissan’s mission with the new Pathfinder, which was to “fuse truck-like brawn and people-mover brains into an unbeatable product.” Jayamohan also communicated that the Pathfinder was designed for the “super-parent” who needs the “swiss-army knife” of a three-row family hauler.

This set the stage for all of the truck’s specifications to follow. Some key highlights of the 2022 Pathfinder include:

All-new bold, rugged design.
All-new 9-speed transmission for a smooth, direct response.
All-new Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector.
Best-in-class available 6,000-lb. maximum towing capacity which allows drivers to confidently haul boats, ATVs, and trailers.
Seating for up to eight, new captain's chairs option, and new EZ FLEX one-touch release (adding comfort and flexibility for the whole family).
All-new available 10.8-inch Head-up Display, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link, and standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 that leads to confident driving on- and off-road.
Wireless Apple CarPlay (offered for the first time on Pathfinder) and wireless charging.

The Pathfinder nameplate was first introduced 35 years ago which, according to Nissan, has helped the brand to refine itself with lessons learned along the way. Today, the 2022 Pathfinder conveys strength and rugged capability paired with advanced safety and technology features to keep families safe and comfortable.

Some key exterior highlights include:

Sculpted, fresh body slides.
New floating C-pillar.
Unique fender crease line over each wheel.
Distinctive U-shaped headlights fuse powerful fender blisters together.

Interior features include:

Refined new premium materials with quilting.
Seven available “environments” (such as brushed bronze metallic accents).
Wide, open instrument panel with a user-friendly layout.
New 9-inch. touchscreen placed high for easy visibility.
Integrated electronic shifter allows room for wide “bridge” center console.
Cabin quietness has been drastically improved.

The all-new 2022 Pathfinder is offered in 2WD and 4WD and in four grades: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Two packages, SV Premium and SL Premium, are also available. The Pathfinder is set to go on sale this summer; pricing is still TBA.

Mazda Talks Turbo Models: 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:42:29 GMT

Last month, Mazda hosted an eMeet to share more about the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models. Kingsley Iduma, Mazda’s Vehicle Line Planning Manager, led the Zoom meeting to share the primary highlights of the vehicles. He touched on three key components:

Elevated performance: Mazda took another step forward with the introduction of its turbo-charged engine with standard all-wheel drive on both the Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models.
Advanced technology: New technologies were introduced in the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models to further heighten the brand’s safety reputation within the industry and meet the expectations of customers shopping for a premium vehicle.
Craftsmanship: The new turbo models adopt a matured “Kodo” design, taking inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and adopting a “less is more” approach. Mazda focused solely on what is essential to both vehicles’ form when crafting these new models.

Mazda3 2.5 Turbo

The new 2.5-liter turbo engine gives the 2021 Mazda3 heightened power and performance. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 turbo puts out 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo now comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Additional premium feature highlights include a color head-up display with street-sign recognition, 12-speaker Bose audio system, and 18-inch forged BBS wheels.

Mazda CX-30 Turbo

For the 2021 model year, the biggest difference in the CX-30 is its new turbo-charged engine. According to Mazda, this upscale powertrain brings more peak power while delivering a direct and connected driving experience. Additionally, the new turbo-charged engine delivers better traction capabilities, improving the driver’s handling and confidence. The 2021 model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic.

Additional available features include:

Bose 12-speaker premium audio
Heated steering
Leather seats
Power liftgate
360-degree monitoring
Head-up display
Traffic jam assist
Smart city brake support reverse
Rear cross traffic braking

Official pricing for both the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models has yet to be released, but it’s expected to hover around $30,000.

Save the date! The next MAMA eMeet is on the calendar for Thursday, April 22 at 11 a.m. CDT. The topic is centered around April’s National Car Care Month and the presentation will be led by Turtle Wax. To register, click here.

Tune In and Cast Out with Podcasts by MAMA Members

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:50:10 GMT

Car Talk with Click and Clack might have popularized car shopping and maintenance tips as entertainment worthy of radio waves, but the proliferation of podcasts has led to topics as varying as every make, model, and trim. MAMA members spend many hours on the road, and these portable podcast companions illuminate the latest news as well as interview guests and pop quizzes.

Some broadcasts can be caught on the AM radio, and in cars where that’s not possible (Volvo, Tesla, what’s the frequency?), there are podcasts, available wherever and whenever there is the internet.

Here’s a brief rundown of MAMA member podcasts that we like to lend an ear. Most can be found on the internet or through podcast platforms ranging from Apple Podcasts to Spotify.

Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast

The editorial team of Consumer Guide Automotive featuring host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell partners with co-host Jill Ciminillo in an honor roll of past MAMA presidents in this 50-minute weekly recap available online any time but also broadcast on WCPT AM 820 radio every Sunday at 1pm CST. The format bridges fun and fact with a news recap to start the set before a guest host takes this party of three into a fantastic foursome playing through a weekly quiz, new car review, and automotive ephemera from the week.

Drive Chicago Radio Podcast

The long-running radio show broadcast Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. on WLS-AM 890 extends life as a podcast. WLS News anchor Rob Martier joins co-hosts Mark Bilek, past MAMA president and current Senior Director of Communications for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), and Jim OBrill, Director of Marketing for CATA, to present a weekly microcosm of the Chicago Auto Show. In addition to covering the weekly automotive news, the hosts interview a guest, review a specific model, and talk car shopping tips and maintenance advice.

True Road Trip Tales Podcast

At the crossroads of cars and rock ‘n roll is the road trip, and this upstart podcast features narrative-based stories of the road trips that define our lives and the playlists that rock our souls. Host and founder Scott Leff interviews a guest with insight from resident gearhead Brian Smith and a score from producer Tyson Ellert. MAMA VP Robert Duffer was featured in Episode 8 at the end of Season 1 in “Road Trip Reawakening.”

Cars.com Unscheduled Maintenance Podcast

Entering a third season, “Unscheduled Maintenance” is 20-minute podcast from Cars.com and hosted by Steve Gaede that focuses on car dealer marketing and the back-end of how dealer websites work, and how they don’t.

Pickup Truck + SUV Talk Podcast

This infrequent podcast builds off host Tim Esterdahl and co-host and MAMA member Jill Ciminillo’s live-streamed segments from their YouTube page, covering the latest pickup truck and SUV news, of course.

RoadWorthy Drive Podcast

The RoadWorthy Drive podcast is where mobility and technology meet the open road. This weekly podcast doesn't always "color between the lines" as MAMA member Ken Chester and Chase Siebert discuss and debate the various aspects of mobility and related technology. From your current daily driver to EVs, autonomous vehicles, micromobility, heavy trucks, and space travel, it's subject to be covered. Related issues such as privacy and security are also discussed.

BONUS:

The Fast Lane Talkin’ Cars Podcast

While they’re not MAMA members, it’s worth noting this podcast. Fathers and sons, cars and trash talking, go together like gas and engines. Father-son duo Roman Mica and son Tommy take their charm and insights from the video reviews posted on TheFastLaneCar.com and apply it to this weekly hour-long podcast full of genuine laughs, filial bickering, and compelling automotive news of the week. The banter between these two is as fun as the cars they’re covering.

Member Spotlight: Getting to Know MAMA's New SVP

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:16:26 GMT

MAMA’s first president, Jim Mateja, played an important role in Robert Duffer joining MAMA back in 2014. Duffer, who at the time was the Chicago Tribune’s Autos editor, brought back the veteran automotive journalist as a freelance writer, and with Mateja’s return, Duffer also got a mentor who was “always nudging me to be a part of MAMA.”

Thankfully, Duffer listened to Mateja and joined MAMA. He later became a rally committee member, and today, he’s MAMA’s senior VP, working with MAMA President Harvey Briggs.

Duffer is a senior editor at The Car Connection. He lives in Action Heights, a suburb of Chicago more commonly known as Arlington Heights, with his two kids and a dog.

Q: What led you to accept the senior VP role?

A: With my professional life more solidified following the Tribune, and my personal life less chaotic with my kids getting older and my dog getting less dumb, I was overdue to give back to an organization that has given me so many unique opportunities. I also wanted the challenge of serving our member journalists as well as automotive partners in expanding our reach and creating unique programs, pandemic be damned, that benefit enthusiasts, consumers, and anyone else interested in four-wheel fun.

Q: What 2021 MAMA plans have you most excited?

A: I’m looking forward to seeing my friends in the automotive world. That’s one big reason I’m looking forward to the rally in October. The other is burning rubber at Road America.

Q: What makes MAMA stand apart from other automotive organizations?

A: The people. I don’t know if it’s the goofy acronym that I’m sure Mateja is still winking at from up high, or the alleged Midwestern sensibilities, but MAMA folk are like family, and the family reunions are on race tracks and off-road courses.

Q: What’s been keeping you sane (or somewhat sane) during the pandemic?

A: Dog walks, long drives, random hikes, checking off the ever-growing list of home improvement projects, and spending a lot of unusual quality time with my kids, who both became teens during the pandemic. There’s been a lot of ping-pong and basement mini-hoop, chess and board games, and we wrote a song or two about Gingerbread the dog.

Keep up with Duffer’s Twitter musings at @DufferRobert, and read more of his work at www.robertduffer.com.

MAMA eMeet Series March 2021 Update

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:14:32 GMT

MAMA continues to have success keeping its members informed in a (primarily) virtual world via its eMeet series. The one-hour presentations are intended to keep manufacturers connected with media individuals to share the latest product and company news, with most concluding with a live Q&A session among the presenters and the media attendees.

Following each eMeet, MAMA recaps the presentations via its News section on the MAMA website. Refer to this link when digging for more details and information on recent and past MAMA eMeets. Also follow along live with the hashtag #MAMAeMeet.

A brief outline of the latest eMeets include:

Hyundai hosted another eMeet to share details of its significantly refreshed 2021 Santa Fe 5-passenger SUV.
Kia introduced the 2021 Sorento to MAMA members and fielded live questions from the audience.
Maserati hosted its first eMeet to share updates on the recently unveiled MC20 and share the scoop on the luxury brand’s 2021 model year lineup.
Nissan hosted another presentation to introduce the newly re-invented 2022 Nissan Pathfinder to members.
Mazda closed out the month with an eMeet to discuss the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models.
Next up on the MAMA calendar is an eMeet with Turtle Wax to talk about car care (April is National Car Care Month). This will take place virtually April 22 at 1 p.m. CDT. Be on the lookout for this invite.

MAMA also hosted the 2021 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards announcement via a virtual #MAMAeMeet. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban received the 11th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award and the 2021 Genesis G80 was announced as the Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. Voting for the 2022 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards will begin at the 2021 MAMA Rally, scheduled to take place Oct. 13-14 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

If you’re an automaker or affiliate member interested in setting up an eMeet, please contact MAMA SVP Robert Duffer.

Maserati Talks MC20 and 2021 Model Year Lineup with MAMA

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:20:05 GMT

Recently, MAMA members had the opportunity to hear from Mike Glime, Maserati’s head of brand management for North America, and Karl DeBoer, Maserati’s MC20 brand manager, during MAMA’s latest eMeet. Both Glime and DeBoer shared information and updates on the luxury brand’s 2021 model year lineup, including an expanded Trofeo collection with V8 engines in the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte. Overall, the entire 2021 model year lineup receives a significant range of styling updates as well as a new Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system and the addition of active driving assist.

MC20

DeBoer also shared updates on the newly unveiled MC20, which takes the brand back to its racing roots (it has been 20 years since Maserati last produced a supercar, the MC12). He said the MC20 delivers in luxury, performance and sportiness and features the brand’s new Nettuno engine. The MC20’s V6 produces 621 horsepower with 538-lb.-ft. of torque, delivering 0-62 acceleration in under 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The MC20 is expected to arrive in the U.S. in fall 2021.

For the 2021 model year, Maserati unifies the styling among the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte to make these vehicles instantly recognizable. Key design highlights include a new front grille and rear light clusters that provide a boomerang shape inspired by the 3200 GT. Maserati also gave the lineup modern upgrades inside while keeping signature design cues.

2021 Maserati Model Year Lineup

The instrument clusters inside the vehicles are redesigned for the 2021 model year and have received new dials, needles and typography – inspired by timepieces and jewelry, which the brand knows are also important to its customers. The 7-inch TFT display also features improved graphics with a black background and white retro-illuminated dials. Also new for the 2021 model year is the addition of Zegna Pelletessuta, a premium industry-exclusive woven leather interior. It is available on all three nameplates on GranSport/GranLusso trims as well as GTS and Trofeo models.

All vehicles feature the new generation Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system, powered by an Android Auto operating system. The 2021 infotainment system includes: Bluetooth for multiple devices, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a reconfigurable home screen, over-the-air updates, Alexa in-vehicle voice assistant, e-call, remote diagnostics control, live navigation services, personal account, and app store access.

The addition of active driving assist is also available in all three 2021 models. The technology is available as long as the adaptive cruise control system is activated, which aims to reduce driver fatigue and keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Levante

For the 2021 model year, the Levante receives an updated front grille with a tuning fork design, available in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for the GranSport. Notable interior updates include significant changes in both design and tech for the central display and instrument cluster. The 8.4-inch infotainment screen receives improved resolution and graphics. The 2021 Levante lineup includes the Levante, Levante S, Levante GTS, and Levante Trofeo.

Ghibli

In addition to the rear light clusters, the 2021 Ghibli also receives an updated grille with a tuning fork design, available on the same trims as the Levante. The Ghibli’s center screen is now larger (10.1 inches) and also receives improved resolution and graphics for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Ghibli lineup includes the Ghibli, Ghibli S, Ghibli S Q4, and Ghibli Trofeo.

Quattroporte

Maserati’s flagship, the Quattroporte, also features the upgraded grille with the same GranLusso and GranSport offerings as the Levante and Ghibli, along with the enhanced boomerang-shaped lighting cluster at the rear. The Quattroporte also receives the same enhanced central screen as the Ghibli, which has been enlarged to 10.1-inches with a curved glass top.

The 2021 Quattroporte lineup includes the Quattroporte, Quattroporte S Q4, and Quattroporte Trofeo.

Trofeo Collection

The Trofeo collection has been expanded for the 2021 model year to include the Ghibli and Quattroporte, and now, all three models feature a V8 engine that produces 580 horsepower making the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte the fastest Maserati sedans ever built with a top speed of 203 mph. The Levante goes up to 187 mph. Both of the sedans feature Corsa buttons for top performance and enhanced driving dynamics.

The next MAMA eMeet will be hosted on Wednesday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to noon CDT, led by Nissan to share updates on the newly reinvented 2022 Pathfinder. Registration for that eMeet is now open.

MAMA Announces 2021 Family Vehicle & Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:02:54 GMT

CHICAGO (Feb. 17, 2021) – Today the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as the recipient of the 11^th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award and the 2021 Genesis G80 as the Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year during a virtual award presentation.

MAMA, a nonprofit association comprised of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, developed these two awards to assist car-shopping families in making a wise and decision when selecting a new vehicle.

“The Family Vehicle of the Year Award is different from others in that it’s focused on just one extremely important category of vehicle,” said MAMA President Harvey Briggs. “Whether mainstream or luxury, families need a vehicle that’s versatile, comfortable, reliable, capable, and provides a good value for the money. More than 90 journalists participated in the voting based on their experience with the entrants, making the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and Genesis G80 deserving winners in a very competitive field.”

In addition to the winners, mainstream finalists were the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Highlander for Family Vehicle of the Year and the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Corsair for the luxury category. To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors and be new or significantly updated within the past year.

“It’s an honor to receive recognition for Tahoe and Suburban as the Family Vehicle of the Year, a role these vehicles have embraced for decades,” said Chevrolet Trucks Marketing Director Bob Krapes. “Both Tahoe and Suburban are iconic vehicles that have been transformed for this generation to offer more of the space and technologies families love and need for life’s journeys.”

“We are delighted that the Midwest Automotive Media Association has named the all-new Genesis G80 as 2021 Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year,” said Genesis Motor North America President & CEO Mark Del Rosso. “With its bold new design, world-class technologies, and refined driving experience, we are pleased that the 2021 G80 has captured the hearts and minds of customers and industry experts in the Midwest and across the country.”

Voting for the 2022 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards will begin at the 2021 MAMA Rally, currently scheduled to take place Oct. 13-14 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

For more information about the Midwest Automotive Media Association and its Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 30^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 211 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Elects 2021 Board of Directors, Celebrates 30 Years

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:01:51 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2021 board of directors during its annual January business meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom. Founded in 1991, MAMA celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

Harvey Briggs will step into the role of MAMA President. Robert Duffer was elected as Senior Vice President, and Jennifer Newman was re-elected to a second term as Vice President of Membership.

MAMA Secretary Kelley Enright, Treasurer Larry Nutson and Communications Director Jennifer Morand will carry out the second year of their two-year terms.

Damon Bell, who served as MAMA President from 2019-2020, will transition to a two-year term as President Emeritus.

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association currently maintains a membership of 236 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

It was also announced that the winners of MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards will be announced via a virtual event in February.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, 2020 Hyundai Sonata and 2020 Toyota Highlander are the finalists for the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award, and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021 Genesis G80 and 2020 Lincoln Corsair are the finalists for the luxury category.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and related news, visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 30^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 236 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

2021 Kia Sorento Introduced to MAMA

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 19:39:37 GMT

The final MAMA eMeet of the 2020 calendar year was hosted by Kia who took the opportunity to share updates on the 2021 Sorento. Kia Product Strategy Manager, Mark Savino, led the presentation to more than 50 MAMA media members and he fielded a live Q&A at the end of the online meeting.

Savino shared that while the Sorento nameplate is pushing 20 years of U.S. history, it has been completely redesigned for 2021 offering more capability, more safety technology, heightened performance and a bolder design. The all-new Sorento hit dealerships nationwide in December.

According to Kia, the 2021 Sorento features an “emotionally expressive” design with an all-new N3 platform, enabling the vehicle to be lighter and stronger. Picking up styling cues from big brother Telluride, the Sorento slots between the three-row Telluride SUV and the compact Sportage. The exterior is more angular and muscular while the interior incorporates bolder and more horizontal lines emphasizing its spaciousness. Another interior bonus is the newly added second-row captains chairs, which can ’t be found in Sorento ’s segment competitors.

In terms of technology, the all-new Sorento comes with an 8-inch standard touchscreen display or an available 10.25-inch HD touchscreen (which is shared with the Telluride).

The new Sorento is packed with the latest and most advanced safety tech from Kia, including:

Forward collision-avoidance assist
Lane keeping assist
Lane following assist
Driver attention warning and lead car departure warning
Rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors
Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and parallel exit
Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
Smart Cruise with Stop & Go
Forward collision-avoidance assist
Safe exit assist

According to Kia, there ’s a “Sorento for everyone” as the SUV will be offered in five different trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX and SX-Prestige and available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

For the first time, three new distinct Sorento models will be offered:

- X-Line: All-new for Sorento, the new X-Line appearance package features 1-inch higher ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles, more advanced AWD with snow-mode and a more robust roof rack than the outgoing model.

- SX-Prestige: Offered in a sapphire blue with gloss black accents. According to Savino, Kia’s hero model is the SX-Prestige AWD with X-Line appearance package, a variant that further demonstrates the transformation of the Sorento into a more premium and tech-oriented SUV. The X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim includes:

· Standard torque-on-demand AWD with center locking differential and downhill descent control

· Increased ride height to 8.3-inch (a 1-inch increase over standard ride height)

· Exclusive bumper and exterior details, such as unique 20-inch alloy wheels and bridge-type roof rack

- Hybrid (notable as this is Kia’s first-ever hybrid SUV)

*Plug-in Hybrid variant is forthcoming in 2021

Four all-new powertrains are also offered on the 2021 Sorento including: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gas engine, 2.5-liter turbo, HEV, and PHEV (coming next year).

Pricing for the 2021 Sorento starts just below $30,000 ($29,390 to be exact) for the LX front-wheel drive and climbs to $42,590 for the top-level X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim.

Additional MAMA eMeets will be scheduled for after the New Year; additional updates are forthcoming.

Hyundai Highlights the 2021 Santa Fe

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:53:59 GMT

The significantly refreshed 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 5-passenger SUV is just beginning to hit dealerships now, and MAMA members got a complete virtual walk-through of all of its new features during an early-December MAMA eMeet. Santa Fe Product Manager Trevor Lai led MAMA members in a Zoom presentation on the 2021 Santa Fe and fielded questions at the end of the presentation.

Lai shared details on the 2021 Santa Fe’s many enhancements, such as aggressive new styling with advanced front and rear lighting signatures, an optimized body structure, revised suspension, two new gasoline engines, several new technology and safety features, a line-topping Calligraphy trim level, and the Santa Fe’s first hybrid powertrain (with a plug-in hybrid version slated to follow in the near future).

The exterior shows off a new front fascia highlighted by a striking T-shaped LED light signature and a bold horizontal grille with a three-dimensional crosshatch pattern and sculpted front bumper. Among the other prominent exterior features for the 2021 model year are:

LED headlights and daytime running lights
LED taillights
17”, 18”, 19” and 20” alloy wheels
Roof side rails
Power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators
Power panoramic sunroof
Exterior silver accents

Several updates can be found in the interior of the vehicle, including a dramatic new “high-console” center-console design; push-button gear selector; and premium materials throughout the cabin, including available Nappa leather upholstery, soft-touch padding and ambient lighting. The list of standard or available interior features for 2021 includes:

Premium Nappa leather seating surfaces (on Calligraphy trim level)
Front heated and ventilated seats
Power driver seat plus lumbar support
Integrated memory seat system
Dual automatic temperature control
Shift-by-wire and electric parking brake
Heated steering wheel and rear seats
Rear window sunshades

The Santa Fe also boasts a generous list of advanced safety features that come standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense, such as:

Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and bicyclist detection
Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist
Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
Lane keeping assist and lane following assist
Safe exit warning and rear occupant alert
Driver attention warning
Highway driving assist
Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
Parking distance warning (forward and reverse)
Parking collision-avoidance assist-reverse
Blind view monitor and surround view monitor

In terms of tech, the 2021 Santa Fe offers a 10.25-inch navigation system, remote smart park assist, hands-free power tailgate with auto-open function, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, windshield head-up display and 64-color ambient lighting.

The Santa Fe also offers new connectivity features for 2021. The Hyundai Digital Key smartphone app negates the need for a traditional key fob—the system allows owners to use their smartphone to start/stop the engine, lock/unlock the doors, turn panic mode on/off and open the trunk. Additional connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, enhanced Blue Link features, wireless device charging and dynamic voice recognition.

Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive is another available feature. The system tracks vehicle speed and road conditions to control braking between the left and right wheels. It also balances power

between the front and rear wheels to ensure occupant safety while delivering superior cornering and driving dynamics on multiple road surfaces.

Additional improvements have been made to the 2021 Santa Fe’s braking, ride and handling, noise reduction, and aerodynamics.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will start at $26,850 for the SE base trim level, $28,650 for the SEL trim, $38,600 for the Limited, and $42,100 for the Calligraphy.

The Santa Fe Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2021, and the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is expected to arrive later next year. Pricing for the HEV and PHEV models will be announced closer to launch.

The Hyundai Santa Fe presentation was one of the final MAMA eMeets to wrap up the 2020 calendar year. The MAMA Board of Directors are hard at work to arrange for more MAMA eMeets to resume after the New Year.

MAMA 2021 Forecast

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 21:15:45 GMT

As we move toward the new year, it doesn’t appear as though we’ll have much clarity on the state of COVID-19 nor any potential vaccines or other remedies to help stem the tide of the disease. This means it’s very tough to plan for live, in-person events for 2021.

Nevertheless, the MAMA Spring Rally is on the calendar for May 25 and 26. We will begin discussions shortly after the first of the year. Where those discussions will lead, it’s hard to tell. It’s fairly certain if we host the rally at Road America in May, it will be different from previous years, with social-distancing and other safety measures in place. Just know that we will be monitoring the situation with Road America, The Osthoff, and our manufacturer partners. The most important factor in any decision will be the health and safety of everyone involved.

We will continue to host virtual product presentations with manufacturers and, when possible, host hybrid online/in person events like our recent Ford F-150 program. We have been getting great feedback from both journalists and manufacturers about the MAMA eMeets and appreciate everyone’s willingness to pivot to the new medium.

We had hoped to have more clarity on the ability to host events by now, but obviously that isn’t the case. Given the reality of limited in-person gatherings and travel restrictions imposed by some manufacturers and media outlets, we will continue to look for innovative ways to provide value to all and look forward to a time when we can all be together again.

Be sure to check our website frequently for updated information, as well as our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MAMA Senior VP Co-Authors Rolls-Royce Book

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 21:13:51 GMT

MAMA Senior Vice President Harvey Briggs has co-authored a lavish new book that provides an insider’s look at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Making A Legend is a 296-page hardcover published by ACC Art Books Ltd., and is set to go on sale early next month.

Harvey and his co-author Simon Van Booy received unprecedented access to Rolls-Royce’s headquarters: the Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. There, they interviewed Rolls-Royce executives, designers, and craftspeople, and saw firsthand how these extraordinary luxury vehicles are made.

The book is a visual feast. It’s filled with breathtaking photography of Rolls-Royce vehicles both new and vintage, as well as original concept renderings and archival photos that provide important historical context. Photographer Mariona Vilaros contributed extensive behind-the-scenes images of Rolls-Royce’s impressive production facility—a place where old-world craftsmanship and time-honored techniques mix with the latest technology and manufacturing processes—and numerous portraits of the dedicated, highly skilled craftspeople and leaders who bring modern-day Rolls-Royce vehicles to life.

The text covers all facets of how Rolls-Royces are made, from the initial design and the client’s bespoke customization selections to the meticulous assembly procedures—including detailed overviews of the paint and finishing processes, the woodshop and leather shop, final assembly, and testing/validation. The book closes with a brief history of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and look at the next chapter of the Rolls-Royce story—the new-for-2021 Ghost.

Congrats to Harvey on this remarkable achievement!

Member Spotlight: 7 Questions for Burt Levy

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:57:35 GMT

Most of us know Burt Levy as a friend, fellow colleague and, of course, MAMA member. He was even one of the driving instructors for the MAMA Track Driving School, hosted by Dodge. However, many of us weren’t aware that Burt was a stunt driver in the Blues Brothers movie, for example, or that he has penned multiple award-winning books on racing – one of his strongest interests. We sat down (virtually, of course) with Burt to get his full story (though, deep down we know this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface!).

Q1: You were a stunt driver in the Blues Brothers movie. That is incredible! How would you best summarize this experience?

BL: A hoot. Didn’t get the gig by anything but serendipity (and some flinty-eyed bean counters in Hollywood!). The producers had the problem of finding enough experienced, high-speed drivers to put in all those seats. They sure as heck didn’t want to pay union stunt money for that, so they asked around and were steered to local car and racing clubs. I’d been racing pretty successfully and serving as a race-driving instructor for our local amateur clubs and it sounded like fun, so I went to the tryouts at the Dixie Square Shopping Mall, which was used in the movie. The whole idea was you got in one of these wheezy, wobbly old cop cars with one of the stunt coordinators and he told you “do what I tell you to do when I tell you to do it and don’t do anything until I tell you.” And then he’d tell you to aim for the far side of this chunked and broken parking lot and floor it. They were tired & beat up but they did have the big, cop-car engines, so pretty soon you’re motoring along at 80 or so—foot still to the floor and the front end hammering and hunting all over the road (not to mention the tree line on the far edge of the lot starting to loom very large indeed!) but if you kept your foot planted until he said “OK, you can back off now,” you were in!

Q2: You helped out as an instructor at the MAMA Track Driving School. Many MAMA members received instruction from you...what is your top advice for novice track drivers?

BL: Calm down, don’t hold the wheel in a death grip and RAISE YOUR EYES! One of my instructors many years ago was the late Jim Fitzgerald, who was Paul Newman’s great friend and teammate. He always said that race is more like dancing than anything else, and he was absolutely right. When you’re doing it right, it all becomes a sort of rhythmic flow—not all jerky—and you see far ahead and everything feels like it’s happening in slow motion. I always tell my students it’s like music: the track is the piece of music you have to play and the car is the instrument you play it with. When you’re “in the zone” and you have a really good racecar under you, the car becomes almost invisible and it’s just you and the track…

Q3: What race cars have you driven, or even owned?

BL: I haven’t owned many, but I’ve driven and raced a LOT. Started out in 1971 in a real P.o.S. series of self-wrenched Triumph TR3s. Bought a lot of “trick” parts and go-faster goodies from California and wound up with TR3s that went faster and faster for shorter and shorter periods of time. Rarely finished a race. But, I learned, and when I switched to an Alfa Romeo Spider built out of an insurance total, I started winning races and championships. With some backing from the dealership I worked for at the time and Alfa Romeo in New Jersey, I switched to a different Alfa for SCCA National racing in 1983. We ran eight races, won four of them, set two lap records and qualified for the National Championships at Road Atlanta. By then, I’d realized that I couldn’t really afford to continue.

By then I’d started writing for AutoWeek and On Track magazines, and they’d offered me a gig covering pro races in the Midwest. I told them “no, I’m a RACER, not a writer.” Only I called them back again after the car got rolled into a ball and asked if the correspondent gig was still open? Had no idea how or where I’d ever go racing again. But covering races was a way to stay involved and I made a lot of lifelong racing friends in the pro ranks.

Did some pro racing of my own thanks to a surprise call from PD Cunningham, who offered me a share of the driving in some endurance races for a fledgling team out of Dayton, MPS Motorsports.

Serendipity again: Joe Marchetti (who, along with his brothers, used to own and run the famous Como Inn Italian restaurant in Chicago, and also traded in exotic and racing cars…mostly Ferraris) was running a fledgling vintage racing event at Road America (called then the Chicago Historic Races) and wanted me to write a driver’s-eye-view of Road America for his race program (I’d won a few races there and held a lap record). So, I did. And, in return, he put me in a classic 1960 Ferrari 250 SWB (Short WheelBase) Berlinetta at a race at Road Atlanta. I wrote my first “ride mooch” story about the experience for AutoWeek. That led to drives in other classic racing cars, a gig as a track-driving instructor at the Ferrari National Meet and a series of occasionally award-winning stories and columns about racing and test-driving other people’s wonderful cars…the great majority of which I could never dream of affording!

Q4: How many different tracks have you raced on? Which was your favorite, and why?

BL: I have raced at almost every road-racing circuit in the United States plus several in Canada and three in the Bahamas. For the sheer joy of driving, I love the flow and elevation changes of the Virginia International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Mount Tremblant in Canada, the scale, sweep and scenery of Road America, Watkins Glen and the fun of Mid-Ohio. If I had to pick a single favorite, it would have to be my home track, Road America, because of its grandeur and presentation, its unique synergy with the surrounding towns and countryside (which I’ve written about in my books) and the way the track management and board keep pouring profits back into the facility to improve and upgrade it. That just isn’t happening anywhere else.

Q5: How did you become a book author? What books have you penned?

BL: I’d been writing for the magazines for a while and had this urge to write a novel about racing just because I hated all the fiction about racing that I’d read or seen on the screen. I thought about it for quite some time. I remember I was sitting around the pool one morning with a massive rum hangover during the 1986 Grand Bahama Vintage Grand Prix (where I was driving for Joe Marchetti) and just started hunting and pecking away on my laptop. It took me eight years because I really had no idea how to write a book and I kept giving up or setting it aside when racing season rolled around. It was a coming-of-age story about a 19-year-old New Jersey gas-station mechanic getting sucked into the glamorous, dangerous and occasionally decadent world of open-road sports car racing during the Eisenhower fifties.

I finally finished it and sent The Last Open Road off, unrequested and un-agented, to just about every major fiction publisher in New York. They all turned it down. A few of them liked it, but told me “There’s no market for ‘car’ fiction.” Or, as one particularly rude and arrogant Manhattan publishing executive told me: “THOSE people don’t read…”

But I thought she was wrong. So, my wife and I took out a second mortgage, formed a company, published it ourselves and debuted it at the Road America vintage weekend in July of 1994. It earned wonderful reviews in the motoring (and even some of the mainstream) press here and abroad and garnered tremendous word-of-mouth support on the motorsports and collector-car scenes. That book is now in its 10^th hardcover printing, is used in several high school and college-level English classes and is on the recommended reading lists at many libraries and book clubs. It’s also spawned five (soon to be six) sequels: Montezuma’s Ferrari, The Fabulous Trashwagon, Toly’s Ghost, The 200mph Steamroller Book One/Red Reign and The 200mph Steamroller Book Two/The Italian Job plus a short-story collection, A Potside Companion.

Q6: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

BL: Don’t stop me now, I’m on a roll…

Q7: Any advice for MAMA members who may want to follow a similar path to yours?

BL: Follow your dreams and don’t be afraid of falling down.

MAMA eMeet Series Update

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:44:32 GMT

MAMA extends a heartfelt thank you to many of our OEM partners who have risen to the challenge over the last few months and lent their support during COVID-19. Since we published our last newsletter in July, MAMA has hosted an additional seven eMeet virtual meetings. That brings us to a total of 11 virtual meetings since April! An average of 40 MAMA members log on to each eMeet. It has been an incredible way to keep in touch and see smiling faces as well.

One-hour presentations, including Q&A, have provided our members with valuable information and insight. A more detailed summary for each of the following virtual meetings can be found at www.mamaonline.org. Here’s a quick snapshot of the latest content:

Hyundai kicked off the #MAMAeMeet series with a look at the Venue, an all-new subcompact crossover SUV
Ford discussed its popular Transit van and gave more detail on the lineup for 2020
Dodge provided an overview of the car market and how “it is not dead”
Toyota showcased its all-new 2021 Venza, an urban crossover with a standard AWD hybrid powertrain
Cadillac provided an interesting look into its exciting new virtual showroom, Cadillac Live, and members took a virtual tour of the CT4 and CT5
Ford kicked off its meeting with an update on the company’s economic impact on both Chicago and Illinois, and then hosted a walk-around (both virtually and in-person) of the new F-150 Hybrid
Lexus featured the latest products from the Lexus brand lineup with a special focus on the 2021 Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 F Sport

Please keep your eyes open for future MAMA eMeet dates. We are trying to lock in a couple more before the end of the year. If you are interested in a particular topic or have an idea for a MAMA eMeet, please contact MAMA SVP Harvey Briggs.

President Update: MAMA Up to Speed November 2020

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:25:14 GMT

Greetings, MAMA Members:

Well, we’re entering the home stretch of a year I’m sure most of us are anxious to put in the rearview mirror. I still find myself thinking back to our Alfa Romeo MAMA luncheon at the Iron Gate Motor Condos on March 4, 2020—a week and a half before the initial COVID-19 shutdowns began. Though there were storm clouds on the horizon then, that lunch stands out in my mind as one of the last “normal” days before the pandemic hit… and that day feels much longer than eight months ago.

We’re all looking forward to a better 2021, but it’s tough to say what kind of “normal” we will be able to settle back into. However that normal arrives, I think it will come in stages, and not at the flip of switch or the turning of a calendar page. It’s going to be a gradual process, and we will continue to react and adapt as best we can.

And we’ve seen plenty of effective adaptation this past year. Despite the myriad challenges and hardships brought on by the pandemic, automakers still managed to launch a bevy of outstanding new vehicles—and many of those vehicles are right in the wheelhouse of our Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards. Even though we were unable to hold our Spring and Fall Rallies, we are moving forward with our Family Vehicle awards for 2021 (which marks the eleventh year for FVOTY). In-person drive opportunities won’t be possible, but we’re hoping that a good number of our members have been able to test most or all of the candidate vehicles through normal press-loan/event channels and will feel confident in making their picks. We’re still ironing out the details, but stay tuned for a list of candidates and instructions on how to vote in the near future.

We’re adapting our annual holiday party and business meeting too. We won’t be holding an in-person gathering for either event, but we’re working on a Zoom version of both. Details on those events are forthcoming as well.

Here’s to better days ahead. All of us at MAMA hope you are staying safe, healthy, and well.

All for now,

Damon Bell, MAMA President

Lexus Spotlights 2021 IS

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:05:15 GMT

The latest presentation in the MAMA eMeet series was conducted by Lexus to share brand updates along with a special concentration on the 2021 Lexus IS, which made its virtual debut in June. Lexus College Senior Analyst Chad Deschenes led the presentation and fielded live questions from MAMA journalists.

With a lineage that spans more than 20 years in the U.S., the IS slots in just below the ES as an entry-level rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. Today, the IS expands upon its rich history for the third generation and ties in the new Lexus Driving Signature, which Lexus says will be thenew development standard that every model will reflect moving forward. The Lexus Driving Signature refers to the “seamless transition from deceleration to steering and acceleration during cornering, in all types of driving situations,” according to the brand.

The 2021 IS is offered in two different trim levels: the IS 300 and the IS 350 F Sport (note: the IS 350 only comes as an F Sport). Let’s dive into the sports sedan’s three most enhanced categories.

Dynamic Performance

With the goal in mind to develop the 2021 IS to offer high-quality ride comfort with high-level vehicle control, the IS was honed at Toyota’s Technical Center Shimoyama — a vehicle research and development facility in the Shimoyama area of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The country-road test course is based on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany, notorious for its grueling driving conditions.

First, engineers aimed to enhance body rigidity that starts with the chassis and body structure. Lexus said it finally achieved acceptable levels of rigidity following “countless hours” of testing. The enhanced rigidity helps improve ride comfort, reduce unwanted cabin noise and vibration and provide better overall driving performance/enhanced steering.

The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter engine is updated for 2021 featuring an adaptive transmission control and delivers 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

While many think of the IS as only a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, all-wheel drive is indeed an option for those who want it. The IS 300 AWD is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. For those who desire even more power, the IS 350 is offered with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

New for the 2021 IS 300, standard 18-inch wheels replace the outgoing 17-inch wheels and, for the first time, 19-inch wheels are an option. The IS 350 F Sport comes standard with 19-inch graphite alloy wheels.

Aggressive Styling & Enhanced Interior

According to Lexus, the IS is “athletically inclined and designed.” With that in mind, the bold new exterior is wider, lower and more muscular with an aggressive planted stance. The roofline tapers quickly to the trunk, creating a coupe-like impression. A new signature grille also accentuates the vehicle’s sportiness.

The IS now features running daytime LED headlamps that are slimmer and more compact than even those found on the Lexus LC. The taillamps sport an “L” shape blade style and three-dimensional bumper garnishes add to its aggressive look.

Five new exterior colors are available on the 2021 IS including Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Matador Red Mica, and Infrared* (*only offered on F Sport model).

On the IS 350 F Sport, an exclusive “F” mesh pattern can be found along with other unique offerings like grille-bottom air intake, specialized 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a more aggressive rear diffuser.

The interior was updated to refine the sporty cabin which features standard NuLuxe-trimmed seating, 10-way power driver and 8-way power adjustable front passenger seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls, and an available power moonroof.

An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard and is now almost 5.5 inches closer to the driver for easier access to the controls. A large 10.3-inch touchscreen (nearly 6 inches closer to the driver than previous models) is available on vehicles equipped with navigation or the Mark Levinson audio system. The new infotainment system also offers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility as well as Amazon Alexa integration.

Latest in Lexus Tech Advancements

The 2021 IS is the first Lexus to come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. The most significant enhancement to the system is the pre-collision system, which includes frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/bicyclist detection. The radar and camera capabilities were updated so the system helps detect both a vehicle ahead and a preceding bicyclist in both daytime and lower light conditions.

Additional functions include emergency steering assist — supporting the driver and preventing the vehicle from leaving its lane — blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The IS comes standard with 10 air bags designed to meet new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards.

Lexus also offers the Lexus Enform Service Connect system, designed to provide vehicle alerts to owners and allow them to send factory recommended maintenance alerts to specified dealers. Additionally, the Lexus app allows owners to start their vehicle remotely, schedule service appointments and lock or unlock their doors right from their smartphone.

Pricing for the IS 300 begins at $39,000 with rear-wheel drive and $41,000 for the all-wheel-drive model. The IS 350 F Sport starts at $42,900 with rear-wheel drive and climbs to a starting price of $44,900 with AWD. Both trims are expected to hit dealerships late this fall. For more on the 2021 Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 F Sport, click here.

Ford Brings MAMA Up to Speed on Latest News

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:21:28 GMT

Ford recently hosted a combined hybrid #MAMAeMeet and in-person event to share the brand’s latest news and vehicle updates with MAMA members.

To start, Ford shared results from a study by Boston Consulting Group to highlight the company’s tremendous impact on both the Chicago region and entire state of Illinois. According to the study, Ford’s impact on the Illinois economy includes driving more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributing $6.8 billion in state gross domestic product. Moreover, the Chicago Assembly Plant (Ford’s oldest continuously operating assembly plant), drives economic impact of $2.9 billion in Chicago alone. Beyond its economic impact, Ford continues to give back to local communities in a charitable way. Just last week, Chicagoland Ford dealers donated an additional 200,000 face masks to nonprofit organizations, schools and first responders in their local communities.

Ford then shifted gears to provide updates on its best-selling truck in America for 43 years—the F-series pickup. The F-150 is also the most popular vehicle on the road in 39 out of 50 states, including Illinois. Ford showed off the all-new 2021 F-150 and F-150 Hybrid virtually and in-person at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association building. According to Ford, the 2021 F-150 delivers best-in-class towing and payload, and is more “connected” than it has ever been before. Some of the major updates include:

All-new Exterior Design

New headlights with “C-clamp” design motif on LED running lights
New front bumper with lower accent skid plate
New hood’s shape rises to meet the A-pillar
New sculpted doors, fenders and box sides
New mirrors that echo “C-clamp” design motif
New extended-length running boards (for easier pickup-bed access)
All-new wheels with larger tires
11 available grille options
Tailgate that doubles as a work surface with a built-in ruler, mobile device compartment and new clamp pockets to hold materials down for precise work.
Truck bed has an available Pro Power Onboard integrated power generator, featuring more exportable power than any light-duty full-size pickup, giving owners the ability to run power tools and equipment without the need for a separate gas-engine generator. It is available with three levels of electrical output depending on engine choice. According to Ford, the generator can power an entire job site or 28 average refrigerators!

All-new Interior Design & Technology

New instrument panel
New center console
New door trims
New seat foam and fabrics
New steering wheel
New switches and controls
Standard 8-inch touchscreen in all models, available 12.1” touchscreen on XLT trim
Instrument-cluster upgrades across the board, including all-digital cluster on Lariat
Wireless charging
Dual glovebox
Rear underseat locking storage
E-shifter standard; available Interior Work Surface center console includes shift lever that folds into the console when the vehicle is in park
SYNC4 infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; an enhanced voice recognition/navigation package is optional
Over-the-air software updates and feature upgrades for infotainment system

Engine Options

3.3L Ti-VCT V6: 290 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. torque
2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 horsepower, 400 lb.-ft. torque
5.0L Ti-VCT V8: 400 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. torque
3.0L Power Stroke V6: 250 horsepower, 440 lb.-ft. torque
3.5L EcoBoost V6: 400 horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. torque
3.5L Power Boost Full Hybrid V6: 430 horsepower, 570 lb.-ft. torque

Prices start at $28,940 for the base XL trim and can climb as high as $78,490 for the top Platinum SuperCrew Hybrid model. Ford expects the new F-150 to arrive at dealerships shortly.

The next #MAMAeMeet is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26 with Lexus. For more details and to register, click here.

Cadillac Live Aims to Better Connect with Customers

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:26:06 GMT

Earlier this month, MAMA members had the opportunity to hear about Cadillac’s exciting new platform, Cadillac Live, and take a virtual tour of the CT4 and CT5 with a live product specialist. Back in January—before COVID-19 expanded in the U.S.—Cadillac had the foresight to begin building out a virtual showroom called Cadillac Live. The brand says this virtual experience is not to take the place of a physical event, like an auto show, or even the dealership experience. Cadillac believes the interactive showroom tour will take a shopper’s online interest and launch that into a sales experience that takes place within a dealership.

Within Cadillac Live, interested parties can book a private experience, take a one-on-one video tour of any Cadillac vehicle, have all of their questions answered by a live agent, and even locate the nearest dealership. The goal is to provide the customer with the full experience they’d receive at a dealership without getting behind the wheel, so when they do visit a dealership, it’s a more seamless process. All of the agents in Cadillac Live are real people; the customer at home can see and hear the product specialist on their computer screen, but the agent can only hear the customer on the other end.

Cadillac says the experience is perfect for someone who may just be beginning their journey with the brand or embarking on the new-car shopping process, but it’s also used as a great resource for current customers who might want to take a deeper dive into a certain technology in their Cadillac vehicle. The agents are there and available to connect with customers Monday-Thursday, from 8 a.m.-12 a.m., Friday, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., CDT. There isn’t a preset time limit when using the experience, and Cadillac Live showroom can be accessed from virtually anywhere via the internet. Outside of the sessions with available agents, customers can also peruse the showroom and the vehicles as well as listen to pre-recorded sessions.

The digital online studio allows Cadillac agents to walk customers through the showroom to review vehicles like the CT4 and CT5, for example, to highlight specific features inside and out, such as:

High gloss mesh grille and trim all around
Brembo brakes
Midnight finish on the wheels
Rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips
Magnetic ride control
Heated and ventilated seats
Sport seating
MyMode customized driving settings
Infotainment systems
Carbon fiber interior trim
Head-up display

Rick, Cadillac agent who took MAMA members on the virtual tour, said, “This is something no one has ever done before… balancing a camera, having a physical space where other people are moving around, and access to all of this exciting car knowledge. People are shocked when they’re greeted by a real live person. People assume that we can see them; we cannot, as it’s a one-way video screen. This is just such an exciting new way for us to connect with customers.”

As the world continues to evolve into a more virtual world due to the global pandemic, other automakers are being pushed into creating similar types of digital experiences. Cadillac was ready to take on digital customers at the start of the pandemic, since the Cadillac Live site was already built. Cadillac referenced data from Google’s 2017 Dealer Guide Book, which found that twice as many car buyers start their research online versus at a physical dealership. Cadillac is confident that Cadillac Live will help them generate more qualified leads and then directly match customers with local dealerships immediately following their virtual experience. So far, it has proven to be a success. Cadillac reported the CT4 and CT5 just had their best sales month yet, which they attribute in part to Cadillac Live.

Check back shortly for more information about upcoming MAMA eMeets.

Toyota Talks Venza During Latest MAMA eMeet

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:59:26 GMT

Last week, MAMA hosted a MAMA eMeet with Toyota to review key highlights of the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza. Ryan Matsumoto, Toyota’s vehicle marketing and communications planner, led the product presentation and fielded live questions from MAMA members.

According to Matsumoto, the Venza raises the standard of what an urban crossover should be. The newest hybrid in Toyota’s lineup, the Venza offers tech, performance, design and standard all-wheel-drive – features that pack a powerful punch and that Toyota hopes will help the vehicle stand out from its competitors. Positioned as the “ultimate urban crossover,” the Venza offers versatility and distinction with a “quiet confidence.”

The Venza slots between the RAV4 and Highlander in size, and its starting prices range between $32-$40K. Four option packages will be available to best suit customer needs, including:

SofTex Package (XLE)
Premium Audio
Advanced Technology Package
StarGaze Fixed Panoramic Roof

The Venza’s exterior styling is sleek and clean, with dramatic touches such as a full-width LED taillight and, on XLE and Limited models, a full-width center high-mounted stoplight as well. Matsumoto noted the thin taillamps are a fan favorite of the Venza’s design. Exterior colors offered are: Celestial Black, Black, Coastal Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blizzard Pearl and Titanium Glow.

Inside, Toyota took a minimalist approach with Venza’s design, adding soft-touch materials that express refinement and elegance. Most importantly, Toyota is proud of its first StarGaze fixed panoramic sunroof, which uses electrochromic technology to enable the driver to switch from clear glass to a “frosted” translucent mode at the touch of a button. This is a brand-first, initially appearing on the Venza.

On the tech side of things, Venza comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen for LE and XLE models; a 12.3-inch touchscreen is optional on XLE and standard on the line-topping Limited trim. In terms of safety, Venza comes standard Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0, the brand’s newest advanced active safety package, which includes lane tracing assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and road sign assist.

In terms of cargo space, the Venza offers 28.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, and 74.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It also comes with four USB charge ports, two in the front and two in the rear, for those who need a device charge on-the-go.

Toyota says Venza’s fuel economy is industry-leading; all trim levels are EPA-rated at 40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined.

Venza is shipping now and is expected to hit dealerships early next month.

The next MAMA eMeet is scheduled with Cadillac for Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT via Zoom. Register via the website or contact webmaster@mamaonline.org.

Dodge Talks “Wants vs. Needs” During Latest MAMA eMeet

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 19:49:03 GMT

“Cars aren’t dead; commodity products are.” This was a key theme throughout Dodge’s presentation to MAMA media members during MAMA’s latest eMeet.

Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, led the presentation on the new Dodge/SRT performance lineup. According to Kuniskis, while cars only make up 28% of market share, Dodge/SRT performance vehicles attract buyers because they have that “want” versus “need” appeal.

An example of this is the 807-hp Challenger SRT Super Stock. Dodge says it’s the world’s quickest, most powerful muscle car, capable of sprinting from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.25 seconds and running the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Perhaps it’s true that people don’t exactly need this car, but it’s certainly fun to drive.

New for 2021 is the 710-horsepower Durango SRT Hellcat model, which Dodge says is the most powerful SUV ever. In addition, the entire 2021 Durango lineup gets an exterior-styling refresh for a more aggressive look; a new interior with a Challenger-inspired, driver-centric cockpit; the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system on an available, largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen; and a new Durango R/T Tow N Go package—as well as best-in-class towing across the lineup and more performance than ever.

Additionally, Kuniskis shared updates on the new-for-2021 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. It puts out 797 horsepower and is capable of a top speed of 203 miles per hour, which makes it the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world.

“Fast” and “powerful” are key words used to described these vehicles, which tug at the “want” part of the brain versus the “need.” That’s how the brand continues to be so successful in this space, according to Kuniskis. “If you can be the big fish in the smaller pond, that’s good business. The muscle car segment isn’t a big one, so it’s a good segment for a brand like Dodge to do well.”

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were buying these vehicles. So much so, that inventory was low and orders were put on hold. However, Dodge is now able to fulfill most of the orders that were placed a few months ago.

Looking to the future, Dodge acknowledges that it will need to grow with the times for its products to remain relevant, adapting to CAFE standards and adding more offerings to its current vehicle lineup. But for now, Dodge’s strategy seems to be working. For example:

J.D. Power ranks Dodge #1 for quality and appeal
Consumer Reports Top Ten Most Reliable Brands
ALG residual value leader
#1 segment share
Top performance, best-in-industry claims (across all models)
Unique customer demographics including young, family-oriented, diverse, loyal and engaged

MAMA’s next eMeet is with Toyota on the all-new Venza, and will take place virtually on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 1-2 CDT.

Ford Hosts MAMA eMeet to Share 2020 Transit Improvements

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 21:49:40 GMT

As part of MAMA ’s ongoing virtual series “MAMA eMeets,” MAMA members recently had the opportunity to hear from Ford’s Chief Engineer for Transit in North America, Ray Eyles, regarding Ford’s numerous upgrades to its Transit van lineup for 2020.

Among the changes are a new and improved powertrain lineup, smart new technology, advanced driver-assist features and enhanced capability to appeal to a wide range of customers whether they use their vans to carry kids, seek out adventures or deliver cargo.

Eyles discussed “American’s best-selling van” and its growing importance to larger families and adventurers, making a reference to the online movement #VanLife. Though the Transit was originally designed primarily for commercial needs, Ford sees a definitive shift in how these vans are being utilized.

To continue to attract this broader audience, Ford worked to improve and enhance the 2020 Transit. Specifically, the vehicle features a new grille with bumper updates, an upgraded 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, 10-speed transmission and a new auto stop/start feature.

According to Ford, perhaps the most notable and exciting new feature to appear in the 2020 Transit van is available all-wheel drive. Ford thinks this feature alone has potential to attract new customers, especially given this was the most requested feature by Ford ’s current customer base. The AWD feature on the Transit is “always on,” so no need to manually turn it on or off. There is also no increase to the ride and load heights—an important consideration for commercial users who are frequently entering and exiting the vehicle.

On the interior, Transit receives a new crew van configuration, including a second row bench seat and two rows of seating for up to five people. The 2020 model also features an expanded color palette including “softer” colors. Available features include swivel front seats, an 8-inch multi-function touchscreen and a new power-sliding door.

In terms of tech, Transit comes standard with plenty of new driver-assist technology, including pre-collision assist with auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, lane-keep assist system with electric power steering, and auto high-beam headlamps. Available technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, enhanced active park assist, and front and rear split-view cameras.

Additionally, the 2020 Transit comes with a new standard FordPass Connect system featuring a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices, Ford telematics, remote vehicle control, and vehicle diagnostic and trouble code data collection.

Eyles summarized that Ford is always evolving to “do the job right,” which is showcased with the latest Transit model. Moving forward, Ford says it will continue to tailor the Transit to appeal to both commercial and retail customers. An all-electric Transit will also be coming for the 2022 model year.

Stay tuned for updates on future MAMA eMeets!

Hyundai Hosts MAMA eMeet on All-New Venue

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 19:54:46 GMT

In these changing times, car manufacturers have adapted quickly to e-communication and have thus jumped at the opportunity to host MAMA eMeets, a virtual e-meeting series MAMA launched at the start of COVID-19 to help keep our members connected and “up to speed.” The latest in the #MAMAeMeet series was a presentation led by Hyundai on its all-new 2020 Venue subcompact crossover SUV.

Hyundai Senior Manager of Product Strategy and Planning Michael Evanoff kicked off the virtual presentation. The Venue slots just below the Kona terms of size and powertrain, and offers plenty of standard safety and connectivity features. The Venue marks the seventh addition to Hyundai’s SUV lineup.

Evanoff talked a bit about the vehicle’s positioning to the market, adding that its primary target buyers are aspirational, single females. He said the Venue is perfect for those with a “side hustle,” as it’s nimble to get around in but has a surprising amount of storage space—such as a modular underfloor cargo area—for a subcompact SUV. Secondarily, Hyundai is targeting empty-nesters who are looking to downsize from their current vehicle.

Related to the exterior design, Evanoff described the Venue as iconic, modern, and stylish. It’s solid and portrays a sporty image, with a simple yet distinctive rear design. Extroverted two-tone color options for roof, mirrors and trim are optional. Also available are LED taillights with a unique light signature, for buyers seeking some additional customization.

Inside, Evanoff described the Venue as “stylish” with an “emotional robustness.” Interior features include a leather steering wheel and shift knob, 8-inch floating display, drive mode select with a snow mode option, and automatic climate control. The Venue was named a top pick in Wards 10 Best Interiors list, which Evanoff noted was a great accomplishment as other winners included luxury brands such as BMW and Lincoln.

In terms of safety, the Venue offers some great standard features, including forward collision-avoidance assistance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Blind-spot alert with rear cross-traffic alert is available.

The Venue comes with a new Smartstream powertrain: a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine that puts out 121 horsepower and 113 lb.-ft. of torque. The Venue gets great fuel economy too; its EPA rating is 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

C.J. Eckman, Hyundai Manager of IoT and Connected Car, further expanded on the Venue’s in-vehicle connectivity. He highlighted the vehicle’s standard 8-inch display audio with a color LCD touchscreen, rearview camera, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration. Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system—featuring remote start and auto climate control—is included on all Hyundai models for three years. Alexa and Google Assistant integration are also available.

In terms of packaging, Hyundai offers the Venue in three trim levels: SE (includes standard safety features), SEL (most popular trim with premium features), and Denim (top-line model with exclusive exterior and interior trim).

Venue pricing starts at $17,350 for the SE and ranges to $22,050 for the Denim. The Venue is currently available at dealerships nationwide.

Up to Speed: Issue Four - E-Communication Best Practices

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:06:56 GMT

In light of the recent crisis, communication has been proven to remain essential. However, the way in which people communicate has been drastically altered as everyone has been forced to adapt to a digital world, virtually overnight. Despite the life-changing circumstances, it’s been amazing to see just how nimbly this industry has responded in these unprecedented times. We tapped a few MAMA members who represent car manufacturers to gather their communications best practices and other ways they’re endeavoring to stay relevant and in touch with journalists throughout the pandemic.

1) What communication tools have you found most effective for keeping journalists in the loop during these unprecedented times?

Kelley Enright, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA): Beyond the traditional ways of communicating with media such as email and the newswire, we have really tried to get our message out through the various social media channels during the Coronavirus pandemic. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, all of the brands at FCA are reaching out to their audiences and media outlets to keep them informed of the latest news. Our communications team has also done quite a few Google Hangouts with various media associations and outlets across the country to keep them informed of news, such as the Uconnect 5 presentation that was conducted with MAMA members in April.

Michele Tinson, Hyundai: In an effort to maintain a strong connection to our media colleagues during this unprecedented time, Hyundai offered a series of virtual Zoom sessions via MAMA eMeets featuring Hyundai executives and our newest products: Sonata HEV, Venue and the all-new Elantra. These sessions allowed us to reengage with the automotive media in an informal and fun way without placing anyone at risk by attending an in-person program. (Although not the same as a physical event, these came in a close second, especially with a pizza surprise!) We appreciated the willingness of the MAMA organization in supporting the new initiative and the overwhelmingly positive response by media members as evidenced by the high participation levels. We would like to believe virtual sessions may continue as an added component to information sharing and personalized interactions into the future, despite the impact of COVID-19 on large gatherings.

Neil Dunlop, Kia: We have found personal communication to be the most effective way to stay in touch with media during the pandemic. We feel very much that our media friends are family and we have tried to remind them of that when we can. During the last few months we have communicated through The Kia Kitchen series as with one-to-one phone calls, other videos, and traditional PR tools such as press releases.

Wendy Payne, Nissan: For me, as a remote employee throughout the year, some things have not changed at all while other things have changed a lot. I have found that Zoom works very well for both staying in touch inside and outside the organization. I have also just been picking up the phone and calling folks a lot more than typical. Most of my media contacts travel a ton, but now I know they are home, so I pick up the phone and call them. I have had some great conversations in recent months both on work topics and personal ones.

Curt McAllister, Toyota/Lexus: We have utilized a variety of tools, ranging from Zoom-like applications to pre-recorded, streamed news conferences to good ‘ol fashioned phone calls, to check up on the welfare of journalists on a more personal level. We’ve also enhanced our regular correspondence by expansively emailing a Toyota and Lexus Weekly News Recap, summarizing news and announcements from both brands during the course of the previous week.

2) What considerations have you had to keep in mind for new product launches or news stories throughout COVID-19?

KE: All of our employees at FCA have worked diligently to stay on track with product development. The senior management team at FCA has been exceptional at keeping employees informed and motivated during the last few months. We have been a little quiet at FCA as we have been in the final development phase, but just know that we are getting ready to showcase new products soon! We are confident that you'll be excited to see what we've been working on.

MT: It has been vitally important that we all remain empathetic towards the current environment and its resulting impact on everyone. Although business must still go on, it remained a priority that Hyundai continue to offer journalists content to cover without our being allowed to hold typical automotive press programs, auto show reveals or product drive events. For example, we launched our all-new 2021 Elantra virtually, a first ever for Hyundai North America. We are hopeful that our commitment in providing ongoing Hyundai news via numerous channels including: daily updates on the company’s COVID-19 actions via our Hyundai media site: http://www.hyundainews.com, pitching creative storytelling and/or highlighting relevant topics such as affordability, value, executive leadership and eco-friendly advancements in our press releases, helped to reinforce our appreciation of journalists. Hyundai also remained committed in providing access to our products via DriveShop, our local press fleet vendor. (We expanded cleaning of Hyundai press fleet vehicles and no-contact vehicle deliveries and pickup to provide a safe vehicle loan experience.) We believe these efforts further conveyed the importance of maintaining opportunities for journalists to do their jobs during a time of uncertainty, and perhaps also helped make life “a bit easier” to manage during such a challenging time in our industry and country.

ND: Of course the inability to travel has upended traditional product launches and we have pivoted nicely to create a program (starting yesterday, June 30) with the launch of the new K5 that we hope was as close to being live and in-person as possible.

WP: For the new 2021 Rogue, we went all online with backgrounders via Zoom and a reveal with pre-taped videos of our executives discussing the vehicle and its new features. It has worked very well for us and we are very happy with the outcome. I just think that journalists are looking for content to cover, so it works. In the future, if auto shows do not start back up, we will see how long this model works for automakers. I believe we will all have to get more creative with online reveals.

CM: COVID-19 has forced us to look at auto shows and product press launches differently, for the time being. We are fortunate to be living in a time where technology has given us multiple avenues for immediate info dissemination, in the matter of a few keystrokes. We’ve had to recently stream news conferences for both Toyota and Lexus products previously scheduled for the New York International Auto Show. For our Sienna and Venza joint premiere, the post-event media metrics have been very strong, due to mass online availability and journalists’ collective appetites for new products and anything non-pandemic related.

3) What advice do you have for media contacts to stay up to speed on the latest brand and product news?

KE: Follow all the FCA North America social media channels as well as each brand (i.e. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar, Fiat and Alfa Romeo) and make sure you are registered to receive news that is posted to our media website. That website is media.fcanorthamerica.com. And, of course, contact me if you need anything!

MT: As the Midwest Hyundai Corporate and Product PR lead and conduit to HMA HQ, I welcome your questions, ideas and insights and encourage you to reach out directly at any time for Hyundai updates (mtinson@hmausa.com or mobile: 734-740-4650); Visit our media site: https://www.hyundainews.com and sign-up for specific news alerts; follow us on our social media sites: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as well as staying actively engaged in the Midwest Automotive Media Association for amazing OEM industry presence, networking opportunities and vast product insights throughout the year.

ND: Subscribe to our news feeds and reach out to our staff with questions and story ideas. We’ve tried to be proactive, but often we can’t anticipate a publication’s needs. Call us up or email us with story ideas. Don’t worry if your ideas are crazy, we’re crazy, too. We like crazy. We’re good with anything.

WP: I find that a lot of brands (including Nissan) are using LinkedIn very effectively during COVID-19. Also of note: more and more employees have found the time to become advocates for their companies via a myriad of social channels. Also of interest is that you can often get a different perspective from an engineer who shares a story versus a marketing or communications employee, which could bring up an idea for a story that isn’t the typical automotive content piece.

CM: Toyota and Lexus have strong press room sites – Pressroom.Toyota.com and Pressroom.Lexus.com. Media members can sign up for free subscriptions to the sites, where press releases are immediately emailed to them as soon as they populate on the sites.

4) Anything else you want to share?

KE: Stay on track. Be patient. Be safe. We miss you and can't wait to see all of your smiling faces again soon!

MT: We are in this together. We welcome feedback on ways to improve and support each of your stories as best we can. Thank you to MAMA and its leadership team for their continued Hyundai support and willingness to think “out-of-the box” and pursue new ways to best support our “new” normal while helping to produce creative, objective, factual story-telling and perhaps sell some cars and SUVs!

I look forward to our next face-to-face, in-person (no hugs) program! Stay safe. Stay well.

ND: We’ve had our press fleet operational during the pandemic and strict cleaning protocols are in place. If you have a story idea for one of our vehicles let us know. We’d love to work with you.

WP: I have found during this time our staff has gotten even closer that we were previously, we have been on many Zoom calls together and have been able share camaraderie in a way we didn’t before COVID-19. I hope and I believe it will continue.

CM: Toyota and Lexus made the decision early on in the pandemic not to close its national press fleets. As PR professionals, we saw the fleets as “lifelines” to the media, providing them with the opportunities to keep reporting and writing stories relevant to the auto industry. In doing so, we also made sure our press fleet partner, DriveShop, was adhering to CDC protocols for the safety of their staff and members of the media. We’ve received numerous notes of “thanks” from journalists in keeping our product pipelines flowing during these difficult times.

Up to Speed: Issue Four - Chad Kirchner Member Spotlight

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:04:36 GMT

Like many other automotive journalists, Chad Kirchner’s life changed in March when COVID-19 hit and put an end to events, travel and many of his assignments. With no place to go and extra time on his hands, Chad felt called to do something to help people during the COVID-19 crisis. That something was organizing a group of people who owned 3D printers to create face shields for people who needed them. Or as Chad put it, “a bunch of nerds who are into 3D printing got together and decided to do what we can.”

It turns out, brackets for face shields are easy to 3D print so the group of 30 people with 40 printers, found a design that was approved by local hospitals, and printed them non-stop for weeks. It would take an hour to print each bracket then they bought binder covers which they three-hole punched and attached to complete the shield. At the peak, they produced about 1,000 face shields a week.

Chad and his friends funded the entire endeavor and didn’t charge anyone for the shields. “Someone would put in a request and we filled them. We delivered them to local hospitals and a lot of nursing homes. We even provided them to an assisted living facility in Michigan. We didn’t turn anybody away,” Kirchner said.

They were printing so many that finding the filament material for the printers became tough. “Amazon was our main supplier, but when they went to essential delivery only, we lost our main supply line for 3D printing filament,” said Kirchner.

They started looking at local computer stores but quickly bought out all the available local stock. Chad ended up finding a large supply of filament in Brooklyn, NY, convinced Toyota to loan him a vehicle for the trip, which he wrote about for one of his many outlets, Automotive Map. He made the round trip journey from Ohio to New York in one 18-hour day.

Like many auto writers, Chad grew up reading car magazines at a young age. “In addition to the incredible cars, reading stories about these exotic locations was a great form of escape.” Chad started reading about Japanese tuners and eventually bought a Honda S2000 inspired by all the articles he had read about the car. “It’s ironic, I wasn’t big into trucks even though it’s what I cover now. I grew up in a small Midwestern town and everybody loved trucks. I think the Japanese tuner thing was my form of rebellion.”

Chad began writing about cars after he helped Josh Smith from GottaBeMobile.com with a purchase. “He needed to buy a car, a mutual friend introduced us and saying I could help him. Josh did something that never happens, he bought the car I recommended – and still drives it today.” A couple months later Josh called and said they were going to be adding auto coverage to the tech focused site, and asked if Chad was interested. It didn’t take long for Chad to say yes.

With 13 million unique visitors a month, GottaBeMobile attracted the attention of automakers and Chad began getting media loans. His first press loan in 2013 was a Ford F-150 Raptor and his inaugural press trip was for the Chrysler 200. Now seven years into his career, Chad freelances for a number of outlets with a primary focus on trucks. High points of his career so far include driving on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a Chevy program, a trip to Morocco with Nissan, and a small Ford Performance event at Eldora Speedway where he spent the day after the races jumping Raptors with racer and track owner, Tony Stewart.

Chad’s philosophy is straightforward. “My first responsibility is to tell the truth, even if that truth is harsh. But it’s important to say why. I would never write anything I wouldn’t tell a company executive face-to-face. If it gets you a nasty phone call, you get a nasty phone call.”

MAMA played a significant role in his professional development. “Early on it was made clear that belonging to a professional organization was important. And everyone recommended MAMA.” Based in Columbus, Ohio, he attends as many MAMA events as possible. “I would love to go to more lunches as I’ve gotten press loans from showing up to a MAMA lunch. MAMA has a reputation as a top-tier organization, and being a member has raised my profile and helped me get more gigs.”

Up to Speed: Issue Four - #MAMAeMeet Series

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:00:18 GMT

In these ever-changing and uncertain times, MAMA has adapted to meeting virtually. The new format, labeled "MAMA eMeet," has brought members together four times since the COVID-19 epidemic started.

On April 8, Hyundai hosted the first virtual meeting to discuss the 2020 Sonata Hybrid. Virtual attendees were delighted when frozen pizzas arrived at their homes in advance of the meeting. A new meaning to "lunch is served" was courtesy of Michele Tinson and Hyundai.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles presented its all-new, next-generation Uconnect 5 system on April 29 at the second eMeet. Substantial upgrades and improvements on the popular infotainment system are in the works. FCA announced that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, which is slated to go on sale late this year, will be the first vehicle to feature the new system. The Uconnect 5 system was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show this past February.

With the rescheduling of the MAMA Spring Rally, Nissan instead jumped at the opportunity to virtually present their new 2020 Nissan Frontier on May 19. MAMA members were among the first to learn of the 2020 pricing. The Frontier, first revealed at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, will be available at dealerships this July.

And on June 24, Hyundai was back to discuss the all-new Venue, the brand's seventh addition to its SUV lineup. The Venue slots just below the Kona in terms of size and powertrain, and offers plenty of safety and connectivity features as standard.

Thank you to all of these OEMs for their diligent efforts to keep our members informed and Up To Speed! Please keep your eyes open for future MAMA eMeets as we will continue to present news virtually until it is safe to resume our in-person monthly meetings. You can track the conversations surrounding previous eMeets by searching for the hashtag #MAMAeMeet.

Up to Speed: Issue Four - Letter from the President

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:55:34 GMT

Greetings MAMA members,

In a normal year, I would be writing this letter with a fresh batch of MAMA Spring Rally memories in my mind: boisterous conversation (and eating more than my share of fried fish) at the Lake Street Café, hustling a performance vehicle through the corners and cones on the Road America track, kicking up some mud on the off-road course, the sounds of music and merriment growing louder as I approach the front door of Siebkens for a rollicking afterparty.

However, as we are all painfully aware, 2020 is no normal year—for so many horrible reasons. In light of such widespread tragedy, suffering, and unrest, the fact that we have had to postpone the 2020 MAMA Spring Rally to the fall seems like a relatively minor hardship. We have made arrangements with our valued partners at The Osthoff Resort and Road America, and we are penciled in for October 26 and 27, with an arrival date of Sunday, October 25. Obviously, none of us can foresee exactly what the world will look like this fall, but our hope is to move forward and hold a “Sprall” Rally in some form.

The Coronavirus pandemic has upended almost every aspect of our lives, but there are silver linings to be found. Among those is our implementation of “eMeet” virtual presentations in place of our regular monthly meetings. We’ve had four so far, and more are in the works. It’s a far cry from seeing each other in person, but we’ve nonetheless had engaging presentations and productive Q&A sessions, and I’ve been delighted to see our non-Chicagoland members participating as well. We will continue our eMeets for the immediate future, and endeavor to retain a webcast component to our meetings when our in-person luncheons eventually resume. If you are an OEM or organization interested in hosting an eMeet, please contact Senior VP Harvey Briggs for more information.

In these uncertain times, I look forward to a future where we won’t need to wear out the phrase “in these uncertain times,” or the word “unprecedented.” And amidst all the unpleasant news, I see plenty of inspiring examples of human resilience, ingenuity, and adaptation. All of us at MAMA hope you are staying safe, healthy, and well.

All for now,

Damon Bell, MAMA President

Nissan Announces 2020 Frontier Pricing to MAMA Members via Virtual Meeting

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:32:25 GMT

Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) members were among the first to learn of Nissan’s 2020 Frontier pricing, which was announced this week during the association’s latest eMeet, a virtual meeting series. More than 50 MAMA members, comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, were able to ask live questions of Nissan’s Senior Marketing Manager Michael Yarger and Senior Manager of Engineering Melaina Vasko.

Pricing for the refreshed-for-2020 Nissan Frontier pickup, which was first unveiled this past February during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, will begin at $26,790 for the Frontier S King Cab 4x2 model. The top-line model, the Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4, will be listed at $37,490. Across the model lineup, the 2020 prices represent an average increase of less than $2,000 from 2019.

The 2020 Frontier features a new 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The new engine is rated 310 horsepower (best in class, according to Nissan) and 281 lb.-ft. of torque, and helps the 2020 Frontier achieve its 6,640-lb. towing capacity.

A host of additional upgrades will be offered for the 2020 model year, including standard push-button start, a leather shift knob, manual tilt steering, power door locks and power windows with the auto-down feature on the driver’s side.

The 2020 Frontier is available in King Cab, Crew Cab Short Wheelbase and Crew Cab Long Wheelbase bodies, and comes with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations. Additionally, two previous option packages have been added to 2020 Frontier Crew Cab SV grades at no additional charge: the Midnight Edition—featuring special black exterior treatments and 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels—and the Special Edition Package—featuring a trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-color rear bumper and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

The 2020 Frontier is scheduled to arrive at dealerships this July.

For more information on the 2020 Frontier, please visit NissanNews.com. For more information on MAMA and upcoming MAMA eMeets, visit MAMAOnline.org.

FCA Hosts #MAMAeMeet on All-new Uconnect 5 System

Fri, 01 May 2020 19:04:05 GMT

As part of MAMA’s ongoing #MAMAeMeet series, FCA hosted a discussion this week surrounding its all-new Uconnect 5 infotainment system that will first appear on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. Leading the virtual meeting was Jin Palmer, FCA’s Head of Infotainment and Feature Planning, and Vince Galante, Chief Designer of User Experience for FCA.

Palmer noted FCA’s shift to the new software is driven by consumer demand. According to market research, 51 percent of consumers report that technology sways their decision when selecting a new vehicle. An even higher 64 percent are loyal to their in-vehicle tech systems and, moreover, 78 percent of shoppers choose a new vehicle based on a simple and easy-to-use infotainment system. With this in mind, FCA takes a holistic approach to stay ahead of the industry transformation curve by uniting the key elements that are important to consumers.

Backed by a new Android operating system, FCA claims Uconnect 5 is five times faster than its outgoing system and has three times the resolution when displaying on-screen graphics. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica will be one of the first FCA vehicles to get the Uconnect 5 system; it will offer a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is nearly 20 percent larger than the screen it replaces.

Aesthetically speaking, everything is laid out in a logical fashion keeping in line with these four pillars:

Aligns with a digital lifestyle
Keeps vehicle fresh
Improves customer care
Allows for future tech applications

The technology features are enhanced, including:

Familiar gestures such as swiping
Ability to connect two phones simultaneously using Bluetooth
Presets are not limited to bands (Sirius XM, FM and AM can coexist in the same line)
New TomTom navigation experience adds popular features for a built-in solution with natural voice capability and Maps Over The Air (MOTA)
Uconnect pioneers personalization with up to five user profiles plus valet mode, reestablishing vehicle preferences and settings with the touch of a button
Exclusive and customizable home screen allows quick access to frequently used features with one-touch operation
Uconnect expands Alexa "Home to Car" functionality to include in-vehicle Alexa virtual assistant with natural voice capability and “Car to Home” features
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

FCA’s design challenge with its new Uconnect 5 system was for owners to have one-touch access to frequently used controls. Some additional noteworthy new features include the ability to mix and match content to build a personalized interface and the access to create up to five custom interfaces.

While the Uconnect 5 system will first debut on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, it will eventually roll out to Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles.

The MAMA Board is planning two additional #MAMAeMeet virtual meetings for May; invitations are forthcoming.

Hyundai Hosts First MAMA Virtual Meeting on the Sonata Hybrid

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:31:51 GMT

Last week, Hyundai hosted MAMA’s first “virtual” online monthly meeting via Zoom web-conferencing software. Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, MAMA is focused on providing relevant content to our media members while continuing to serve as an effective outlet for MAMA affiliate members to present new products and news to a relevant and engaged audience.

Scott Margason, Director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America, opened the Zoom meeting with an update on Hyundai’s sales momentum throughout 2019, where the brand saw an increase even when the rest of the industry experienced sales declines. Margason attributes the brand’s growth to an overall surge in SUV sales; Hyundai’s SUV sales are up 56 percent. However, even though Hyundai’s SUV sales have increased, he noted the continued demand for sedans, especially alternative fuel vehicles. According to Hyundai research, 33 percent of people polled would consider purchasing a hybrid as their next vehicle.

The initial announcement of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid made waves at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, where the vehicle made its worldwide debut. Jerome Gregeois, Senior Manager, Hyundai Technical Center, discussed the many new features of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid, including:

Best-in-class highway fuel economy on Blue trim level
Class-leading combined fuel economy on Blue trim level
EPA estimated 52 mpg combined fuel economy rating and 686 miles of driving range on Blue trim level
Solar Roof System can increase driving range – Hyundai says people can think of it as up to 700 “free” miles per year
Hyundai Digital Key technology as an option
The top front-seat leg- and headroom in the segment
Unique eco-friendly design cues improve aerodynamics
Active Shift Control technology makes shifts 30 percent faster and smoother

The Sonata Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: Blue (well-equipped, price-leading model with high level of standard safety features); SEL (value-driven core model with popular equipment; and Limited (fully loaded model with advanced safety and convenience features). The vehicle is now hitting Hyundai dealerships.

Margason wrapped up the presentation by sharing his belief that Hyundai has the best fuel cell tech on the market. He said while a full transition to electrification will take time, Hyundai wants to be ahead of the curve and ready to share its wide portfolio of multiple technologies with the marketplace.

MAMA is in the process of planning its next virtual meeting for later this month, so members should stay tuned for more details.

Up to Speed: Issue Three - High Visibility Journalism How To Tips

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:36:49 GMT

Article by Harvey Briggs, Publisher and Editor - Rides & Drives

For MAMA members who aren’t members of a major media organization (or even if you are), it’s good practice to maintain visibility with communications staff at the auto companies. The more they see your work and come to appreciate your point of view, the better chance you’ll have at getting on vehicle loan lists and receiving program invitations.

Trevor Dorchies, Ram Truck PR Manager, advises, "One of the best ways to be made aware of a story is to send a clip to the fleet company once the story is posted. Another would be to simply send the story directly to the PR person as it goes live. That also helps you develop a rapport with the OEM, shows them you value the time spent with the vehicle and keeps them up-to-date on your work."

While companies like Drive Shop and G. Schmitz monitor and report the press generated by the vehicles they distribute, Curt McAllister from Toyota says, “Don’t assume we see the stories you write. Send links and even hard copies if it’s in print to both me and Matt Hruska [Drive Shop].”

You really have two main avenues to share your work: social media and email.

Many communications people are on Facebook and Twitter so you can tag them in the posts of your reviews. It’s more important, however to tag the manufacturer’s media account.

According to Elizabeth Williams, Communications Manager for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, “While people do tag me personally when they post stories, we track everything on our media accounts so you’re better off sharing things there.”

Email is your best bet to make sure your work is noticed. But don’t overdo it. Put the name of the vehicle in the subject line, just a quick personal note thanking them for the loan or hospitality at an event, and a link to your story. Don ’t carpet bomb the story to everyone on the communications team. Start with your regional communications representative and the person most relevant to the vehicle you ’ve covered at HQ. If you don’t have them, emails for the appropriate contacts are readily available on the manufacturers’ media websites. It’s a good idea to create your own contact spreadsheet and update it regularly as people do move around.

One final piece of advice from McAllister, “Make sure you send it even if a story is less than flattering. It helps us to know what’s being said out there. And really, we don’t hold it against anyone as long as it’s fair.”

Up to Speed: Issue Three - March Meeting with Alfa Romeo

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:33:44 GMT

Alfa Romeo hosted the MAMA March meeting at a new-to-MAMA venue, Iron Gate Motor Condos – the Chicago area’s first exclusive residence for classic, collector and exotic vehicles. This unique motor-condo facility spans a 45-acre campus and brings together passionate car collectors to gather in a community and celebrate their hobby.

Ben Lyon, Head of Alfa Romeo, Operations and Customer Experience, led the presentation to spotlight the new 2020 Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV, both of which are just hitting dealership showrooms this quarter. Lyon discussed the highlights of both freshened vehicles “keeping what’s great and improving on the rest.” The updates include new standard content, an enhanced premium interior, advanced safety features and a new 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

Also new for 2020 is a host of standard and available connectivity features, including Wi-Fi Hotspot, Mobile App with Remote Operations, SOS Call (Private) and Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Finder, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Assistance, as well as select Firmware Over the Air updates.

At the forefront of the Giulia’s refined cabin is the new center console, which provides an updated design featuring a machined-knurled aluminum-look rotary dial, upgraded knob materials and increased storage capacity. Rounding out the enhanced Giulia interior environment are larger cup holders and a new phone storage area with available wireless charging.

The 2020 Giulia and Stelvio mark the debut of a full set of available advanced driver-assistance systems, including Level 2 semi-autonomous capabilities that enable the vehicle to control acceleration, braking and steering in certain driving conditions – providing the driver with the perfect balance between driving pleasure and autonomous control. These include:

Highway Assist System
Traffic Jam Assist System
Traffic Sign Recognition
Lane Keep Assist
Active Blind Spot Assist
Driver Attention Alert
Standard Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus

Verde Visconte Metallic (green), Lunare White Metallic and Anodized Blue are newly available metallic-paint colors for 2020. Lyon noted that the most popular color choices for Alfa Romeo models are something bold – especially blue and red hues.

Also announced was the introduction of the new Giulia GTA, a limited-run model that is technically and conceptually inspired by the Giulia GTA of 1965: the “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” developed by Autodelta and based on the Giulia Sprint GT that racked up sporting successes worldwide. Based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Giulia GTA is fitted with special lightweight components and a more powerful version of the Alfa Romeo 2.9 V-6 Bi-Turbo engine that puts out 540 horsepower instead of the Quadrifoglio’s 505 hp. Only 500 GTAs will be produced, and there’s no word on yet on the car being sold in the United States.

Up to Speed: Issue Three - Rick Cotta Member Spotlight

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:30:41 GMT

Plenty has changed since MAMA was founded almost 30 years ago, but we are fortunate to count several active longtime members—and even a few founding members—among our ranks. One of those founding members is Rick Cotta, Managing Editor of Consumer Guide Automotive. Rick has been with Consumer Guide since 1990, and he was there at the very beginning of MAMA. We caught up with Rick to ask him a few questions about the early days of the organization.

1. MAMA began in 1991. How did you hear about MAMA and what roles have you played since the inception?

As far as I know, Jim Mateja sent around a notice asking for interested parties to meet at a restaurant to discuss starting an auto-journalist association along the lines of MPG and IMPA, but focused on Chicago media. My boss at the time, Rick Popely (who later became the third president of MAMA), asked me to come along, and there may have been others from Consumer Guide there as well. Most of my “official” involvement since has been with the Rally Committee. And most of that has been organizing the Spring Rally’s go-karting event.

2. We heard through the grapevine that you suggested the name "MAMA." How did that name come about?

At that first meeting, the proposed name for the organization was the Midwest Automotive Press Association. Attendees were asked for their thoughts. Of course, I’d figured out the acronym before suggesting that perhaps “media” might be more encompassing than “press,” as some members might be PR folks and such.

It was Rick Popely who got it first. “HA!” he laughed. “Mama!” Then it started. “Come to mama” … “mama’s boys” … etc. It was voted in.

3. How has MAMA evolved over the last 29 years?

Probably the biggest change in the organization came with the advent of the Spring Rally. The late Bob Kocher had a lot to do with that, but he wasn’t alone. My personal recollection was that Mark Bilek (who was a co-worker at Consumer Guide at the time and at some point a MAMA president) was deeply involved with it as well.

It was at a press preview in the early 1990s that a fellow auto journalist pointed out that there were probably fewer than 200 jobs like ours in the entire country. And doing the math, that was likely true. After starting out with just a dozen or so members, today there are nearly that many auto journalists in MAMA alone.

4. What do you gain from being a MAMA member?

Overall, I’m a rather quiet, behind-the-scenes kind of guy. Yet at nearly every press event I attend, PR people and other journalists will recognize me and come up and talk about the Spring Rally. While their comments are inevitably favorable, I always take the opportunity to ask them what I feel is the only survey question that really matters: What could we do better? When pressed that way, they’ll occasionally come up with something I’ll pass along to the committee.

And of course, our monthly meetings are always interesting, providing speakers with insights I’d otherwise never have … not to mention a lunch that doesn’t consist of canned tuna and frozen vegetables.

5. What is your favorite part of being a MAMA member?

Aside from the above, it’s an opportunity to talk cars with others who share that interest. Besides a friend who is similarly afflicted, I never discuss the topic with people unless they ask. If someone inquires as to what I do for a living (such as on an airplane), I always just say I’m an editor...which quite effectively shuts down that line of questioning.

Up to Speed: Issue Three - 2020 Chicago Auto Show Recap

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:29:43 GMT

Chicago Auto Show Highlights

With the 2020 Chicago Auto Show in the rearview mirror, we’re reflecting on some of the show’s key moments. The longest-running auto show in North America once again featured more than 1 million square feet of top-tier exhibits by global automakers; more than 20 brand-new vehicle introductions that made their worldwide or national debut; a host of interactive exhibits; and indoor and outdoor test drive opportunities.

As a regional press association, MAMA is fortunate to have the nation’s largest auto show held right in its backyard. The entire event kicked off with the Midwest Automotive Media Association opening breakfast, during which MAMA President Damon Bell announced the 2020 MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients. The 2020 Kia Telluride was named the winner of the 10^th annual MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator won the second annual MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award. The MAMA breakfast has really become a cornerstone event over the years, signifying the show’s opening and consistently attracting 400 attendees ranging from national media outlets, automotive manufacturers and other key industry personnel.

After the dust settled from the Media Preview, MAMA members remained active during the show’s public days. Specifically, show organizers tapped MAMA’s resourceful membership to serve as panelists in a series of Facebook Live discussions held in the show’s BUZZHUB, in partnership with ABC 7 Chicago. Each Facebook Live event featured a new industry hot topic ranging from connected cars, industry trends, electric vehicles, best family vehicles and more. Each discussion was hosted by ABC 7 Chicago’s reporter Roz Varon and was streamed live on ABC 7 Chicago’s and the Chicago Auto Show’s Facebook pages. MAMA-member expert panelists included Matt Avery, Damon Bell, Mark Bilek, Jill Ciminillo, Tim Healey, Paul Herrold, Kelsey Mays, Jennifer Newman, Larry Nutson, Jim OBrill and Joe Wiesenfelder.

Speaking of remaining “active,” MAMA President Emeritus Jill Ciminillo helped facilitate the Chicago Auto Show’s first indoor run, Honda Miles Per Hour, in partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association. Held on the show’s final weekend, the unique indoor run guided participants on a 2.4-mile loop through the vast halls of the show. The event’s moniker accurately describes the premise of the run, where participants covered as much distance as possible within a one-hour timeframe. The winner, Zach Hird of Chicago, covered 11 miles in the one-hour allotted timeframe.

Up to Speed: Issue Three - Letter from the President

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:28:27 GMT

Greetings MAMA members,

It’s already March! Hope your 2020 is going well, and that you had a great holiday season and a productive Chicago Auto Show.

Speaking of CAS, we were once again honored to kick off the show’s Media Preview days with the Midwest Automotive Media Association Breakfast. We announced the winners of our Family Vehicle/Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards and the James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship, and hosted the Automotive Hall of Fame’s announcements of their 2020 inductees. Our keynote speaker was Ed Laukes, Group Vice President—Toyota Division Marketing, but instead of the standard podium speech, Ed and I sat down for a more informal “fireside chat” interview.

Spring is just around the corner, and that means the 2020 MAMA Spring Rally is fast approaching as well. The MAMA Spring Rally Committee had our kick-off planning meeting in late February, and we are working to bring an improved off-road course and maybe a surprise or two to the event. The dates are May 20 and 21—mark it down on your calendars now! To our manufacturer-rep members: We do have a few Spring Rally sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Senior VP Harvey Briggs or myself if you’re interested in claiming one of those slots.

Also, Harvey is the point person for our monthly luncheon meetings, so contact him if you’d like to host one of those. We’ve already had two monthly luncheons this year… Nissan filled us in on the redesigned-for-2020 Sentra at our January meeting, and Alfa Romeo just showed off the 2020 Giulia and Stelvio at our March meeting.

One of the MAMA board’s primary aims for 2020 is to ensure our journalist members are producing content, and to assist them in growing their audiences where we can. In our interactions with various PR representatives, the term we keep hearing is “return on investment.” Since all MAMA events, and particularly the Spring and Fall Rallies, depend on manufacturer participation and support, we as an organization have to make it worth their time and expense to do so.

For that, we need to rely on our journalist members, so when you attend our events, please “post early and post often,” and share your coverage with us so we can share it as well. Here’s to a great 2020!

All for now,

Damon Bell, MAMA President

Alfa Romeo Presents 2020 Giulia and Stelvio to MAMA

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:29:42 GMT

Highway Assist System
Traffic Jam Assist System
Traffic Sign Recognition
Lane Keep Assist
Active Blind Spot Assist
Driver Attention Alert
Standard Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus

MAMA Announces Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award Recipients

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:27:26 GMT

Chicago, Illinois (Feb. 6, 2020) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that the 2020 Kia Telluride has been named the winner of its 10th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award, and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator has been named the winner of the second annual Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year award.

MAMA is a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public-relations professionals, and it developed the awards to help car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2019 Spring Rally, which took place last May.

Voting took place at both the Spring and Fall Rallies, which narrowed down the field of contenders. Mainstream finalists were the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Gladiator, Kia Telluride, Mazda 3, and Subaru Outback. The finalists in the luxury category were the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Nautilus, and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53 Coupe.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

MAMA’s journalist members then voted in one final round. The 2020 Kia Telluride was selected as Family Vehicle of the Year with 205 points, ahead of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, which garnered 174 points. The 2020 Subaru Outback placed third with 69 points.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was crowned Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year with 192 points, edging out the 2019 BMW X7, which netted 148 points. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 rounded out the top three with 108 points.

Voting for the 2021 FVOTY awards will begin at the 2020 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 20-21 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

For more information, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 29^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 258 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from 22 states and DC. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues, and new products in the auto industry.

Nissan Presents Sentra to MAMA Members

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 02:17:45 GMT

Nissan’s Keith St. Clair, director of product planning, Nissan USA, was the speaker at the January MAMA meeting to discuss the all-new 2020 Sentra.

Since the car’s introduction 37 years ago, more than six million Sentras have been sold—spanning eight generations. St. Clair discussed all the ways this sedan is Nissan’s best-selling nameplate.

First, why sedans? St. Clair said that while the industry has certainly seen a big shift to SUVs and CUVs, sedans are still very popular. In fact, more than four million sedans have been sold here in the U.S., and 78 percent of folks who don’t own sedans noted they would consider buying one. Furthermore, 86 percent of 18-34-year-olds who don’t own a sedan would consider buying one.

And, according to St. Clair, this sedan is one that’s changing the way people think of sedans.

Expressive style, an emotional driving experience, value, efficiency and ease of maneuverability are all characteristics of the vehicle. Exceeding expectations in the compact segment, the Sentra offers style, craftsmanship, safety, technology, performance and value.

“The only thing we’re carrying forward is the name – everything else is brand new,” said St. Clair of the Sentra.

In terms of tech, the Sentra receives an all-new infotainment system with a standard 7-inch high-definition screen. St. Clair explains that this is a key factor of the upgraded sedan because it makes drivers more comfortable and confident.

Safety also comes standard on this car, including Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 (a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems), ten air bags, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Driver Attention Alertness.

The vehicle is also agile and exciting to drive, according to St. Clair. This is the first time that Nissan is offering a new platform with a multi-link independent rear suspension on the Sentra. Wider and lower, the new platform offers improved NVH. Standard active ride control (which helps improve handling when driving over a bumpy environment, smoothing out the ride and ensuring driver’s confidence), intelligent trace control and vehicle dynamics control.

Additionally, the Sentra has an all-new powertrain with 149 horsepower—20 percent more than before.

St. Clair refers to a “simple grade strategy:” Good, Better and Best (S, SV and SR). Overall, he says the Sentra is fun-to-drive, offers advanced technology, has unmatched safety features, high-level craftsmanship and expressive design. “It’s not just another compact car; it’s really a midsized car masquerading as a compact car,” he said. It’s the new era of sedans.

The Sentra is set to go on sale in early February.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Elects 2020 Board of Directors

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:29:34 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2020 board of directors during its annual January business meeting.

Secretary Kelley Enright, treasurer Larry Nutson and communications director Jennifer Morand were all re-elected to serve two-year terms.

Damon Bell continues to hold the role of MAMA president, Harvey Briggs continues as MAMA senior vice president and Jennifer Newman continues as vice president, membership.

Jill Ciminillo, who served a two-year term as MAMA president from 2017-2018, will carry out her second-year term as president emeritus.

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association currently maintains a membership of 253 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

It was also announced that MAMA will continue to host the opening breakfast at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview on Thursday, Feb. 6, where the association will announce its 2020 Family Vehicle of the Year Award and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients.

The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Subaru Outback are the finalists for the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award, and the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator are the finalists for the luxury category. Following the award ceremony, Toyota North America’s Group Vice President Edward Laukes will present a program.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and upcoming events, visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 29^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 253 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

Lincoln Presented its all-new Corsair to MAMA

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 21:41:44 GMT

The chief engineer of the Lincoln Corsair, John Jraiche, presented the 2020 Lincoln Corsair to Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) members during the latest MAMA meeting.

The Lincoln team strategically selected the Lang House in Chicago as the venue to present the vehicle, as the historical building exudes sophistication and charm while offering views of the neighboring Emil Bach House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The significance is that Corsair Chief Designer Kemal Curic picked up design cues from Frank Lloyd Wright when designing the vehicle, including his love for dramatic horizontal lines.

The 2020 Corsair rounds out Lincoln's portfolio of luxurious SUVs, and is available with a 250-hp 2.0-liter or more powerful 2.3-liter engine that puts out 295 horsepower. Five selectable drive modes--Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions and Conserve--alter powertrain parameters to suit road conditions and/or drive tastes. With a new 8-speed transmission and 4-wheel independent suspension, the Corsair is designed to provide agility, nimbleness and easy handling. Furthermore, all 2020 Corsairs come standard with a push-button start, hill-start assist, a power liftgate and LED headlights.

According to Jraiche, the body of the Corsair was designed to incorporate peaks and valleys, and the exaggerated lines draw a vision of continuous light play reflecting its surrounding environment. Lincoln describes the Corsair’s exterior as a “sculpture in motion.” Unique wheel designs feature both directional and radial lines, and a variety of metallic color choices, including Flight Blue, are offered.

The Corsair’s interior was designed to be a “sanctuary for the senses.” To ensure the tranquility of the ride, a dual-wall dashboard was utilized to provide additional division between the engine and the passengers. This arrangement provides an air gap that helps prevent vibrations from entering the cabin.

The Corsair's design team thought of everything, such as replacing harsh standard electronic alerts with six unique symphonic chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Not only is wireless charging available for compatible devices, but the Corsair also offers tech-savvy passengers multiple power outlets and in-vehicle Wi-Fi to keep them connected. Additionally, the Corsair’s SYNC 3 infotainment system allows the driver and passengers to simply plug in their devices to access apps directly from an 8-inch touch screen.

The Lincoln Corsair also provides personal customization to enhance the individual’s preferred interior sanctuary experience. Owners can set up to 80 preference features within their designated profile, including preferred radio stations, customized seat adjustments and desired cabin climate.

To top it all off, the Corsair offers a Lincoln-first technology called “Phone As A Key.” The technology can be accessed through The Lincoln Way app, where owners can now open the liftgate, lock and unlock the vehicle, start the vehicle and locate it just by using their compatible smartphone.

To further provide convenience to its customer base, Lincoln offers a pickup and delivery service called Lincoln Service Valet. The owner can simply schedule a service via The Lincoln Way app and Lincoln Service Valets will come to pick up the vehicle and bring it a nearby Lincoln dealership, while providing the owner with a loaner vehicle while their vehicle is being serviced. Progress updates are delivered via the app, and the vehicle is delivered back to the owner when the service has been completed.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes in two trims, with the Standard coming in at $36,940 and the Reserve starting at $43,625. All-wheel-drive versions of each are also available for a bump in price: $39,140 and $45,825, respectively. The Corsair is now available at Lincoln dealerships.

Up to Speed: Issue Two - Social Media How To Tips

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:23:24 GMT

Article by Harvey Briggs, Publisher and Editor - Rides & Drives

Growing Your Social Media Influence

The world is digital now – just ask the folks from Autoweek – and building your audience online is more important than ever. One of the best places to do that is social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms are sources of both audience and revenue. But how do you grow your presence from a few hundred followers to the thousands necessary to attract readers and viewers to the content you produce?

A lot of it is common sense regardless of the platform:

1. Your profile is important – Create a profile on your social media account that lets people know who you are, what you do, your point of view, and what they can expect if they follow you. This is where they come to connect with you personally, so include a good photo as well.

2. Make sure people know how to find you – Put links to your social accounts on your author page of your website or blog. If possible, embed tweets or Instagram posts into your articles so readers can click to your account and comment.

3. Post consistently – Nothing looks worse than an account with little or no activity. You don’t need to post 10 times a day but a consistent schedule will help people find you. According to Chad Kirchner, who, with more than 26,000 followers is one of MAMA’s more prolific Tweeters, “Don’t just use Twitter as a dumping ground for content, be authentic.”

4. Use relevant hashtags on Twitter and Instagram – The key here is relevant. There are sites like https://ritetag.com/best-hashtags-for/automotive to help you find trending tags that will help users find your content

5. Tag manufacturers in your posts – most social media teams look for content to share on the brand pages. Be sure to @ and # the manufacturers to make it easy to find your news and reviews about their products.

6. Think visually – on Instagram, you’re competing with millions of other users, make sure your photos are high quality and have a strong point of view. Adding photos and videos to your Twitter posts increases engagement.

7. Follow other relevant accounts – It’s the birds of a feather effect. Follow auto execs, brands, other journalists, and consumers who are interested in automotive. When they comment on, like and share your posts, their followers will see that and enhance your reach.

8. Engage with your followers – Ask questions, respond to their questions and comments, like their comments, thank them for following. There are a number of things you can do to engage your audience.

9. Use the platform appropriately – Instagram is great for showing what you do, but since you can’t put links in posts, it’s lousy for driving readers and viewers to your site or channel. According to Josh Smith from gottabemobile.com, “Instagram is show and tell. I just use it to build awareness. Twitter brings readers to the site. But engaging on both is important to keep people coming back.”

10. Schedule time for social activity – It’s hard to add one more thing to an already overbooked day. My trick that has helped me be consistent with my posts is to put daily reminders in my calendar to post. Every day I get a notification at 10 AM and 4 PM to put something up. It’s just a reminder to take 5 minutes to share things with my audience and since I’ve started doing it, I’ve doubled my followers on Instagram and Twitter.

Up to Speed: Issue Two - Bob Kocher Member Spotlight

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:20:53 GMT

Article by Marlon Hanson, fellow MAMA member and dear friend

“I first met Bob Kocher when I was President of the Texas Automotive Writers Association and he was President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. We immediately struck up a friendship because of his passion for MAMA and wanting to make it the best it could possibly be for all members, journalists and manufacturers.

We immediately decided to compare notes and attend each other's events to see what we might do to improve our respective organizations. I learned a lot from Bob, witnessing first-hand how MAMA put together its events and he, likewise, learned how to make MAMA more user friendly for all.

I am particularly grateful for his urging me to attend the MAMA Spring Rally ... I was astounded at how many vehicles were registered and we had an opportunity to drive. Because of Bob, and his introducing me to the Rally, I urged my board to create the TAWA Spring Challenge (now the Spring Roundup). We had 45 vehicles registered for our first Challenge, largely due to Bob's help in assisting me with the nuts and bolts of doing such an event for only automobiles. Being in Texas (the Truck Capital of the world), we had mastered our fall event, the Texas Truck Rodeo, and Bob eagerly worked to institute some of the aspects of the Rodeo into the MAMA Fall Rally.

As members of MAMA, you know what a great foundation Bob was instrumental in creating for you. But, enough about Bob, the car guy, aka AutoBob! What I will miss most is Bob, the man.

Bob loved fun and always drove to get the most out of life. I often met him and his beautiful wife, Connie, in Las Vegas, where we spent many an hour, day, and week in various gaming activities as well as enjoying world-famous automotive events such as the SEMA show. In addition to our escapades in Las Vegas, we loved to cruise.

Our first cruise together was on the Norwegian Breakaway out of New York. Yes, we loved the ship, the world-famous Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall, who were on the ship with us, but the thing I will remember most about that cruise happened one night while sitting at a slot machine in the ship's casino.

Bob ran up to me, giant grin on his face, bubbling with excitement. You have to come to O’Sheehans Pub, he exclaimed. Now!! They have the best Hot Fudge Sundaes you have ever had. They are as big as your head! I had to abandon my machine and follow him to O'Sheehans. Bob and I marveled at the size, sweetness, and wonder of our Sundaes. Connie was not as much of a sundae lover as us and, I believe had apple pie ala mode or something else as we immersed ourselves in our newfound delight.

As late as early August, we spoke of taking future cruises, possibly in November, but for sure in December. We were also looking at a few possibilities for 2020 and decided we would decide where and when to go next at this year's SEMA show in early November.

Life is so fleeting. I got a message from Bob on August 14th:

“I am hanging in. Just waiting for a time for my kidney biopsy. No one seems to be in a hurry. Went to a kidney doctor yesterday and he didn’t seem to be worried. I give up trying to understand it all. I guess no lung cancer is a big plus. Will let you know as we get information. Hope you’re having a great time. Hope to see you soon. Bob”

Bob then sent some bad news on August 22. He began with the better news that although they had found some “spots in my lungs, a large mass on my kidney and a small mass on my spine,” there was no cancer in his lungs or kidney. Then came the bad news: “However, I did not luck out so well with my spine biopsy. I do have a rare cancer. The spine biopsy showed angiosarcoma cancer with is relatively rare and I guess harder to treat. Next we wait and see what treatment the oncologist suggests.”

By August 30, he had yet to receive news on what was going to be done about it but said pain had intensified and he had to see another oncologist. There was nothing that could be done.

The morning of September 12, I got a call from our good mutual friend, Kelley Enright. Bob was in the hospital and it was terminal. We could not believe it. It had been a couple days less than a month since his first diagnosis. And, now they were giving him two weeks to live. That night, my wife Kristin was working on making arrangements for me to fly to Ohio to see him. The next morning, Friday the Thirteenth, Connie told me he was gone. Impossible to believe. We would not be taking that next trip to Vegas. We would not be taking that last cruise. We will not be having that next hot fudge sundae.

I will never take another cruise without having a hot fudge sundae in honor of Bob. I will never walk into a casino in Las Vegas without thinking of Bob. I have had a hard time putting together this year’s Auto Judge Awards program with one of our founding judges and most influential people gone.

AutoBob … I love and miss you. I cannot think of a tribute great enough for our colleague, leader and friend, Col. Robert Kocher!

Up to Speed: Issue Two - Fall Rally Roundup

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:19:03 GMT

Earlier this month MAMA held its annual Fall Rally, where nearly 80 media members gathered to test-drive more than 50 of the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs. Held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally was presented by Subaru and offered journalists ample opportunities to put brand-new vehicles – such as the 2020 Cadillac XT6, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 Lincoln Aviator and 2020 Toyota Supra – through their paces on track, on street and off road. To read more on the Fall Rally, click here.

Up to Speed: Issue Two - Letter from the President

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:17:45 GMT

We’re already well into fall, and that means it’s time for pumpkins, apple cider, trick-or-treating, and another MAMA Newsletter. Hope you’re all enjoying the foliage and getting ready for the colder weather that’s on the way.

MAMA hosted another great Fall Rally at the Autobahn Country Club on October 2. There was just enough rain to make the off-road course nice and muddy, but it seemed to taper off by late morning so we weren’t soaked. You can read our full event recap in this issue; thanks once again to our sponsors for their support and our tireless Rally Team for all their hard work.

On a sad note, we observed the passing of former MAMA president Bob Kocher at the event; Bob lost his battle with spine cancer on September 13—just a couple weeks before the Fall Rally. Former MAMA president Mark Bilek said a few words in remembrance of Bob at the Fall Rally lunch, as did Marlon Hanson, who made special plans to attend the Rally when he heard of Mr. Kocher’s passing. At the end of lunch, we had hot fudge sundaes for dessert in memory of Bob—read Marlon’s tribute to Bob in this issue for the story behind that.

On Wednesday, October 23, we had our October monthly luncheon meeting at the gorgeous and historic Lang House in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The all-new 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact crossover was the topic; Lincoln brought along a pair of Corsairs for our members to drive, as well as Corsair Chief Engineer John Jraiche, who gave an informative presentation.

A quick note on RSVPing to MAMA events: If you’ve registered for a rally or a monthly luncheon meeting and your plans change for whatever reason and you can no longer attend, PLEASE email us to let us know as soon as you can so we can remove you from the attendee list. Our catering and/or hotel costs are determined by head count, and MAMA and our event sponsors have to eat those costs when members register and then don’t attend.

Mark your calendars… our Holiday Social is December 9. We’ll again be at The Dawson in Chicago, but this year we'll have the upstairs private room to ourselves. Keep your eye on your inbox for an invite in the near future. Hope to see you there!

All for now,

Damon Bell, MAMA President

MAMA Hosts Nearly 80 Journalists at Annual Fall Rally

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 19:39:09 GMT

Joliet, Illinois (Oct. 7) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) recently held its annual Fall Rally, where nearly 80 media members gathered to test-drive more than 50 of the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs. Held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally was presented by Subaru and offered journalists ample opportunities to put brand-new vehicles – such as the 2020 Cadillac XT6, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 Lincoln Aviator and 2020 Toyota Supra – through their paces on track, on street and off road.

Toyota revved attendees’ engines with a breakfast and an opening presentation on the 2020 GR Supra. Toyota North America Senior Product Specialist Thomas Kretschmann discussed the highly anticipated return of the Supra – after a 21-year hiatus – and highlighted the sports car’s performance, capability and style.

“The 2020 GR Supra was designed to evoke passion in driving,” said Kretschmann. “Seeing the MAMA members who got to experience the vehicle at the rally with smiles on their faces shows the GR Supra is the complete package – great both on and off the track.”

The 2020 Supra is now on sale and is available in 3.0 and 3.0 Premium trim levels, as well as an exclusive Launch Edition based on the 3.0 Premium grade. The manufacturer didn’t miss the opportunity to bring not one, but two 2020 Toyota GR Supras for MAMA journalists to experience.

Following the morning session of driving on track, on street and off road, Honda refueled Fall Rally attendees with lunch and a presentation on the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, signaling the first electrified SUV from the Honda brand in the U.S.

“The Honda CR-V is the best-selling CUV over the past two decades and the updates we've made to the 2020 model, including a new hybrid-electric variant, solidify its position in this highly competitive segment,” said Steve Kinkade, head of Honda brand public relations, American Honda Motor Co. “We were excited to share key details on this important vehicle as well as our broader electrification strategy with the Midwest Automotive Media Association.”

Throughout the day, journalists also had the opportunity to maneuver 4WD and AWD trucks and SUVs through an off-road course, sponsored by Jeep. Participating vehicles included the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, 2020 Kia Telluride and 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

MAMA also encouraged members to test-drive contenders for the MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards. To qualify, candidates for each category must be four-door, family-capable vehicles and be present at the MAMA Spring or Fall Rallies. Voting MAMA members chose the following Family Vehicle of the Year finalists at the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally: the 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 Ford Explorer, 2020 Hyundai Palisade, and 2020 Subaru Outback. The Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award finalists are the 2020 Cadillac XT6 and 2020 Lincoln Aviator.

These vehicles will join the list of finalists from the 2019 MAMA Spring Rally, and a final round of voting will take place online. Both the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award winners will be announced at the MAMA opening breakfast during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 6.

The MAMA Fall Rally is one of two track events the media association hosts each year. MAMA also organizes monthly meetings for its members; the upcoming meeting event schedule can be found at www.mamaonline.org.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991 and now in its 28^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) comprises more than 250 automotive journalists and industry professionals from approximately 23 states and the District of Columbia. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, current issues and new products in the auto industry.

August Meeting Recap with the American Iron and Steel Institute

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:17:32 GMT

Last week, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) hosted MAMA’s August meeting to share an update on the advanced high-strength steel industry, as well as provide attendees a glimpse at what an autonomous vehicle may look and feel like through a virtual reality experience.

According to AISI, as autonomous vehicles grow in popularity, “traditional” virtues such as performance, value sustainability and occupant protection will become that much more critical. Dr. Jody Hall, vice president, automotive, AISI, shared recent findings with the MAMA group to reinstate why it’s safer, more efficient and more sustainable for manufacturers to build vehicles with steel versus aluminum or carbon fiber, for example. Hall cited aluminum as steel’s direct competition, as carbon fiber is used in niche circumstances.

Consumer Preferences

Based on a recent study, AISI found that 90 percent of consumers believe that steel is stronger, safer and more durable than aluminum, and that most consumers prefer a vehicle made from steel versus one manufactured with aluminum. These assumptions greatly impact their purchase decision.

Moreover, 71 percent of consumers cite price as being one of the most important criteria when purchasing a vehicle.

Finally, 60 percent of consumers buy a vehicle for its appealing physical design and ease of entry and exit.

Cost and Efficiency

AISI states that the strength of steel allows automakers to design more efficiently and safely to achieve important objectives such as performance. Because of its higher strength, manufacturers can use less of the material to complete the same amount of work. It’s all about input vs. output.

AISI also argues that, with aluminum, manufacturers have to change a vehicle’s structure to achieve the same objectives, thus driving up the cost to produce the vehicle and being less efficient overall.

Steel is known for its outstanding formability, interior spaciousness and smaller structural sections, hitting on the aforementioned points regarding consumer preference.

Steel and the Industry

A study conducted by Ducker Worldwide in 2014 predicted that seven out of 10 new pickup trucks produced in North America would be aluminum-bodied within a decade. Seven years later, the Ford F-150 is the only pickup that is all-aluminum. AISI lists cost, efficiency and sustainability as the top three reasons automakers have stuck with steel.

Steel and the Environment

Not only is steel safe, cost-effective and efficient, it’s also easily recycled (steel is recycled more than any other material) and low on CO2 emissions (due to its efficiency). Only the greenest cars rely on steel and its light carbon footprint. Dr. Hall reinforced the importance of looking at the entire lifecycle of a product.

In conclusion, AISI’s stance is that steel continues to be a sound material for automakers. With more than 200 grades of advanced high-strength steel, the steel industry is providing automakers numerous benefits in design capabilities, fuel economy, strength, durability and value for both traditional and, in the near future, self-driving vehicles.

Media members are encouraged to visit AISI’s press site for additional details and assets: https://www.autosteel.org/press.

In regards to upcoming MAMA events, registration is now open for the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally, which will be held at the Autobahn Country Club on Wednesday, Oct. 2. If you have questions regarding the rally, registration or sponsorship opportunities, please contact webmaster@mamaonline.org.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Hosts Fifth Annual Track Driving School

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:18:13 GMT

South Haven, Mich. (Aug. 1, 2019) –The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), along with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, hosted the fifth annual MAMA Track Driving School this week at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan. CGI Motorsports led 20 automotive journalists in a track training session covering everything from braking techniques, vehicle weight-transfer management, vision instructions and appropriate driving position.

The real schooling took place outside of the classroom and on the actual track, where MAMA media members were able to put a variety of vehicles through their paces, including an Alfa Romeo Guilia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody, Dodge Charger Scat Pack, Dodge Durango SRT, Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, Fiat 500 Abarth and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Since the inaugural track school in 2015, MAMA has provided professional instruction to a total of 102 students.

“MAMA hosts two signature track events a year, our Spring and Fall Rallies, so it’s imperative that our members are trained on how to properly drive on a racetrack,” said MAMA President Damon Bell.

Throughout the day, both novice and intermediate drivers were paired with driving instructors from CGI Motorsports to learn how to properly and safely handle these high-powered vehicles on a track.

“GingerMan Raceway is an ideal track to build the fundamentals of high-performance driving,” said Brad Pines, CGI Motorsports instructor.

Lesson highlights included: Look ahead (plan for what’s ahead, don’t be reactive); do one thing at a time (only brake, or turn, or accelerate to ensure maximum grip); be smooth (the smoother the input, the greater the tire grip); hands should always stay at 9 and 3 o’clock; use landmarks to guide the path; master weight transfer (every control input changes balance); be aware of surroundings (always scan mirrors); increase corner speed gradually; and leave a margin of safety (don’t compound a driver error by making it worse).

In between the morning and afternoon training sessions, Dodge Charger Brand Manager Ashton Muñoz discussed the new 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, which was on display throughout the day.

“For 2020, we are literally expanding our high-performance Charger models, adding a Widebody exterior to America’s only four-door muscle car,” said Muñoz. “The Charger’s successful formula is in part due to its many personalities; there’s really no other car like it.”

MAMA members will be able to put their newly acquired skills to use at MAMA’s annual Fall Rally on Oct. 2. Held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally will offer track time, street drives and an off-road course, sponsored by Jeep.

Track driving instructional videos by CGI Motorsports can be found here.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Up to Speed: Issue One - 11 Tips for Making Better Car Photos

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 21:15:59 GMT

Article by Christian Lantry, photographer at Cars.com.

Know your gear – There’s lots of buttons and endless settings on your camera. It’s hard to know it all. But take the time to read through the manual so you know what your camera can do, and how you can quickly get to that setting. As your technical skills improve you will be able to focus more on making great images. Give yourself little assignments. Don’t know what that button is, or what that setting does? Go read about it, watch a YouTube video and practice doing it with your camera.

Polarizing is not just for opinions – If you shoot cars, and your camera can accommodate screw-on filters, you need a circular polarizer. This filter is key for reducing/removing reflections from windows and also increases contrast and saturation. You can even get filter sets for smartphones. This small investment will level up your exterior shots right away. Use it for interiors to dial in reflections on dashboards, too. Just remember it will reduce the amount of light getting to your lens so it will not work in every scenario. Again, practice makes perfect.

Go for Gold – The golden hour, or magic hour, is the first and last hour of sunlight in the day when the quality of light yields particularly stunning photographs. The reality is, not all the shooting opportunities will happen during these times so look for the light…specifically the lighting ratios. Lighting ratios are the amount of light on the subject (car) versus the light in the rest of the scene. On a soft overcast, cloudy day the ratio will most likely be even or 1:1 with very little contrast. On at sunny day a noon the ratio may be 1:8 resulting in a lot of contrast between the highlights and shadows. Both conditions have advantages and disadvantages but understanding how to use them will elevate the image. Just because it’s a beautiful bright sunny day outside, doesn’t always mean it’s the best for shooting. Don’t be afraid to wait for the right light or wait for that cloud to get out of (or into) your way.

Shoot wide – Give yourself wiggle room to crop the image a few different ways. You don’t need to fill the frame with the car. Allow for padding on all sides and crop your image after the fact. You may find that what you saw when shooting can look completely different or better with a different crop. Also, with the rise of Instagram stories and other social media platforms it’s super helpful to shoot a bit wider. This allows you to crop the image as 3:2, 16:9, or square, without losing vital parts of your shot.

Rule the thirds –The “Rule of Thirds” is a basic photographic principle where the image is broken down into thirds both vertically and horizontally into nine parts. Most cameras including smartphones have the ability to turn on different gridlines to give you that overlay to assist in composing your image. By framing the elements of your image on those lines and at the intersection of those lines, it helps create a more balanced and visually interesting image.

Shoot raw – When you shoot raw you are getting the most out of your camera’s sensor. Better yet, any adjustments to the raw file do not affect the original data. It’s also much more forgiving if your original file is over/under exposed. JPGs are compressed and once they’re shot, they’re baked into their look and it’s often not possible to change things like white balance and exposure after the fact. Yes, raw images take up more space, and require using editing software, but if you want better images, start with the most flexible source image.

Location, Location, Location– I’m always a bit jealous of our west coast editor(s) because they have so many amazing locations from seascapes to mountains to photograph. But great locations are all around us. Don’t shoot at the same parking lot every time! Put time and research into where you will be shooting a vehicle. Consider context… a great city skyline or scenic rural road. I do a lot of google map location scouting and have files I can reference to match the car/truck to either my vision and/or the story. You can also save pins in the Google Maps app, making it very easy to see if you’re near one of your favorite spots.

Get Low, or high – Don’t shoot everything from standing, eye-level position. Shooting from a low angle will help create a “hero” image. Finding different vantage points, help show off details from unique perspectives. I often pick a location that has a bridge or walkway if I know I want to capture the car from above.

Create a narrative – This is often overlooked in automotive photography. Remember to look for details (badging, interesting materials, unique features) and create a visual story that compliments the written content. Much like a great story or song there should be a visual rhythm that keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish.

Capture the speed – When shooting the car in motion utilize what is called the panning technique. If you have it, set your camera to shutter priority mode (S on Nikon Cameras, Tv on Canon Cameras) and set your shutter speed from 1/15^th to 1/125^th. This allows you to keep the car in focus while capturing the motion behind it. Keep the camera level and fluid as possible as you follow the movement of the vehicle and shoot in high-speed continuous or burst mode. It’s easier to pan in a horizontal line but with practice you can master multiple situations. This will take some practice to get right and is a marriage of mastering the technology and using your body to physically move the camera while the shutter is open.

Practice – I can’t stress this enough! After 15+ years of shooting, I’m always learning something and evolving my shooting style. Shoot as much as you can in multiple situations. Be willing to learn from your mistakes and take chances. As you become more comfortable you can find your unique perspective and style and truly elevate your images.

Up to Speed: Issue One - Gary Witzenburg Member Spotlight

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 21:14:43 GMT

At the recent 2020 Ford Explorer launch program in Washington State, MAMA member Gary Witzenburg played the role of good Samaritan. While on the drive, which was a hot, dry day, he came around a curve but drove through a big cloud of dust. He was curious why there was so much dust as he didn't see any other cars on the road. Wondering what had caused it, he turned around, pulled over and walked along the road looking for a vehicle off down the hill. He didn't see one at first but instincts kicked in. When asked for more detail, Gary said "I thought I heard someone crying for help, so I kept walking, then spotted the car way down the hill. I could hear a woman crying and screaming for help." He proceeded to call 911 and waited at the top of the hill for them to arrive. After quite some time, the woman, who had also called 911, was pulled to safety.

Gary is an award-winning automotive journalist who has been writing about automobiles, auto people and the industry in general for 30 years. A mechanical engineering graduate of Duke University, he is a former U.S. Navy officer, auto engineer race driver and advanced technology vehicle development manager who has authored eight automotive books.

Gary has been a MAMA member since 2017. The MAMA Board wants to extend our kudos to him for being a good character and reminding all of us how important it is to help others!

Up to Speed: Issue One - Hyundai Palisade July Event

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 21:13:33 GMT

Following the presentation, 25 media members were able to test drive the Palisade via a road trip to Starved Rock State Park, a scenic wilderness area located in LaSalle County, about an hour and a half drive from Hyundai’s offices. Prior to the drive, O’Brien and Lai highlighted the features they’re confident will set the Palisade apart from its competitors in the already crowded 3-row midsize SUV segment.

Up to Speed: Issue One - Letter from the President

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 21:12:04 GMT

Greetings MAMA members,

Welcome to the first edition of the MAMA Newsletter! We’re planning to send out these updates on a quarterly basis going forward, to keep you up to date on the latest MAMA news.

MAMA was formed in the fall of 1991 to bring together journalists and public relations professionals involved in the automotive industry. Today, we are proud to be one of the premier media associations in the country, with 250 members.

The MAMA Board was delighted to welcome a new Vice President to our team in mid-June. Harvey Briggs has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the automotive media business, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. MAMA will benefit greatly from his skill set and energy.

The MAMA Spring Rally Team put on another successful Spring Rally at the Road America course in Elkhart Lake, WI, this past May, and we’re thrilled with the strong attendance and the excellent content that our members generated from the event. Nearly 100 journalists attended and had access to 80 vehicles from 25 different brands, with driving opportunities on track, street, off-road, and autocross. The team recently held our debrief meeting to compare notes, and look for ways to make next year’s event even better.

Our July meeting, hosted by Hyundai, took place on July 11. Hyundai brought a small fleet of its new Palisade three-row SUVs for a driving excursion that took participants to Starved Rock State Park and back, providing a great opportunity for a detailed road-test evaluation. More information is posted below on this new vehicle entering into the midsize SUV segment.

Our next monthly luncheon meeting is scheduled for August 14, and will be hosted by the Steel Market Development Institute. Don’t miss it—the meeting will feature a virtual-reality experience that will provide a glimpse of what a ride an autonomous vehicle may look and feel like.

We’re also gearing up for this year’s Fall Rally, which will once again be held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. October 2 is the date for that event, so mark it on your calendar and stay tuned for more updates in the near future.

That’s all for this time… see you next time around!

Damon Bell

MAMA President

Hyundai Palisade Drive to Starved Rock State Park

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:32:33 GMT

Hyundai hosted MAMA’s July meeting with a special program to introduce the 2020 Palisade, the brand’s new flagship SUV, to media members. The morning kicked off at Hyundai’s regional headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, with a breakfast and presentation led by Mike O’Brien, vice president, product, corporate and digital planning, and Trevor Lai, manager, product planning for Hyundai. Following the presentation, 25 media members were able to test drive the Palisade via a road trip to Starved Rock State Park, a scenic wilderness area located in LaSalle County, about an hour and a half drive from Hyundai’s offices. Prior to the drive, O’Brien and Lai highlighted the features they’re confident will set the Palisade apart from its competitors in the already crowded 3-row midsize SUV segment.

The Palisade name references a line of high cliffs, and also signifies the strength of a fortress—and the Palisade’s bold exterior and strong profile are in keeping with its moniker. The standard second-row bench seat provides eight-passenger seating, but second-row captain’s chairs are also available for seven-passenger capacity and easier access to the third row. The color palate choices are subtle and reserved, which underscores the Palisade’s upscale positioning. The long wheelbase offers good ride quality, and 20-inch wheels give the midsize SUV a planted stance.

The Palisade’s interior has a high-end look; the top-line Limited model includes luxury features such as quilted Nappa leather seats, ambient lighting, Harmon Kardon premium audio system, and a surround-view monitor. Cargo space abounds; there’s 18 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, growing to 86.4 cu. ft. with the second- and third-row seats folded. The Palisade also offers loads of convenience features, including one-touch third-row access (where the second-row seat folds and slides with a press of a button when entering or exiting the vehicle) and available power-folding third-row seats.

In terms of tech, the Palisade features an all-new digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch widescreen navigation system, available “driver talk” in-car intercom (to broadcast the driver’s voice through the rear speakers) and a “quiet mode” feature (which mutes the speakers in the back so parents can listen to music/podcasts while kids sleep, for example).

Hyundai’s SmartSense safety technology also comes standard on every Palisade, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, safe exit assist, highway drive assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert and lane following assist.

The Palisade comes in three trim levels, with the SE starting at $31,550, the SEL at $33,500, and the Limited at $44,700.

Please save the date for MAMA’s August meeting with the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI): Wednesday, August 14. SMDI will give attendees a first-hand glimpse of what a ride in an autonomous vehicle may look and feel like through a virtual reality experience. Members may register here.

MAMA Hosted Nearly 100 Media to Experience 80 Vehicles during its 2019 Spring Rally at Road America

Wed, 29 May 2019 21:36:57 GMT

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – May 29 – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) hosted its annual Spring Rally last week at Road America, one of the world’s premier road racing tracks. Over the course of two days, nearly 100 media members from across the country had the opportunity to put nearly 80 vehicles through their paces in a variety of driving opportunities, including on-track, street, off-road and autocross.

Automakers from 25 different brands selected the 2019 MAMA Spring Rally to showcase their latest cars, trucks, SUVs and CUVs to top-tier automotive journalists. A handful of the attending manufacturers also provided detailed overviews of their latest products.

Photo Credit: Cars.com

Lexus officially opened the MAMA Spring Rally with a breakfast presentation featuring the 2020 Lexus RC lineup—particularly the high-performance RC F model. Bob Gleich, senior product trainer for Lexus, said the 2020 RC F is lighter and more capable than before. He also reiterated that the F is highly capable on the track as the vehicle relies on a variety of technologies to help make its performance accessible to drivers of varying skill levels.

Refreshed and redefined for 2020, the RC F receives enhanced performance (with weight reduction) and an updated, aggressive design. Taking advantage of the reduced weight, RC F engineers also retuned the chassis to give the car a more responsive feel. Under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out 472 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.

Photo Credit: Cars.com

The RC F also comes in a Track Edition, a limited production model intended for hardcore enthusiasts. Both the 2020 Lexus RC F and the RC F Track Edition are in production and will be available at dealerships shortly. Pricing for the 2020 RC F starts at $64,750, and the Track Edition starts at $96,650.

Photo Credit: Cars.com

Following a morning of track touring laps and street drive evaluations, Nissan’s Karen Long discussed the brand’s commitment to sedans, the overall state of the sedan market and the company’s latest reveal, the 2020 Nissan Versa.

Despite the growing SUV and crossover market, a recent survey – conducted by third-party research firm Edelman Intelligence – found that 78 percent of respondents would consider purchasing a sedan. Moreover, U.S. sedan owners are just as satisfied with their cars as non-sedan owners.

Long discussed the continued importance of the sedan market, highlighting the 2020 Nissan Versa, the brand’s smallest and most affordable sedan. The 2020 Versa embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility philosophy; it’s fully equipped with safety and connectivity features such as standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and available intelligent cruise control, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed.

Inside, drivers can stay fully connected with seamless smartphone integration and a tablet-like 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Heated front seats and customizable gauges (such as music playlists to fuel economy history) are also a bonus.

“The MAMA Spring Rally was a great event for Nissan to showcase the all-new 2020 Versa and speak about our commitment to the sedan market,” said Karen Long, senior manager sedans, CMM, Nissan North America. “We’re thankful to have had the opportunity to engage with such a great and influential crowd and to have them drive some of our latest vehicles.”

The 2020 Versa will arrive at dealerships later this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced but Nissan said it will be priced competitive in the segment.

Quite literally shifting gears, Hyundai put its Veloster N in the spotlight by bringing five models for journalists to drive on track, on street and in the autocross. Mike O’Brien wrapped up the first full Rally day with a dinner presentation on the Veloster N, highlighting the three key pillars of the vehicle’s “fun-to-drive” theme: Corner Rascal (with precise control through corners); Race Track Capability; and Everyday Sports Car (easy to control from urban commutes to track driving).

The “N” in its name both represents Namyang, Korea (where Hyundai’s engineering center is based and where the vehicle was born), as well as Germany’s Nürburgring, one of the longest, most tradition-steeped, challenging and busiest race tracks in the world (where the vehicle was honed). Also of note, the letter “N” represents a chicane. Built for the track, the Veloster N features a 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, N corner-carving differential, electronically controlled suspension, N “grin control” drive modes for precision and control, and a variable exhaust system.

Photo Credit: Cars.com

Racing attributes aside, the Veloster N offers the following as standard equipment: 8-inch audio display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, premium audio, LED headlights and taillights, Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car Service, proximity key with push button start, and automatic temperature control.

“The Veloster N is another example of Hyundai’s capabilities, offering a comprehensive degree of exterior and interior features and thrilling dynamics in an exciting sports car,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, product, corporate and digital planning, Hyundai. “The Veloster N represents Hyundai’s highest performance vehicle ever for the U.S. market. We were thrilled to share our fun-to-drive Veloster N at the Midwest Automotive Media Association's Spring Rally.”

The Veloster N begins at $26,900; the available Performance Package bumps the starting price to $29,000.

Volkswagen kicked off the second day of the 2019 MAMA Spring Rally with a presentation and overview of the Jetta GLI, which was also available for evaluations on the street, the track, and the autocross.

New for the 2019 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sedan with the heart and soul of the Golf GTI. Now featuring a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a sophisticated limited-slip differential, and front brakes from the Golf R, the GLI is all new and presents a great value in the sport-sedan segment, according to VW.

“I’m really pleased that we had the chance to present the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI to our friends at MAMA,” said Mark Gillies, senior manager, product and technology communications, Volkswagen of America. “The Spring Rally is a highlight of the media association year and I’m delighted that MAMA members were able to experience the vehicle at Road America, one of my favorite tracks on the planet.”

The 2019 Jetta GLI begins at $25,995 – $1,000 more for the 35^th anniversary edition – and is currently on sale.

Following an action-packed morning of off-road, autocross, and street driving, Mopar, the service, parts, and customer-care brand of FCA, hosted the final event and presentation of the MAMA Spring Rally. Kim Mathers, head of accessories and performance parts, Mopar, walked attendees through the brand’s evolution over 80-plus years in serving customers throughout the ownership experience.

Photo Credit: Cars.com

Mathers highlighted the brand’s emphasis on offering a large menu of accessories right at launch for new vehicles, such as the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator and 2019 Ram 1500.

“The MAMA event is a great opportunity to share the Mopar brand’s mission with a large group of key journalists and media outlets,” said Mathers. “We were able to put journalists behind the wheel and let them experience a Ram 1500 Big Horn loaded with Mopar accessories and also share with them a behind-the-scenes video of a Mopar Custom Shop to demonstrate how we can accessorize vehicles even before they reach the dealership. The event was a great opportunity to interact with media and build relationships.”

Finalists for MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year (FVOTY) and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year (LFVOTY) Awards were also announced. During the event, journalists had the opportunity to evaluate 13 MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year contenders and six MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year contenders. Out of these vehicles, 70 MAMA journalists cast their votes and selected the following finalists.

FVOTY Finalists:

2020 Jeep Gladiator
2020 Kia Telluride
2019 Honda Passport
2019 Mazda3

LFVOTY Finalists:

2019 BMW X7
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53 Coupe

To qualify for the awards, the vehicle must have four doors and be new or significantly updated within a year of the Spring Rally. These vehicles will join another round of finalists that will be selected during the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally this October. A final round of online voting will then take place to determine the overall winner in each category, both of which will be announced during the MAMA breakfast that opens the 2020 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview in February.

“MAMA developed the Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards to help car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle, and who better to evaluate these vehicles than the high-caliber group of automotive journalists who attend our rallies?” said Damon Bell, MAMA president. “We look forward to sharing the final results during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show.”

The MAMA Spring Rally also served as a venue for the presentation of the 2019 Chicago Auto Show’s Best of Show Awards. In voting conducted over the 10-day public run of the Chicago Auto Show, consumer voters selected their favorites in five categories. Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which produces the Chicago Auto Show, was on hand to distribute the awards to attending automakers. Jordan Wasylyk of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accepted Jeep’s awards for Best Exhibit and for the 2020 Gladiator, which was voted Best All-New Production Vehicle. Bob Gleich of Lexus accepted the Best Concept Vehicle award for the Lexus LC Convertible. The 2019 Audi e-tron was also voted Best Green Vehicle and the 2019 Bugatti Chiron was selected the “Vehicle I’d mist like to have in my driveway.”

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Honda Talks Cars and SUVs

Thu, 16 May 2019 20:05:55 GMT

Honda’s objective was two-fold during the last MAMA monthly meeting: to present the all-new Passport to journalists and share an industry perspective on the future of sedans, with the help and research backed by industry analyst Michelle Krebs.

Krebs predicts that sedans will see a 6 percent dip of market share in a few years (current sedan market share is 31 percent). That said, however, Krebs noted the importance of sedans because the majority of first-time new vehicle buyers purchase a car due to the affordability factor. In fact, sedan purchases jump to 70 percent with Gen Z buyers (compared to 55 percent of total buyers). Bottom line, according to Cox Automotive data, midsize and compact car segments remain in the top five spots for shopping and sales.

While sedans aren’t going anywhere any time soon, SUVs and crossovers continue to gain traction. Honda brought in the Passport’s Chief Designer Lara Harrington to discuss the brand’s newest crossover. Honda saw the opportunity to add to its crossover portfolio, as the Passport was designed to close the gap between Honda’s larger, three-row Pilot and its compact-size CR-V.

Appropriately named, the Passport aims to attract the adventure-seeker who may be looking for both a family vehicle yet one that offers off-road driving performance and towing capability. Harrington described the Passport’s exterior as “rugged yet modern,” noting its standard 20-inch wheels, an “aggressive” black grille and a more athletic appearance compared to the Pilot.

On the inside, the Passport continues to cater to its adventure-seeker audience by offering a large “basement” cargo area designed for storing dirty athletic gear or keeping purses and other valuables hidden. Its engine is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Passport comes fully-equipped with Honda’s latest technology and safety features including its suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. All trim levels come with a multi-angle rearview camera system, while EX-L, Touring and Elite models come with Honda's blind spot information system. Also available, for an upgrade, is Apply CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an 8-inch infotainment display and wireless phone charging.

Pricing begins at $31,900 for the Sport trim and rises to $43,600 for the Elite model.

Honda plans to bring both the 2019 Passport and 2019 Civic to the MAMA Spring Rally at Road America next week for more than 100 journalists to test drive.

Jeep Gladiator Featured at March Meeting

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 17:37:48 GMT

Brandon Girmus, Jeep Gladiator brand manager, presented the all-new open-air Jeep Gladiator to MAMA members earlier this week. Building on the success of its iconic Wrangler, Jeep recently introduced the all-new 2020 Gladiator – what Jeep refers to as the “most capable midsize truck ever.”

The Gladiator has been in the works for years and is a concept Jeep fans and enthusiasts have been persistently requesting over the past two decades. While the Gladiator certainly builds upon the Wrangler’s success, the Gladiator is “100 percent truck and 100 percent Jeep,” according Girmus. In other words, Jeep took the best attributes of the Jeep products – open-air freedom, off-road capability and iconic design – and added real truck capabilities including towing (up to 7,650 lbs.) and payload (up to 1,600 lbs.).

The exterior design is authentic to the Jeep brand, including the iconic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and square taillights. The design team widened the grille openings to provide additional air intake to help with the truck’s increased towing capacity. When it comes to the removable tops, like the Wrangler, there are two options: a removable soft top or a three-piece hardtop.

The interior design combines authentic styling, versatility and comfort. Exclusive to Gladiator, the rear seats and can be locked in place to provide secure storage. Additionally, the rear seat cushions can fold into “stadium” position to expose an open storage bin – utilizing the space under the seat. For the adventure-seeking owner, an optional lockable bin offers convenient secure storage space when the top or doors are removed.

Advanced technology and safety features are also packed into the Gladiator. A 7.0- or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways including media (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration), tire pressure gauge, tire-fill alert or digital speed readout. A removable Bluetooth wireless speaker is available so drivers and their friends can listen to their favorite music even while outside of the vehicle. Also, exclusive to Rubicon models, is a forward-facing off-road camera that allows the driver to better see and navigate trail obstructions.

Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, forward-facing off-road camera, standard ParkView rear backup camera, adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with engine stop-start. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 option will be available in 2020. Both engines will be available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic transmission. Jeep’s 2-speed 4WD transfer case is also standard. Front and rear axles are Dana 44s and the Rubicon model is available with the Wrangler’s trick electronic unlocking sway bar.

“Gladiator is the only open-air pickup on the market,” said Girmus. “There’s no other truck out there where you can take off the top and take off the doors.”

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator comes in the following trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon. The all-new pickup will arrive at dealerships this spring.

MAMA Names Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award Recipients

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 01:32:30 GMT

Chicago, Illinois (Feb. 7, 2019) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that the 2019 Subaru Ascent has been named the winner of its ninth annual Family Vehicle of the Year award, and the 2019 Volvo XC40 has been named the inaugural winner of the Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year award.

MAMA is a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, and it developed the awards to help car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle.

“Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. Whether it’s a premium-brand or mainstream model, it should be versatile, reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicles from an outstanding group of new and significantly refreshed models, and the Subaru Ascent and Volvo XC40 came out on top,” said MAMA award coordinator Tim Healey.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2018 Spring Rally, which took place in May 2018. The MAMA Spring and Fall Rallies feature roughly 100 manufacturer vehicles for journalists to drive and evaluate.

Voting took place at both rallies, and the field of contenders was narrowed down to 11 finalists in the mainstream category: the Buick Regal TourX, Ford Expedition, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Ram 1500, Subaru Ascent, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Jetta. There were six finalists in the luxury category: the Acura RDX, Kia Stinger, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Lexus ES, Maserati Levante, and Volvo XC40.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

MAMA members then voted in one final round, and 91 automotive journalists participated. The 2019 Subaru Ascent was selected as Family Vehicle of the Year with 100 points, ahead of the 2018 Ford Expedition, which garnered 74 points. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe placed third with 61 points.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 was crowned Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year with 151 points, edging out the 2019 Acura RDX, which netted 133 points. The 2019 Kia Stinger rounded out the top three with 82 points.

Voting for the 2020 Family Vehicle of the Year awards will begin at the 2019 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 22-23 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 2019 MAMA Fall Rally is tentatively scheduled for October 2.

For more information about the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 28^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 261 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from 23 states and the District of Columbia. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, current issues, and new products in the auto industry.

James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 15:32:25 GMT

On January 30, 2017, longtime Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) member Jim Mateja lost his battle with cancer. An industry heavyweight, Jim’s powerful media reach and accessible reviews made him one of the most influential auto writers of his era.

Jim was also a dedicated MAMA member, playing an active role in the organization he helped create. As MAMA’s first president, Jim charted the course for a group that now boasts more than 260 members and hosts two of the finest annual automotive media events in the country.

Jim’s dedication to journalistic integrity; his potent, plain-language reviews; and his friendly, unguarded nature contributed to his legend and made him a welcome and respected fixture at MAMA events. Likewise, his counsel and support were always sought after and appreciated by subsequent MAMA leaders.

Honoring Jim

To honor Jim’s legacy, and to fully acknowledge his contributions to our industry, MAMA is partnering with the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism to establish a scholarship in his name.

The James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship

Once fully funded, the James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship will provide an annual sum of at least $4,000 to a promising journalism student as selected by Medill faculty. A new recipient will be selected every year.

Funding the Legacy

To fund the scholarship, MAMA must raise at least $100,000, contributed directly to Northwestern University’s 501 (c)(3) scholarship charity. This is the smallest amount of money the university will manage as part of a legacy program. While MAMA intends to make a significant contribution to the scholarship, we wanted to reach out to automotive manufacturers, as well as partner organizations and individual members, to be a part of this tribute to Jim.

Our goal is to have the scholarship fully funded by June 30, 2018, so that we can award the first scholarship in September 2018.

About the Scholarship

Once funded, the James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship will be managed by Northwestern University with no further input from MAMA—though additional contributions to the fund are always accepted. Most importantly, the name of the scholarship will never change.

How to Contribute

Whether you are representing an automaker, an organization or simply yourself, we welcome any contributions that will be made to honor our founding president. All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to Northwestern University.

1) To donate via Northwestern's secure online portal, please click here.

2) If you'd like to send a check, please make the check payable to Northwestern University and mail it to the following address (VERY IMPORTANT: indicate in the memo field or an enclosure that the gift is for the James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship):

Julie Frahar

Alumni Relations and Development

Northwestern University

1201 Davis St.

Evanston, IL 60201

If you have additional questions, please contact the current MAMA President, Jill Ciminillo, at president@mamaonline.org.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Elects 2019 Board of Directors

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:46:12 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2019 board of directors during its annual business meeting.

Damon Bell, formerly senior vice president, transitions to the role of MAMA president. Matt Avery, formerly vice president, membership, was elected to senior vice president and Jennifer Newman is newly elected to the MAMA board to carry out the role of vice president, membership, for a two-year term.

Continuing to carry out second-year terms are Larry Nutson as the association’s treasurer and Kelley Enright as secretary. Jennifer Morand is also carrying out a second-year term under the title of communications director, formerly web director, to more accurately align with her association responsibilities.

Jill Ciminillo, who served a two-year term as MAMA president from 2017-2018, will transition into the role of president emeritus.

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association currently maintains a membership of 261 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

It was also announced that the very first recipient of the James L. Mateja Memorial Scholarship, Benjamin Winck, will be recognized during the MAMA opening breakfast to the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on Thursday, Feb. 7. In 2017, longtime automotive journalist and MAMA founding president Jim Mateja lost his battle with cancer. To honor Mateja’s legacy, MAMA partnered with the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism to establish a scholarship in his name.

Also, during the Chicago Auto Show breakfast, MAMA will announce its 2019 Family Vehicle of the Year Award and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients. The Ford Expedition, Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru Ascent are the finalists for the Family Vehicle of the Year Award, and the Acura RDX, Kia Stinger and Volvo XC40 are the finalists for the luxury category. Following the award presentations, Kia Motors America will present a program.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and upcoming events, visit www.mamaonline.org.

Ford Flexes its Performance Muscle with 2019 Edge ST

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:38:11 GMT

Last week, Ford introduced the Edge ST – the first performance SUV from the Ford Performance team – to MAMA members. Craig Patterson, Ford Motor Company’s SUV marketing manager, highlighted the Edge ST’s special features, such as superior handling and braking, ST-tuned sport suspension, a driver-selectable Sport Mode, quick-shifting 8-speed transmission, standard all-wheel-drive, and the most powerful V6 engine in its class. Speaking of power, the Edge ST can reach 0-60 in under six seconds and hit a top speed of just over 130 mph.

Not only is the Edge ST the most powerful in the Ede lineup, it's also the most expensive. The 335-hp Edge ST begins at a starting price of $43,350 but tops out around $50,000 with available upgrades. Ford improved the Edge’s suspension and braking to handle the increased power from the 2.7-liter V6 turbocharged EcoBoost engine that’s under the hood. The outcome is better body control and improved, tighter steering.

Also available is wireless charging and an array of driver-assist features including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam handlamps, and a rearview camera with a lens washer.

Additional features that come standard on the Edge ST include post-impact braking, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent access with push-button start, SYNC infotainment system with a 4.2-inch color LCD screen, smart-charging USB port, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration.

Additional Edge trim levels include the SE, SEL and Titanium.

Going forward, every Ford SUV will offer a HEV, PHEV or BEV; in 2021 Ford plans to be the number one seller of hybrids in the US. Ford is taking hybrids mainstream, according to Patterson.

Save the date for the next MAMA monthly meeting with Ram: Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Hyundai Introduces 2019 Santa Fe to MAMA

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 19:51:35 GMT

Last month, Hyundai’s Manager of Product Planning Trevor Lai introduced the all-new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to MAMA members in the form of a casual, tailgate-style event featuring lunch from local food trucks.

The five-passenger 2019 Santa Fe was designed to look like an SUV, and “most definitely not a minivan” compared to Hyundai’s competitors in the segment, according to Lai. The latest model features more tech and is stronger, safer and more efficient than ever before.

Beyond the Santa Fe’s refreshed design, Hyundai also aimed to increase visibility and utility in the vehicle. The beltline was lowered, the outside mirrors were repositioned lower and further rearward, and side windows are larger. To increase utility, Hyundai improved cargo space by adding a second-row, one-touch folding technology; cargo-area seat release; cargo underfloor storage; and selectable liftgate speed.

In an effort to ensure accessible safety features for both drivers and passengers, Hyundai made the following SmartSense technology features standard on the Santa Fe: head-up display; forward collision-avoidance assist; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; safe exit assist; lane keeping assist; high beam assist; driver attention warning; smart cruise control with stop-and-go tech; and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

Available safety features include rear occupant alert, a system that detects and alerts the driver if there is something left in the backseat. Additionally, new to the Santa Fe, is the safe exit assist feature which keeps the rear doors locked if outside movement (i.e. an approaching vehicle) is detected.

Under the hood, the 2019 Santa Fe features improved engine options including a 2.4-liter CDI 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed A/T and a 2.0-liter Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed A/T. Both engine options apply new electrically-actuated variable valve timing tech, which improves overall fuel economy and performance.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is priced around $25,000 and ranges to $35,450.

The current long-wheelbase, three-row, seven-passenger model has been renamed to the Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. An all-new three-row, eight-passenger SUV is currently under development and will carry an all-new name, according to Hyundai.

MAMA Hosted 80 Media Members to Experience 70 Vehicles at Annual Fall Rally

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:05:40 GMT

Joliet, Illinois (Oct. 8) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) held its annual Fall Rally last week, where nearly 80 media members gathered to test-drive 70 of the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs. Held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, the 2019 MAMA Fall Rally offered journalists plentiful opportunities to put brand-new vehicles through their paces on track, on street and off road. The vehicle lineup was robust, ranging from a 2019 BMW i8, a 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt, a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali to a 2019 Subaru Forester, to name just a few.

Lexus kicked off the morning with a breakfast presentation to highlight the all-new 2019 ES – short for “elegant sedan” – including the ES 300h and first-ever ES 350 F Sport. Bob Gleich, education administrator at Lexus College, delivered the presentation.

“The seventh-generation luxury sedan offers a more daring design, sharpened performance, advanced active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment,” said Gleich. “We were thrilled to be able to show off the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities at the MAMA Fall Rally, a key area for the Lexus brand.”

The Lexus ES features an all-new Global Architecture-K platform – enabling a new, more daring design, a new level of dynamic performance and a new sense of confidence for the driver. All versions of the ES feature the new Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. Already one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.0 adds new features that further expand its capabilities such as daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The ES is also Amazon Alexa-enabled, so drivers can use natural language commands to control a variety of functions, including car-to-home and home-to-car commands.

Lexus had both the ES 300h and ES 350 F Sport on hand for media to test-drive.

Following the morning session of driving on track, on street and off road, Maserati refueled Fall Rally attendees with lunch and a presentation on the 2019 Maserati Levante.

Matt McAlear, head of product marketing for Maserati North America, led the presentation on the Levante, which is positioned as a good value compared to its competitors in the luxury SUV segment. While the base “S” model starts at $75,980, McAlear focused on the GTS trim level, which hovers around $119,000.

“Our all-new 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo and GTS SUVs represent the pinnacle of modern-day Maserati engineering. Their Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged V8 engines and standard all-wheel-drive systems are perfect for conquering any Midwest road, no matter the conditions,” said McAlear.

“Presenting the 550-horsepower Levante GTS to the Midwest Automotive Media Association marks another important step as Maserati continues to grow in the Midwest and across North America.”

Maserati didn’t miss the opportunity to have a Levante GTS on hand for media members to take for test drives.

Throughout the day, journalists had the opportunity to maneuver 4WD and AWD trucks and SUVs through an off-road course, sponsored by Jeep. Participating vehicles included a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel, 2019 GMC Sierra AT4, 2019 Subaru Forester, 2018 Toyota 4Runner Limited and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 4MOTION.

MAMA also encouraged members to test-drive contenders for the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award and the new-for-2019 Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award. To qualify, candidates for each category must be four-door, family-capable vehicles and be present at our spring or fall rallies. Voting MAMA members chose the following FVOTY finalists at the 2018 Fall Rally: the 2019 Honda Pilot, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2019 Nissan Altima, 2019 Subaru Ascent and 2019 Subaru Forester. The LFVOTY finalists are the 2019 Lexus ES and the 2019 Maserati Levante. These finalists will join our 2019 Spring Rally finalists for a final round of online voting to decide the overall winner in each category.

Both the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award winners will be announced at the MAMA opening breakfast during the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 7.

The MAMA Fall Rally is one of two track events the organization hosts each year. MAMA also hosts monthly meetings for its members; the upcoming-event schedule can be found at www.mamaonline.org.

Photo Credit: Christian Lantry, Cars.com

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) is a professional non-profit press association, with a 27-year history, that brings together automotive journalists and manufacturers to provide a platform for automakers to release news. MAMA's membership has grown to more than 260 members and includes journalists covering print, broadcast, and online, as well as media-relations professionals within the automotive industry. For more information, visit www.mamaonline.org.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Hosts Fourth Annual Track Driving School

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:16:36 GMT

Midwest Automotive Media Association Hosts Fourth Annual Track Driving School

Dodge and Jeep Sponsor Performance School Held at GingerMan Raceway

South Haven, Michigan (Aug. 30, 2018) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), along with Dodge and Jeep, hosted the fourth annual MAMA Track Driving School this week at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan. CGI Motorsports led nearly 20 automotive journalists in a track training session covering everything from braking techniques, vehicle weight management, vision instructions and appropriate driving position. The real schooling took place outside of the classroom and on the actual track, where MAMA media members were able to put a variety of Dodge and Jeep vehicles through their paces. Since the program’s inception, MAMA has provided professional instruction to a total of 75 students.

“The MAMA Track School was started as an effort to ensure MAMA members are properly skilled and comfortable when driving on a racetrack, especially since we host two popular track events each year,” said MAMA President Jill Ciminillo.

A total of ten performance vehicles were driven included the new 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

Throughout the day, both novice and intermediate drivers were paired with driving instructors from CGI Motorsports to learn how to properly and safely drive these high-powered vehicles on a racetrack. In between the morning and afternoon sessions, Dodge Challenger brand manager, Kevin Hellman, discussed the 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup, which includes the most powerful SRT Hellcat ever with 797 horsepower, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, which was on display.

“The Challenger continues to deliver on what our customers crave, which includes more muscle, customization, performance and in the case of the new Hellcat Redeye, more power,” said Hellman. “Teaming up with MAMA to educate their members on the joys and benefits of track driving helps to promote the Dodge message of enjoying our high horsepower vehicles in a more controlled environment.”

MAMA members will be able to put their new skills to use at MAMA’s annual Fall Rally on Oct. 3. Held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, the Fall Rally will offer track time, street drives and an off-road course, sponsored by Jeep.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

Buick Shows off Regal GS and Regal TourX to MAMA

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 20:21:08 GMT

During the July meeting, Buick’s Marketing Manager Brad Wolf showcased the sporty Regal GS and adventurous Regal TourX to MAMA members. According to Wolf, “Where spirited driving meets attainable luxury and sleek, sporty design meets modern usefulness, you’ll find the 2018 Regal GS. Where rugged utility meets upscale amenities, purpose-built for an active lifestyle, you’ll find the 2018 Regal TourX.”

Wolf took MAMA members through the specifications of each vehicle, but there was a common theme: Buick aims to fill a void in the market by finding the “white space.”

For example, the Regal GS may be a smart choice for buyers who are looking for a step above the mainstream but don’t want to break the bank for a BMW. The luxurious TourX wagon finds the sweet spot between a Subaru Outback and an Audi A4.

Regal GS

The Buick Regal GS combines sportiness with luxury into a spacious, all-wheel drive hatchback sedan. Notable vehicle features include massive cargo space; standard heated/cooled and massaging performance seats; intelligent AWD system with an active twin clutch; standard Brembo brakes; a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 8-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster; and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

In terms of safety, a head-up display is available with an optional package that also includes several safety features including front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert and adaptive cruise control with forward automatic braking.

Under the hood you’ll find a 3.6-liter that puts out 310 hp and 282 lb.-ft. of torque. It has some pep, reaching 0 to 60 in six seconds.

Every Regal GS also features Buick’s Interactive Drive Control which allows the driver to tailor the car’s dynamics based on different drive experiences through a standard setting or Sport and GS modes.

The Regal GS starts at $39,990, a more attainable price point than its competitors in the segment, according to Wolf.

Regal TourX

The Regal TourX is the rugged, more adventurous brother of the GS and is built for those with an active lifestyle. The five-passenger luxury wagon features best-in-class cargo space with 73.5 cubic ft. behind the first row as well as a lower roof and load height than most SUVs. Three trim levels are offered including the base, Preferred and Essence. Each trim level comes with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, putting out 250 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

Notable features on the base model include LED lights, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, OnStar communications package with 4G connection and in-vehicle Wi-Fi, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The next level up, Preferred, includes additional safety features such as rear parking sensors and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The highest trim level, Essence, adds more luxurious features such as driver-seat memory functions and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Enhanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.

Another example of how Buick tries to fill the white space in this segment, the TourX is more likely to fit inside a garage with the roof racks on and gear (surf board, kayaks, etc.) loaded on top, compared to a traditional crossover. Wolf noted this is an extremely important feature to owners for convenience sake.

The TourX starts at $29,070, roughly $10K lower than the Regal GS.

Stay tuned for communication for the next MAMA meeting, and remember to follow MAMA on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Subaru Presents the Ascent to MAMA

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 21:23:56 GMT

Subaru’s Car Line Planning Manager Peter Tenn recently presented the all-new Ascent to MAMA members during their monthly meeting. Now available in the Midwest, the Ascent is satisfying consumer demand as the need for a three-row SUV is on the rise. Tenn explained that Subaru is using its brand strength to conquest new customers in a segment that’s already crowded.

Described as “family-sized, versatile and capable,” the Ascent has a bold, edgy and strong presence with sweeping lines. Tenn says comfort, styling, reliability, quality, space and safety are the main reasons for purchase in this segment, and he’s confident the Ascent delivers in each of these categories. Inside, the vehicle is spacious, elegant and functional.

The Ascent is designed for Americans – it easily accommodates large baby strollers, child seats, sports equipment, big luggage and enlarged coolers. One of Subaru’s main focuses when designing the Ascent was cargo capacity, and Tenn believes the vehicle is very competitive dimensionally. It offers seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs or eight-passenger seating with a bench replacing the captain's chairs. With the eight-passenger bench seating, three child car seats can fit next to each other in the middle row. The door openings are extra wide to fit large child seats.

Subaru also focused heavily on holistic safety when designing the Ascent. All-wheel-drive and Subaru’s EyeSight system (which provides forward collision warning and emergency braking) come standard on the Ascent. Also available is lane keep assist, lane away (which, essentially, is lane departure warning with a beep warning), lead vehicle alert, EyeSight HUD (which alerts the driver when the car in front of them moves from a stationary position), reverse automatic braking, blind spot and rear traffic alert and overall excellent visibility.

In regards to fuel economy, the Ascent achieves 27 mpg (26 mpg for the more fully-loaded models) and doesn’t need premium gas to hit these numbers, unlike some of Ascent’s competitors. Subaru built the Ascent on its new Global Platform and the new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sits under the hood producing 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque.

Plus, the Ascent has some serious off-road cred with 8.7 ground clearance – which, surprisingly, is the same as the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Additionally, it has a 5,000 lb. towing capability – which is competitive for this segment – that includes trailer stability assist.

Technology abounds in the new the Ascent and features Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system including an eight-inch touchscreen with physical knobs (that come in handy for owners in the snowbelt states who consistently wear gloves), standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as available WiFi (the Ascent is the first Subaru vehicle to offer a WiFi hotspot). The “Entertainment Anywhere” package is also available which allows people to connect their own devices into the vehicle (i.e. two WiFi iPads or two Harman Kardon headphone sets).

Additional notable features include a panoramic moonroof with 100 percent UV blocking; ventilated and heated seats; rain sensing wipers; heated mirrors and windshield wipers; roof rails that can accommodate roof tents; 180-degree front-view camera; a new smart rear-view mirror (mitigating the issue when the vehicle is loaded to its gills); eight USB ports; and 19 in-vehicle cup holders.

The Ascent is now available at area dealerships with a starting price of $31,995 (though the price ranges upward through $45,000 for premium models). Tenn eluded to forthcoming hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Ascent; that announcement will likely come later this year.

Buick will host MAMA’s forthcoming July meeting to present the 2018 Buick Regal GS and the 2018 Regal TourX.

2018 MAMA Spring Rally

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:09:40 GMT

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – May 29, 2018 – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) held its annual Spring Rally last week at Road America – one of the world’s premier road racing tracks. Over the course of two days, more than 80 media members from across the country had the opportunity to put more than 90 vehicles through their paces in a variety of driving opportunities, including on-track, street, off-road and autocross.

Automakers selected the MAMA Spring Rally to showcase their latest cars, trucks and SUVs, and a few even gave the assembled MAMA journalists in-depth presentations on the hottest new or soon-to-be-released vehicles in their lineups.

2019 Nissan Altima

Nissan kicked off the MAMA Spring Rally with a breakfast presentation featuring the official unveiling of the Altima Edition ONE, a limited-production launch edition of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima sedan. The presentation marked the first time the sixth-generation Altima has been seen outside of an auto show.

The Edition ONE features exclusive 19-inch dark gray aluminum-alloy wheels, rear spoiler, external ground lighting, illuminated kick plates and Edition ONE badging and floormats. In addition, buyers have access to the new Edition ONE Nissan Concierge, an exclusive premium service that features 24/7 live assistant access (dinner reservations, event ticket purchases, etc.) that can be reached in-vehicle or through a compatible smartphone, smartwatch or smart speaker apps. The service is no-charge for the first three years of Edition ONE ownership.

Nissan announced that reservations open June 15th for the Altima Edition ONE and other 2019 Altima models, all of which are slated to go on sale this fall.

2019 RAM 1500

The redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 is lighter, more aerodynamic, more spacious, and more fuel-efficient than the previous-generation model, and MAMA members got a detailed overview of this groundbreaking new full-size pickup—as well as on-road and off-road driving opportunities. Highlights of the all-new Ram include an overall weight reduction of 225 pounds, towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds, and an available UConnect 4C infotainment system with a massive 12-inch touchscreen.

“As we introduce the new 2019 Ram 1500, we were thrilled to give more than 80 journalists the opportunity to experience the no-compromise truck that is changing the way truck buyers view strength, efficiency, capability, technology and luxury,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Ram Brand – FCA North America.

Hemi-powered Ram 1500 Quad Cabs and Crew Cabs are in dealerships now, with a starting price of $31,695 plus $1,645 destination fee; regular-cab and mild-hybrid “eTorque” models are due later this year.

2019 Acura RDX

MAMA Spring Rally attendees were among the first journalists to drive the all-new, third-generation RDX. Acura’s popular compact SUV is redesigned for 2019, gaining an A-Spec performance model, a more spacious cabin, an innovative “True Touchpad” remote-interface infotainment system, and all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower. Designed, developed, and manufactured in America, the 2019 Acura RDX is slated to arrive in dealerships this summer.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen opened the second day of the MAMA Spring Rally with a breakfast highlighting its redesigned Jetta compact sedan, which was also on-hand for journalist test drives at the event. Based off Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB architecture, the 2019 Jetta dons a new sophisticated coupe-like exterior design, offers impressive interior space, competitive fuel economy and upscale technology features, from available automatic cruise control to available 10-color ambient lighting.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is arriving in dealerships now, with a starting price of $18,545.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai helped close the two-day MAMA event with a presentation on its new entry into the subcompact crossover market. The 2018 Kona offers eye-catching “urban smart armor” exterior styling, a choice of a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6 four, and a host of available advanced safety features.

“Hyundai Motor America was pleased to showcase the all-new Kona at the MAMA Spring Rally. A crossover for ‘Urban Adventurers,’ the new CUV offers youthful design, sporty driving character, leading safety technology and advanced infotainment features in an affordable, compact footprint, appealing to consumers with active lifestyles and adventure-oriented driving environments,” said Michele Tinson, Midwest Communications, HMA.

The 2018 Hyundai Kona is on sale now, with a starting price of $19,500; the pure-electric 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is slated to join the lineup late this year in select states.

FVOTY and LFVOTY Finalists Announced

MAMA has expanded its Family Vehicle of the Year award this year by adding a new luxury vehicle division, and an impressive roster of 16 FVOTY candidates and 11 LFVOTY contenders were available for test drives at the Spring Rally. To qualify for the awards, a vehicle must have 4 doors and be new or significantly updated within a year of the Spring Rally. MAMA members digitally voted for their choices via an online survey at the event, and those votes were compiled to produce the following finalists:

Family Vehicle of the Year:

• 2018 Buick Regal TourX

• 2018 Ford Expedition

• 2018 Hyundai Kona

• 2018 Mazda6

• 2019 Ram 1500

• 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year:

• 2019 Acura RDX

• 2018 Kia Stinger

• 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

• 2019 Volvo XC40

These vehicles will join another round of finalists that will be chosen at the 2018 MAMA Fall Rally this October. A final round of online voting will determine the two winners, which will be announced at the MAMA Breakfast that opens the 2019 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.

Alfa Romeo showcases its newest offering – the 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Thu, 10 May 2018 17:04:56 GMT

Chicago, Illinois (April 25, 2017)- Alfa Romeo hosted MAMA members at the Collectors’ Car Garage in Chicago on Wednesday, April 25, to showcase the brand’s newest Italian offering – the all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio provides a distinctive offering in the premium midsize SUV segment. With its world-class performance, state-of-the-art technologies, seductive Italian style and an exhilarating driving experience, this all-new turbocharged SUV will definitely turn heads.

Since its foundation in Milan, Italy, in 1910, Alfa Romeo has designed and crafted some of the most stylish and exclusive cars in automotive history. Alfa’s current offerings in the U.S. include the 4c Coupe and Spider (a small two-door race-inspired sports car), and the Giulia, a premium four-door sedan.

Born from the legendary driving road in the Italian Alps – the Stelvio Pass – the all-new Stelvio sets a new benchmark in performance, style and technology.The iconic hand-painted Quadrifoglio, which is a four-leaf clover badge, is symbolic of legendary Alfa Romeo race cars and high-performance production vehicles.

Ben Lyon, Head of Alfa Romeo Product Brand Marketing, had the opportunity to talk to MAMA members and guests on how the Stelvio Quadrifoglio continues to highlight Alfa Romeo’s performance expertise with best-in-class 505 horsepower and segment-leading V-6 torque, powering it from 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 176 mph.

In addition to best-in-class horsepower, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio features segment-leading V-6 torque (443 lb.-ft.) and the most horsepower per liter in its class. The innovative Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system – standard on all Stelvio models, including the Quadrifoglio - provides additional driving confidence and superior control. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio – which went on sale in early 2018 – currently holds the Nürburgring record for the fastest production SUV with a lap time of 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds.

The Stelvio sat alongside the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and a handful of classic vintage Alfa Romeos at the Collectors’ Car Garage, a purpose built, climate controlled 60,000 sq. ft. storage facility dedicated to the preservation and storage of more than 300 collector cars and motorcycles.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is built at the Cassino plant in Italy and is available in Alfa Romeo dealerships now.The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $79,995.

MAMA Names Honda Odyssey the 2018 Family Vehicle of the Year

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 19:03:35 GMT

Chicago, Illinois (Feb. 8, 2018) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that the 2018 Honda Odyssey has been named the winner of its eighth annual Family Vehicle of the Year award.

“Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. It should be versatile, reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicle from an outstanding group of new and significantly refreshed models, and the Honda Odyssey came out on top,” said award coordinator Tim Healey.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, start at less than $50,000, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2017 Spring Rally, which took place last May. The MAMA Spring and Fall Rallies feature roughly 100 manufacturer vehicles for journalists to drive and evaluate.

Voting took place at both rallies, and out of more than three dozen competitors, MAMA ended up with 12 finalists: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volvo XC60.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

MAMA members then voted in one final round, and 94 automotive journalists selected the 2018 Honda Odyssey as the winner with 85 points, narrowly edging out the 2018 Volvo XC60, which garnered 84 points. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas placed third with 72 points.

Voting for the 2019 Family Vehicle of the Year award will begin at the 2018 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 23-24 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The MAMA Fall Rally is tentatively scheduled for October 3 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois.

New for 2019, MAMA President Jill Ciminillo announced that the association will be adding a Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award.

“We are excited to expand the Family Vehicle awards for 2019,” Ciminillo said. “Adding a luxury category allows us to help a broader range of families select the best vehicles that will meet their needs.”

For more information about the Midwest Automotive Media Association, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 27^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 269 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from 25 states, D.C. and Canada. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues, and new products in the auto industry.

Midwest Automotive Media Association Announces 2018 Board of Directors

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 18:41:38 GMT

Chicago (Feb. 1, 2018) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) elected its 2018 board of directors during its annual business meeting.

Continuing in the second year of their term, Jill Ciminillo remains president, Damon Bell is senior vice president and Matt Avery is vice president of membership.

Re-elected for new two-year terms, Larry Nutson is the association’s treasurer, Kelley Enright serves as secretary and Jennifer Morand serves as MAMA’s website and social media director.

During the annual MAMA business meeting, it was reported that the association now has 269 members, is financially sound and continues to hold successful events that benefit both its membership as well as auto makers.

President Jill Ciminillo announced that MAMA is on target to reach the minimum funding of $100,000 for the Jim Mateja Memorial Scholarship that the association established at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. A scholarship will be award to an undergraduate student each year commencing in the fall of 2018.

Upcoming 2018 MAMA events include:

MAMA Opening Breakfast during the 2018 Chicago Auto Show (Thursday, Feb. 8)

- Thomas Doll, President and COO of Subaru of America, Inc to deliver the keynote

- MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year will be announced

MAMA Spring Rally at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (Wednesday, May 23 – Thursday, May 24)

MAMA Fall Rally at the Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, Illinois (Wednesday, Oct. 3)

Hyundai Highlights 2018 Accent

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 16:57:52 GMT

This month’s MAMA meeting highlighted Hyundai’s Accent, the brand’s least-expensive sedan that recently underwent notable updates for the 2018 model year. Michael Evanoff, Hyundai’s manager of product planning, delivered a brief presentation on the refreshed sedan before sending MAMA members out on test drives. New updates include:

Improved driving dynamics and an efficient powertrain
Upscale exterior design, sophisticated interior and signature Hyundai design
Advanced connectivity with available Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Hyundai Blue Link and SiriusXM satellite radio
Safety from the available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist

The new generation Accent is slightly longer and wider than the model it replaces, but the EPA still classifies it as a compact sedan. Also on the exterior, the Accent shows off a new cascading grille design inspired by the cascading effect of molten steel.

The vehicle has available projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, available fog lights and standard functional air curtains, which help eliminate the turbulence in the wheelhouse area. Available LED taillights give the vehicle a more noticeable presence on the road.

Moving to the interior, Evanoff describes the new look as a contemporary intuitive design: easy to reach, easy to see, easy to understand.

Standard features include:

Audio 5-inch color touchscreen, which works in conjunction with the rearview camera
Standard rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines
Hands-free Bluetooth, steering wheel and audio cruise control
Folding rear seats

Also available are push button start and hands-free Smart trunk (the vehicle can sense the driver is near from at least three feet away and the trunk automatically opens). Automatic temperature control is available as well in three stages – low, medium and high.

New available infotainment and safety features include dual-charging/USB as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also integration through Amazon Alexa and Google Home so that owners can make requests to those devices via their car. Hyundai Blue Link connected car system with safety advance alerts the driver of a potential collision; if there is no response, it will apply automatic break to avoid collision.

There are three 2018 Accent Trim levels: SE (core entry level), SEL (regular equipped) and Limited (highest equipped).

5-inch color touchscreen with iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks
Rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines
Bluetooth hands-free phone system

SEL

Includes SE A/T standard features plus:

Display audio with 7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Dual charging USB

Limited

Includes SEL features plus:

Power sunroof
Automatic Emergency Braking
17-inch alloy wheels

The 2018 Accent is hitting dealerships now with a starting price of $15,880.

Photo credit: Christian Lantry, Cars.com

Jaguar Land Rover Previews 2018 Lineup

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 16:17:45 GMT

Jaguar Land Rover's General Manager of Product Management David Larsen recently addressed MAMA members to highlight the "new generation of Jaguar," specifically three all-new vehicles: Jaguar E-PACE, XF Sportbrake and the XJR575. He also previewed the freshened Land Rover lineup, spotlighting the all-new Land Rover Range Rover Velar.

2018 Jaguar E-PACE
The Jaguar E-PACE shares F-PACE's silhouette, and draws features from the F-Type. Compared to its competitors, this vehicle is as long and as high – but wider – which uniquely provides more comfort in the second row. The E-PACE is set to use Jaguar Land Rover’s 2-liter turbocharged Ingenium engine that puts out 246 horsepower. The SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and is expected to go on sale early next year at a starting price of $38,600.

2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake
The station wagon is making a comeback, and the XF Sportbrake is not your standard wagon. The new Jaguar features a supercharged V-6 engine with forced induction – in this case, a 380-horsepowered supercharged 3.0-liter – and nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo room. New technology includes gesture-controlled tailgate and sunblind. The XF Sportbrake is available this month at a starting price point of $70,450.

2018 Jaguar XJR575
The XJR575 long wheelbase sedan is called the "pinnacle of the Jaguar brand." According to Jaguar, this is the most powerful XJ ever with a 5-liter V8 engine that puts out 575 horsepower and 517 lb. ft. of torque. Additional 2018 features include:

Top speed of 186 mph
0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
InControl Touch Pro with a 10” touchscreen
Driver assistance systems include blind spot assist, lane keep assist and the driver conditioning monitor

The 2018 Jaguar XJR575 is on sale at a starting price of $122,400.

Larsen also highlighted Land Rover’s product lineup including the 2018 Range Rover Velar, 2018 Range Rover, 2018 Range Rover Sport and the 2018 Range Rover Defender.

With a special emphasis on the Velar, Larsen stated this vehicle defines the new style of Range Rover moving forward. He said the overall strategy in the Velar theme was modern reduction, which is represented in the flowing lines and clean exterior. One of the biggest changes on the vehicle is the revolutionary design of the interior, which is elegant, modern and simple.

On the tech side, a new infotainment system debuts. Two 10-inch screens provide access to audio, navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings. There are three dial (no buttons) touch inputs on the steering wheel which only illuminate once you touch it. Quality materials, including aluminum and upgraded lighting, sets it apart from competitors. The Velar has a starting price range of $49,900.

The expanded Jaguar lineup will offer seven models for the first time in brand history. This new generation of Jaguar will continue to enhance its all-around brand competitiveness including product portfolio enrichment, price positioning and further elevated after-sales service package.

With this wider variety of product, the brand is continuing to reach a younger demographic and attract new audiences. In fact, its median buyer is just 54 years old, which is lower than Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Porsche. Larsen said the brand is in a position of strength with the products' great styling and incredible performance.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association Hosted 75 Media Members to Experience nearly 70 Vehicles at its Annual Fall Rally

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 16:36:06 GMT

Joliet, Illinois (Oct. 5) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) held its annual Fall Rally, presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), this week at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois.

Automakers showcased their latest cars, trucks and SUVs where 75 media members from across the country gathered to put nearly 70 vehicles through their paces on track, street and off-road course.

Toyota opened the event with a breakfast presentation featuring its 2018 Camry, America’s best-selling car for 15 consecutive years and a candidate for North American Car of the Year. Chad Moore, product training expert at Toyota, led the presentation on the eighth-generation Camry. He explained that it has gone through a total evolution from a proven, dependable and safe car to one that also possesses a more exciting and emotional character, thanks to its newfound sporty performance and eye-catching style.

Additionally, the new Camry utilizes Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) which represents new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers and packages its vehicles. TNGA retains all of Toyota’s traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses. The physical manifestation is the usage of a new engine, transmission and GA-K platform.

Following the morning session featuring track touring laps, street driving and an off-road course sponsored by Jeep, the group gathered for lunch, where Honda led a presentation featuring the Civic Type R. Carl Pulley, assistant public relations manager at Honda, said this all-new Type R continues its legacy as an exciting, front-wheel-drive, high-performance hatchback and is the ultimate expression of the genre. Media members had the chance to test drive one of two Type R vehicles that Honda brought for media members to experience on the track at the Fall Rally.

Pulley said everything about the Civic Type R was designed to create the optimum performance driving experience – from the performance-tuned 2.0L i-VTEC DOHC turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission to the Type R unique chassis components and three-mode dynamic driving control. This is the most extreme Type R ever built, with track-ready performance providing the most rewarding driving experience in its segment, according to Honda.

The MAMA Fall Rally is one of two track events the organization hosts each year. MAMA also hosts monthly meetings for its members; the upcoming event list can be found at www.mamaonline.org.

Photo Credit: Christian Lantry, Cars.com

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) is a professional non-profit press association, with a 25-year history, that brings together automotive journalists and manufacturers to provide a platform for automakers to release news. MAMA's membership has grown to nearly 300 and includes journalists covering print, broadcast, online as well as media relations professionals within the automotive industry. For more information, visit www.mamaonline.org.

Honda Presents all-new 2018 Accord to MAMA

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:00:56 GMT

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois — Midwest Automotive Media Association members were among the first to get a glimpse of the all-new 2018 Honda Accord last week during MAMA’s August meeting and press preview, led by Steve Kinkade, head of national media relations for Honda and Acura brands.

Kinkade stated that, despite the fact that SUVs continue to gain market share, the midsize segment is strong and the sedan isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. According to Kinkade, the current Honda Accord is actually outselling all but two SUVs. In fact, it’s on pace to sell 300,000 units in 2017. In terms of in-segment competition, he believes the 2018 Accord will compete very well against the all-new Toyota Camry.

There are several noteworthy features that make up the tenth-generation Accord:

· Aggressive new styling is stately and conservative with a swept-back four-door design that hides a traditional trunk.

· Longer wheelbase and a wider body.

· Passenger volume increases by 2.5 cubic feet.

· Cargo volume also increases to 16.7 cubic feet.

· Honda Sensing will be standard on all trim levels, which includes high-tech safety features such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

· V-6 engine will not return; instead, 2.0-liter turbo engine will deliver 252 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.

The trim strategy for Accord will remain the same with LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring levels. Plus, there will be two engine options: the aforementioned 2.0-liter turbo and a 1.5-liter turbo – both of which are four-cylinders. The 1.5-liter will deliver 192 hp and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. A hybrid will also be available and will be powered by Honda’s third-generation two-motor hybrid technology and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine.

Combined fuel economy for the current 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine ranges between 26 mpg for the manual and 30 mpg for the automatic.

Neither pricing nor fuel economy details have been released. However, the current-generation Accord starts at $22,455, for reference.

The all-new 2018 Accord is expected to hit dealerships this fall.

MAMA and Dodge Host Third Annual Performance Track School

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:42:05 GMT

South Haven, Michigan – Last week, MAMA teamed up with Dodge to host the third annual Performance Track School at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, where nearly 20 Midwest-based journalists learned the ins-and-outs of driving safely on a racetrack. Since MAMA hosts two annual track events, the Spring and the Fall Rally, the association deemed a track school essential so that members are educated and comfortable when driving at MAMA-sanctioned events.

As far as manufacturer partners go, Dodge is the perfect fit. Not only is Dodge known for its legacy of muscle cars (we never said anything about the track school being boring!), the automaker also embodies safety. A strong message to MAMA Performance Track School attendees is that while these cars are fast and fun, there is a proper way to drive and handle them on a track.

MAMA President Jill Ciminillo summed up the event’s mission: “Our goal is to make our members some of the best drivers in the business. An annual track school is a great opportunity for attendees keep their skills sharp and take what they learn back to everyday driving on the roads in their neighborhoods.”

Led by racing experts at CGI Motorsports, the day opened up with breakfast and a “track safety talk” for the morning session. Dodge brought in 11 performance vehicles, including the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT and 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Track school attendees were among the first to drive these new vehicles—which boast 475 and 707 horsepower, respectively—before they hit dealer lots this fall.

Both novice and intermediate drivers were paired with driving instructors from CGI Motorsports to learn how to take these high-powered vehicles properly and safely around a racetrack. Following the morning session, the second wave of participants arrived for the afternoon lesson. Just prior to lunch, all participants heard Dodge Durango SRT Engineering Manager Pete Jacobsen explain some of the behind-the-scenes development challenges.

Throughout the past three years, MAMA has provided Performance Track School instruction to 63 students. This year marked the first time MAMA has offered more advanced instruction to intermediate track drivers and previous track school attendees.

MAMA looks forward to seeing members who attended the Performance Track School put their skills to use at its 2017 Fall Rally, to be held on Wed., Oct. 4 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois.

Nissan Talks Trucks: Light Commercial Vehicles Drive Sales

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:38:10 GMT

MAMA members gathered yesterday for the association’s monthly meeting and presentation from Nissan’s Director of Sales and Marketing, light commercial vehicles (LCV), Tiago Castro. He delved into the brand’s 2017 LCV lineup and offered attendees test-drives in the NV Cargo Van and three different Titan models – which have become strong players in the commercial market – including a Titan Single Cab, Titan XD Gas and Titan XD Cummins-powered Diesel.

Castro touched on Nissan’s strategy in this segment, which is to focus more heavily on marketing commercial vehicles in hopes to increase the brand’s overall truck sales – both commercial and personal. For example, if a Titan or Titan XD is the pickup of choice for a small business owner or construction worker, that person may be more inclined to purchase a different version of the Titan for personal use.

To lure new customers, Nissan is offering a five-year or 100,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty on all Titan and Titan XD commercial vehicles which, according to Nissan, is America’s best truck and commercial van warranty offer. How does this stack up to the industry standard? The average industry warranty hovers around 36,000 miles.

An overview of Nissan’s light commercial vehicle lineup includes:

Nissan Titan and Titan XD

Nissan introduced the final piece of the Titan roll-out with the Titan and Titan XD King Cab during the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. The Titan and Titan XD, which have picked up numerous industry awards and accolades, have helped move the needle for Nissan’s overall truck sales.

Under the Titan umbrella, Nissan offers the following:

Titan XD Diesel
Titan XD Gas
Titan Half-ton
Titan and Titan XD Single Cab
Titan and Titan XD King Cab

NV Cargo, Passenger and Compact Van

NV Full-size Van (Cargo and Passenger)

New for 2017, the NV Cargo Van offers a brand-new powertrain, producing best-in-class horsepower and torque while also delivering an estimated eight percent increase in fuel economy versus the previous powertrain.
Offered for both personal and fleet use, the NV Passenger Van features eight standard air bags, standard head restraints and integrated seat belts for all rear seating positions. It also offers 324 different seating configurations and a total of six independent rear seats. 2017 MAMA Spring Rally attendees were able to experience the NV Passenger Van first-hand as they were shuttled around the Road America campus – from the track to autocross to the off-road course.

NV200

The NV200 has a small exterior footprint, large cargo capacity, outstanding versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. It also offers America's best commercial van warranty, with a basic limited warranty coverage of five years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain limited warranty term is also five years/100,000 miles.

NV Taxi

Great for city driving with its compact exterior, the Nissan NV Taxi is nimble enough to easily maneuver tight city streets. Features include built-in navigation, intercom and Bluetooth to better assist the driver.

Castro is confident Nissan will continue to propel itself forward in the LCV segment due to four main differentiators: a dedicated team, quality product, best warranty and a robust dealer network.

MAMA members should save the date for the next monthly meeting, with Honda, on Tues., Aug. 8 at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Photo Credit: Larry Nutson, MAMA Treasurer and The Auto Channel

MAMA Spring Rally Roundup

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 22:02:54 GMT

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – May 25, 2017 – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) held its annual Spring Rally last week at Road America – one of the world’s premier permanent road racing tracks. Over the course of two days, 95 media members from across the country were able to put 110 vehicles through their paces through a variety of driving including on-track, street, off-road and autocross.

Automakers selected the MAMA Spring Rally to showcase their latest cars, trucks and SUVs, and a few even gave MAMA journalists a sneak peek at some of the hottest vehicles that have yet to be seen – or driven – outside of an auto show.

2018 Lexus LC 500

Lexus opened the MAMA Spring Rally with a breakfast presentation to spotlight the 2018 Lexus LC 500. One of the first times seen outside of an auto show, Lexus is giving MAMA journalists the chance to take it for test drives for performance and driving impressions.

Powered by a normally aspirated 5.9-liter V8 and matched with the luxury class first direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission, the LC 500 delivers 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. The vehicle is expected to hit dealerships this May and will have a starting price of $92,000.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru’s Car Line Planning Manager Todd Hill was on hand to give MAMA members an insider perspective on the 2018 Crosstrek, which is all-new from the ground up with revised styling, new engine and improved features.

Safety is a huge priority for Subaru. The automaker equipped the new Crosstrek with improved visibility, seven airbags, enhanced seatbelts and is targeting best-in-class for hazard avoidance performance. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite consists of forward-collision warning and prevention, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Base, premium and limited trim levels will be available.

In terms of connectivity, Crosstrek has a brand-new infotainment system and comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Under the hood, the Crosstrek has the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the Impreza, which produces 152 hp.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Dodge charged up rally-goers with the surprise appearance of the 840-horsepower 2018 Challenger SRT, first time the fastest muscle car ever has appeared outside of an auto show. Dodge also just announced its pricing, starting at $84,995, and said deliveries are expected to begin this fall.

Tim Kuniskis, head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA North America, said in an earlier statement, “We worked very hard to build as much value into the Challenger SRT Demon as possible – features, performance and exclusivity that simply can’t be duplicated with a goal of maintaining, and possibly even growing, as much future value as possible.”

Dodge also brought the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT to the rally, following up on its reveal at this year's Chicago Auto Show. With 475 hp, the Durango SRT is America's fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV. It can out-haul every three-row SUV on the road with best-in-class towing capacity of 8,600 pounds.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport

Right as the Rogue Sport rolled into dealerships, MAMA members were among the first to get a glimpse.

Nissan opened the second day of the MAMA Spring Rally with a breakfast to tout its all-new Rogue Sport, which is set to go on sale this spring. While the Rogue Sport shares the Rogue name, platform and numerous advanced safety and security features, Nissan says the Rogue Sport stands on its own as a stylish, nimble, fun-to-drive and affordable compact SUV that’s intended for an urban market. Right-sized for the city, the Rogue Sport has a 2.3-inch shorter wheelbase and a 12.1-inch shorter overall length than the Rogue.

On the safety front, the Rogue Sport offers forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure prevention and rear cross traffic alert.

The Rogue Sport comes in three models – S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive – with a starting price point of $21,420.

Kia Stinger

Just as MAMA members thought the two-day event was concluding, Kia had another surprise in store. The Stinger, Kia’s first high-performance sports car, made its first-ever regional press association appearance. While indeed powerful, with 370 hp, Kia says the Stinger is more synonymous with luxury, comfort and grace.

“Kia is proud to be associated with MAMA and looks forward to many years of success in the future, and the future of Kia is easily seen in the all-new Stinger,” said Kia Director of Communications James Bell. “We were pleased to present this amazing five-door sports sedan to the passionate journalists here at Road America; MAMA is the first regional press association to see this car outside of a traditional auto show.”

The Stinger is expected to go on sale this summer, with a price range of $35,000-$45,000.

Here's a sampling of some featured stories from the Spring Rally:

Chicago Tribune

Northwest Indiana Times

Rumblestrip.net Instagram Video

Jeep Brings Compass, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to MAMA

Mon, 01 May 2017 22:18:20 GMT

Wheaton, Illinois (April 27, 2017) – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles hosted MAMA members at the historic Danada House in Wheaton on Thursday, April 27, for lunch and to show off the new 2017 Jeep Compass and the upcoming 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Jeep Compass Brand Manager Kim Japinga also talked about the brand’s recent market performance.

Before discussing the capabilities of both the Trackhawk and Compass, Japinga went over the brand’s recent history. Last year, 2016, marked the seventh year of sales growth for Jeep both in the U.S. and internationally. It’s the fifth straight global sales record for Jeep, and the third straight year of global sales that exceeded one million.

Global sales increased 13 percent to 1.4 million and U.S. sales were a hair under a million at 926,376, which is an increase of six percent.

The Compass will be offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and three transmissions – a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a nine-speed automatic. It will be available with two-wheel and four-wheel drive and offered in four trims – Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

Available features include a dual sunroof, power liftgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, UConnect infotainment system, navigation system and satellite radio.

The Trackhawk is a high-powered version of the Grand Cherokee that features a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that makes 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and upgraded Brembo brakes, and Jeep projects a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Other available features include 20-inch wheels, UConnect infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

None of the vehicles were available for driving, but Jeep representatives did fire up the Trackhawk to allow assembled media to hear it run.

Don’t forget that the 2017 MAMA Spring Rally is coming up, with our track day at Road America taking place on May 24 and off-road, autocross and Family Vehicle of the Year evaluations taking place on May 25.

[Photo credit: Larry Nutson, Chicago Car Guy and The Auto Channel]

MAMA Names Chrysler Pacifica 2017 Family Vehicle of the Year

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 03:11:44 GMT

Chicago, Illinois (February 9, 2017) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association announced today that the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been named the winner of its seventh annual Family Vehicle of the Year award.

MAMA is a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, and it developed the award to help car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle. “Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. It should be versatile, reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicle from an excellent group of new and notably refreshed models, and the Chrysler Pacifica came out on top of them all,” said MAMA Senior Vice President Damon Bell.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, start at less than $50,000, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2016 Spring Rally, which took place last May. The MAMA Spring and Fall rallies feature roughly 100 manufacturer vehicles for journalists to drive and evaluate.

Voting took place at both rallies, and out of more than three dozen competitors, we ended up with 12 finalists: Acura MDX, Audi A4, Chevrolet Volt, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Fusion, GMC Acadia, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Jaguar F-PACE, Mazda CX-9, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

MAMA members then voted in one final round, and 91 automotive journalists selected the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica as the winner with 215 points, beating the 2016 Mazda CX-9, which garnered 109 points. The 2017 GMC Acadia placed third with 47 points.

Voting for the 2018 Family Vehicle of the Year award will begin at the 2017 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 24-25 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The MAMA Fall Rally is scheduled for October 4 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.

For more information about MAMA, visit www.mamaonline.org.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 26^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 278 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from 25 states, D.C. and Canada. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues, and new products in the auto industry.

FCA's Ralph Gilles to Keynote MAMA Breakfast at 2017 Chicago Auto Show

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 21:08:00 GMT

The 2017 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview will open on Thursday, Feb. 9 with a keynote from Ralph Gilles, Head of Design, FCA – Global, during the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) breakfast from 8-9 a.m.

Newly elected MAMA President Jill Ciminillo will introduce Ralph Gilles to more than 400 attendees at the annual Auto Show kick-off breakfast. Gilles is responsible for overseeing all vehicle designs for the FCA brands including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Ram and Alfa Romeo. Since first joining the Company in 1992 as a designer, Gilles has put his extensive academic background in industrial design and business administration to use, holding various positions within the Company. In 2015, Gilles was named a member of the Group Executive Council (GEC) for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA). The GEC is the highest management-level decision making body within the FCA organization and is led by the FCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“This auto show is one of my favorites as it showcases a diverse collection of vehicles set within the incredible backdrop of Chicago. It’s always a great feeling to be here and meet people, outside of Detroit, who share the same passion and enthusiasm I have for this industry,” said Ralph Gilles, Head of Design – FCA Global. “The MAMA team truly embodies that automotive enthusiasm and it’s an honor to be able to kick-off this year’s show with the topic of automotive design.”

Gilles is extremely active inside and outside the Company. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN) in addition to playing a supporting role with The Chrysler Global Diversity Council. He also serves on the board of the Michigan Design Council. At his alma mater, The College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Gilles is a member of the CCS Board of Trustees and the CCS Capital Committee.

“It’s an honor to have someone of Ralph’s caliber to open the nation’s largest auto show,” said Mike McGrath, Chicago Auto Show chairman. “FCA has long supported the Chicago Auto Show with executive addresses, important product introductions, indoor test tracks and the largest display it produces worldwide.”

Doors open for the MAMA breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 9. Valid media or exhibitor credentials are required for admission.

MAMA Announces 2017 Board of Directors

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 23:45:35 GMT

Midwest Automotive Media Association Announces 2017 Board of Directors

Jill Ciminillo Elected President; the first female President in MAMA’s 25 years.

Chicago (Jan. 27, 2017) – The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) elected its 2017 board of directors during its annual business meeting. Jill Ciminillo was elected president – MAMA’s first female president – and Damon Bell joins the board as MAMA’s senior vice president. Ciminillo will succeed Patrick Olsen as president and Bell will take Ciminillo’s outgoing role.

Additionally, Matt Avery was re-elected as vice president of membership, Larry Nutson will remain the association’s treasurer, Kelley Enright will keep her position as secretary and Jennifer Morand continues to serve as MAMA’s website and social media director.

During the annual MAMA business meeting, Vice President of Membership Matt Avery announced that the organization has experienced a 13 percent increase over the previous year, and an overall growth of 19 percent in two years.

Outgoing President Patrick Olsen highlighted MAMA’s successes over his two-year term, including establishing a track driving school to teach MAMA media members performance driving, hosting a 25^th anniversary party to celebrate MAMA’s wonderful 25 years and holding successful rallies in the spring and the fall of each year, where manufacturers have the chance to showcase their latest vehicles to MAMA media members.

Upcoming 2017 MAMA events include:

MAMA Opening Breakfast during the 2017 Chicago Auto Show (Thursday, Feb. 9)

FCA’s Ralph Gilles, head of global design, to deliver the keynote
MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year will be announced

MAMA Spring Rally at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (Wednesday, May 24 – Thursday, May 25)

MAMA Fall Rally at the Autobahn Country Club, Joliet, Illinois (Wednesday, Oct. 4)

MAMA Holiday Social at Carnivale, Chicago, Illinois (Monday, Dec. 11)

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association or to apply for a media or an affiliate membership, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

###

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) is one of the most prestigious automotive press associations in the industry. MAMA's mission is to provide a forum in the Chicago area for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the automotive industry. For more information, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

Vote Now for 2017 MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year

MAMA Webmaster — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 17:31:25 GMT

It's time to determine the winner of the Family Vehicle of the Year award presented by MAMA. We have narrowed down the finalists to 12 candidates. Please select the vehicles you would like to assign 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice designations. You can only select 3. The voting deadline is Friday, January 13, 2017.

Here are the contenders:

2017 Acura MDX

2017 Audi A4

2016 Chevrolet Volt

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

2017 Ford Fusion

2017 GMC Acadia

2017 Honda Accord

2016 Honda Civic

2017 Jaguar F-PACE

2016 Mazda CX-9

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Vote HERE now!

The winner will be announced at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show MAMA Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 9.

MAMA Holiday Social

MAMA Webmaster — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 23:30:16 GMT

The Midwest Automotive Media Association hosted its annual Holiday Social earlier this week to celebrate a great year! Nearly 70 members mingled and enjoyed Latin-themed fare at Chicago-based Carnivale.

The event received amazing overwhelming support from members with Gold Sponsorships from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Hyundai and Nissan.

Additional Holiday Social sponsors included: Honda (passed appetizers), Mazda (valet), Toyota (coat check) and specialty cocktails: Chicago Auto Show "Sidecar," Kia "Niro Nog" and Chevry Cruze "Down the Hatch" Old Cuban.

One member, Robin Warner of Hyundai, even celebrated his birthday with his MAMA colleagues!

Guests catch up over specialty cocktails.

MAMA members ate, drank and were merry! Thanks to all who made this event a great success.

#MAMA16Holiday

Steel Market Development Institute Shares State of the Steel Industry

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:05:35 GMT

The Steel Market Development Institute’s (SMDI) Dr. Jody Hall served as the guest speaker during the November MAMA meeting to deliver a powerful message: steel is not the “dinosaur” that some perceive it to be. In fact, the Steel Market Development Group collaborates with car manufacturers to develop innovative material to enhance performance and produce better fuel economy.

Hall opened with a brief history lesson and referenced the late 70s/early 80s when manufacturers began to decrease the weight of their vehicle, due to the oil embargo and CAFE requirements, to improve fuel economy. The car companies and steel market have come a long way since then, always working alongside one another to provide consumers a safe vehicle while also complying with government regulations. Aluminum is another material that car companies use to reduce vehicle weight; however, Hall cautions that no matter the material used, it’s the combination of the material and design that optimizes performance and enhances safety. Material and design go hand-in-hand.

On the subject of safety, Hall provided an example of crash safety testing involving a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a newer Chevy Malibu – head-to-head. As the old saying goes, “They don’t make cars today like they used to,” this certainly did not apply in the Bel Air/Malibu crash test. The Bel Air’s entire front end through the driver’s and passenger’s seat was smashed in while the Malibu’s front was smashed yet it didn’t progress to the driver’s seat. This might surprise some, as the Bel Air was a heavy, full-size automobile compared to the compact, lighter-weight Malibu. Hall says that size does not always necessarily matter when it comes to safety – again, it’s a combination of the material used and design.

SMDI also collaborates with car manufacturers to develop repair technologies for new Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). SMDI also works closely with first responders, who need to arrive on the scene of an accident and respond quickly and efficiently, to ensure they are aware how to properly use the “jaws of life” tool on that particular make and model to remove crash victims from a totaled vehicle. The first responders have their action plan prior to arriving onsite.

SMDI has a relationship with I-Car, offering a variety of educational and training recognition programs for the collision repair industry with more than 30,000 repair shops that have the experience and the infrastructure to repair steel.

So, where is steel going and is it here to stay? In short, AHSS is quickly replacing other materials and is the fastest-growing segment in the market – experiencing an extra 10 percent of growth over the past few years.

Lead designers and chief engineers from car manufacturers such as Kia, Chrysler, Chevrolet and Honda are backing steel’s claim to improve handling, provide an overall better ride, stiffer feel and overall enhanced performance.

Finally, Hall addressed the emissions concern: “Driving vehicle emissions down is only one piece of the puzzle.” For example, some automakers tout that they’re saving the environment by using lightweight materials, like all-aluminum, to help fuel economy thus saving on emissions. However, Hall cautions that in some cases extra greenhouse gas emissions are released to simply make the alternative material. She claims steel is the only automotive material that is continuously recyclable without loss of product strength and integrity.

To learn more about the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) visit www.SMDISteel.org or follow #SteelMatters on social media.

MAMA Gets a Bird's-eye View of Wholesale Auctions

MAMA Webmaster — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 14:38:07 GMT

MATTESON, Illinois – Last week, MAMA members had the exclusive opportunity to get an inside look at the fascinating process of a wholesale auto auction at Manheim Chicago. Manheim has three Chicagoland locations, including Manheim Chicago, which moves more than 10,000 vehicles through the auction lanes each week.

MAMA members, who attended the meeting, witnessed thousands of vehicles being showcased “in the lane.” This is where the buyers bid on vehicles that will go back to their dealership or fleet operation. Then they toured the body shop, paint shop and reconditioning area, providing a sneak peak at how vehicles are prepped before going to the live auction.

“With more than 4,000 vehicles on the block each week, the process seems overwhelming, but in reality, it’s organized chaos,” said Mike Cesta, Manheim Chicago’s general manager.

Manheim, part of the Cox Automotive network, has been a leading wholesale auction house for 71 years, employing more than 30,000 team members worldwide. Last year, Manheim North America registered nearly 7.5 million vehicles and facilitated $50 billion in sales, touching three out of four cars sold in the United States and Canada.

Manheim Arena Illinois in Bolingbrook and Manheim Milwaukee make up the other two Chicagoland locations.

Michelle Krebs, senior analyst of Cox Automotive’s Autotrader, kicked off the lunch presentation by discussing industry trends and disruptors of both new vehicle and CPO vehicle sales. Krebs shared data from 2009 – 2015 and discussed that while the adult population has increased by 38 million people, new vehicle sales have remained steady at the 17.5 million mark. Additionally, Krebs said that while consumers are finding ways to make it work, the number one reason they don’t buy or lease vehicles are because they cannot afford them.

Grace Huang, Manheim Senior Vice President of Inventory Services, next provided an overview of the Cox Automotive business, which includes 25 affiliates. Huang stated that consumers buy some 40 million used vehicles per year with Chicago being the number three largest overall vehicle market.

“Seventy percent of vehicle registrations in Chicago are used,” Huang said,

Cesta wrapped up the informational day with news that Manheim is investing $4.6 million in Manheim Chicago with increased lane capacity and 34 new acres of land, which will allow them to move even more vehicles in the future.

Overall, it was a terrific learning experience providing a birds-eye view into the world of auto auctioning.

2016 MAMA Fall Rally Roundup

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 21:27:21 GMT

The 2016 Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Fall Rally, sponsored by the Steel Market Development Institute, united more than 100 MAMA members and manufacturer representatives together with 70 cars, trucks and SUVs last week for a day of hot laps on the track, on-road and off-road fun.

The annual event took place at the regarded Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, and wrapped up with a celebration of the association’s 25th anniversary.

Media members were able to test-drive cars of nearly every brand including: Acura, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

The morning of the Fall Rally kicked off with a Fiat breakfast presentation that fueled members up for a day on the track. Fiat featured a series of its new commercials, including the risqué commercial with the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The automaker brought both the 124 Spider Classica and the 124 Spider Lusso for MAMA members to test-drive.

During the morning session, members could partake in the three various activities – track laps, street driving and off-road – and could restore energy with a stop at the Snack Oasis, sponsored by Chrysler.

Later on, Nissan’s Director of Small Cars, Brandon White, kicked off lunch with a brief presentation. The menu featured “small and quick” bites that foreshadowed the topic of conversation: the Nissan Sentra SR Turbo. White discussed Nissan’s major enhancements to the Sentra's powertrain, steering, brakes and suspension. MAMA Fall Rally attendees were the first media group to be able to track drive the Sentra, which was a nice surprise.

Following the lunch presentation, rally-goers enjoyed more track time, street test-drives and the off-road course.

Featured vehicles in the off-road course, sponsored by Jeep, included a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Jeep Wrangler Willys, 2016 Renegade Trailhawk, Ram Rebel, Range Rover Sport HSE TD6, Nissan Titan PRO-4X, 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited and a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – plenty of options for journalists to test on the varying terrain.

Members and manufacturers gathered again that evening for a celebration of MAMA’s 25^th Anniversary, with sponsor support by Toyota, Steel Market Development Institute Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti. Toyota displayed two cars from the '90s from its museum, a Lexus ES250 and a Toyota Supra Turbo. MAMA President Patrick Olsen coordinated a trivia contest surrounding key automotive and pop culture events from 1991, the year MAMA was founded.

A video captured MAMA’s key moments throughout its robust history and spotlighted the founding President Jim Mateja on the association’s inception and evolution. Members also had a great laugh as they looked back at photos of current members from 1991 – which also happened to be a part of the trivia contest. It was truly a great day that wrapped up with a “family” celebration – the most commonly used word that MAMA members used to describe the media association.

Current and Past MAMA Presidents, thanks for all you do.

MAMA Members Among First to Experience Nissan’s Sentra SR Turbo

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 21:10:51 GMT

Members of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) were among the first to experience the Nissan Sentra SR Turbo this week during its 2016 Fall Rally. Brandon White, Nissan’s director of small cars, highlighted the sporty sedan’s enhancements during a lunch presentation with a menu made up of “small and quick” bites that foreshadowed the topic of the conversation.

Overall, Nissan says it made major enhancements to the Sentra focusing on steering, braking and suspension. The Sentra SR Turbo has a brand new, 1.6-liter direct injection gasoline turbocharged engine, putting out 188 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque.

On the exterior, LED headlights, LED brake lights, front fog lights and LED side-mirror turn signals all come standard. On the inside, people are surprised to find a rather large interior for a small car. Despite the car’s measurements, the Sentra has a roomy backseat and a tall ceiling, creating a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.

The Sentra is also a great value starting at just under $22,000. A premium option package is available with leather seats, Bose audio and blind-spot monitors. Navigation is also an add-on option.

Photo credit: Larry Nutson and Nissan Online Newsroom

SMDI and MAMA Partner for Fall Rally & Association's 25th Anniversary

MAMA Webmaster — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:12:30 GMT

Southfield, Michigan – The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), is partnering with the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) for its annual Fall Rally, held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. In addition to the annual event for automotive journalists, MAMA is celebrating its 25^th anniversary.

The event includes a mix of approximately 70 vehicles and attendees will hear presentations from automakers and other sponsors, and attendees will be able to participate in a variety of driving scenarios – including track, street and off-road.

“We are looking forward to the Fall Rally as an opportunity to see many of the 2017 model year vehicles in action,” said Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market, SMDI. “There are several new steel-bodied vehicles using the latest advanced high-strength steel grades to achieve superior performance at the highest value to the consumer.”

MAMA’s Fall Rally and its Spring Rally events allow members to test drive MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year contenders, which is awarded at the Chicago Auto Show, held annually in February.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.

SMDI increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal and Nucor Corporation. For more information on SMDI, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @SMDISteel on Twitter.

RAM Commercial Vehicle Lineup

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 21:11:42 GMT

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois – While sometimes overlooked by the average consumer, commercial vehicles play a critical role in the growth of new industries, small businesses, construction and delivery companies. Dave Sowers, head of Ram Commercial Trucks, took time to relay the importance of this fast-growing segment to the Midwest Automotive Media Association during MAMA’s August meeting.

Sowers said that Chicago is the No. 4 van market in the U.S. CYTD. It is also the fastest growing major market, up 21 percent year-over-year. The Ram brand now has the most complete line-up of vehicles in a long time and is excited about the 2016 Ram ProMaster City, Ram’s newest addition to its commercial vehicle lineup. ProMaster City contributes to the expanding, purpose-built van segment with functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. Sowers expanded to say that ProMaster City opens a door for incremental growth of Ram’s brand sales volumes. It is typically bought by small business owners, such as caterers, florists, dry cleaners and bakers, and offers best-in-class standard features where they count, including:

178 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque
Payload – 1,883 pounds
Cargo volume – 131.7 cubic feet
Unsurpassed 24 combined mpg (21 mpg city/29 mpg highway)
Unsurpassed towing capacity – 2,000 lbs.
Exclusive 9-speed automatic transmission
Powertrain warranty – five years/60,000 miles

After a delicious lunch and presentation, MAMA members walked outside to check out three Ram trucks on display: ProMaster City, ProMaster and Ram Chassis Cab. An up fitted Ram ProMaster showcased Bosch tools and provided greater insight to how businesses use these large vans.

Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day-in and day-out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

2016 MAMA Track Driving School

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:44:20 GMT

SOUTHFIELD, Michigan – The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), is partnering with Dodge and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) for the second annual Track Driving School program, held at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, on July 20.

Automotive journalists will begin with a classroom style lesson from the pros and then get hands-on driving experience on the track with the professional track driving instructors. The vehicle lineup includes the steel-intensive Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vehicles. Formed in 1991, MAMA has more than 240 members and brings together journalists and public relations professionals involved in the automotive industry.

“This is a great event for SMDI to partner with Dodge and the Midwest Automotive Media Association to really showcase the advantages of steel,” said Dr. Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market, SMDI. “Whether you’re taking hot laps around a race track or driving to and from work, a reliable vehicle is critical. Vehicles made with steel are lightweight, fuel efficient and durable, maintaining vehicle performance in all driving conditions.”

The MAMA Track Driving School began in 2015 as an opportunity for members to learn the nuances of driving on a race track with trained professionals. Of the numerous regional automotive press associations across the country, this type of event is unique to MAMA and developed in direct response to member requests and the need for high performance driver training to enable safe new vehicle evaluations.

###

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application ofnew steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.

SMDI increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation,ArcelorMittal and Nucor Corporation. For more information on SMDI, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @SMDISteel on Twitter.

Mecum Auction Recap

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:26:37 GMT

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois – Mecum Auctions presented during the monthly Midwest Automotive MediaAssociation meeting last week and gave members an insight into its world. Mecum is a world leader of collector cars, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the country. They’ve been specializing in collector car sales for 29 years and has become a well-established organization.

The very engaging John Kraman, Director of Consignment for Mecum Auctions and commentator on Mecum’s broadcasts on NBC Sports Network, addressed the group. To get a sense of just how big the organization has come, check out these numbers:

· Mecum receives 20,000 entries per year.

· Averages more than one auction each month with events scattered throughout the country.

· Generates $100 million in sales – in just the Chicago market alone.

· 9 semi-trucks needed to bring the auction supplies to each location.

· 200-250 Mecum staff needed to run the auctions.

· 40 staff to run the TV show (on NBCSN) – for show times, click here.

· Each minute of the auction, there’s a new car featured on the block – talk about action-packed.

· 60-70 cars on average are sold per event.

Another fun statistic: there are 2.6 million collector cars out there, but only 1 percent trade hands domestically.

So, why the need for an auction and not just sell the cars? According to Mecum, the competitive spirit changes the mindset a bit and excites buyers. They feel a sense of competition and a desire to have the vehicle on the block – there’s not a lot of time to think the decision through. However, Mecum doesn’t have too many issues with buyers’ remorse. Only 2-3 percent of people regret their decision and try to get out of the deal.

Overall, it was a very engaging and interesting meeting and members had tons of questions. Mecum certainly left attendees wanting more. Good news for MAMA members, Mecum has offered a media pass to MAMA members to attend the Chicago 2016 Mecum Auction at the Schaumburg Convention Center, Oct. 6-8. To obtain your pass, contact David Morton, Mecum Manager of Communications and Event Marketing, at DMorton@mecum.com. For more information on Mecum Auctions, visit Mecum.com.

Honda takes MAMA on a picnic with Ridgeline

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 01:23:01 GMT

CHICAGO, Illinois – Honda took advantage of the beautiful Chicago summer weather and hosted a picnic for MAMA members this week to show off the 2017 Ridgeline truck -- which just so happened to go on sale that same day.

Honda’s Public Relations Manager James Jenkins provided MAMA members an overview of the new Ridgeline – from a PowerPoint featured on a TV screen mounted to the back of the truck bed. Note: the truck offers an in-bed AC power outlet turning the entire bed into an audio system.

Overall, Jenkins said the new truck offers better ride comfort, better traction, better stability on and off the road, independent suspension, best active AWD in the market and a stronger, lighter body. The Ridgeline’s V6 engine provides top-of-class fuel economy delivering a city and highway combined 22 miles.

MAMA members enjoyed cold soda out of the Rideline’s lockable in-bed trunk (that can fit an 82-inch cooler!) that was filled to the brim with ice and an assortment of beverages. The bed length measures 64” long with tailgate, and 60” wide at bed walls. The truck has a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lbs. and a payload rating of 1,499 for the AWD RTL-E trim. Additionally, Honda says the Ridgeline’s best-in-class rear seat cargo space can fit an adult bike without removing a wheel.

On the interior, the Ridgeline features an 8” infotainment touchscreen interface, ambient lighting, smart start and a heated steering wheel. For safety, Honda Sensing offers adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, CMBS (vehicles and pedestrians), forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Additional assist features include blind spot information, rear cross traffic monitor and LaneWatch.

The Ridgeline starts at an MSRP of $29,475 for 2WD and tops out at $42,870.

And that's a Rally!

MAMA Webmaster — Sat, 28 May 2016 02:33:56 GMT

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin –Automakers and journalists once again descended on Road America this week, which has become home to the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally. An annual favorite, the two-day event draws top journalists from the across the country where they’re able to experience approximately 100 of the industry’s hottest vehicles. This year not only marks MAMA’s 15^thSpring Rally, but also the association’s 25^thanniversary.

Nearly 100 media and more than 60 manufacturers and affiliate members attended. The first evening, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) sponsored the traditional Wisconsin fish fry dinner for manufacturers and out-of-town journalists. This event has become an annual favorite “warm welcome” that reunites industry colleagues and friends.

The first morning opened with a breakfast hosted by GMC where the brand introduced the 2016 Yukon SLT Premium Edition – a chrome-trimmed special model offering a premium, personalized appearance on SLT models.

Following, CGI Motorsports hosted a track safety talk and then rally-goers were cut loose to take on the track and street drives. Following two hours of hot laps and test drives of Family Vehicle of the Year award contenders, Nissan sponsored a “farm to table” themed lunch where a brand executive provided detail on the LEAF. The lunch ended with a fun surprise for guests – Nissan treated everyone to smoothies made in blenders powered by the LEAF.

More track and street driving occurred, with go-karting (sponsored by Kia) closing out the afternoon. A quick attire change later, members were back at the Osthoff Resort for dinner, sponsored by General Motors and MAVEN Mobility. During the dinner, the Chicago Auto Show presented its “Best of Show” awards: “Best Exhibit” to Chevrolet; “Best Green Vehicle” also went to Chevrolet for the Volt; “Best All-New Production Vehicle” went to the Lexus LC 500; and “Vehicle I’d like to have in my driveway” went to the Ford GT. The night, per usual, concluded at Siebken’s Tavern (known as the “best bar on the racing circuit”), libations sponsored by GM and MAVEN.

The second morning kicked off with a breakfast hosted by Chrysler. This venue provided Chrysler the opportunity to highlight the all-new Pacifica and encourage those who haven’t already driven the family hauler to take it for a spin.

Back at Road America, journalists could partake in an off-road course, sponsored by Land Rover North America, or street driving. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the autocross portion – sponsored by Toyota – had to be cancelled. However, plenty of fun was had on the off-road course and driving vehicles members didn’t have time to test out the previous day.

By noon, everyone was hungry again and, thanks to ZF North America, MAMA members had a hearty sendoff lunch of traditional German fare before returning to their respective states. Rally-goers know to stay until the very end as MAMA raffled off a series of prizes provided by the automakers and some affiliate members. In addition, MAMA gave away four Amazon gift cards and a pair of iPads to sweeten the deal.

MAMA thanks additional sponsors who helped make the event memorable: Cars.com, Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo as fuel sponsors; Honda for WiFi; Hyundai for the Snack Oasis; Mercedes-Benz for keeping members safe on the track with helmets; G. Schmitz & Associates for Vehicle Playcards and stickers; and G. Schmitz & Associates and Drive Shop for event logistics. Finally, this featured event couldn’t come together without the hard work of the MAMA Rally Team; the MAMA Board of Directors thank all for their help.

The next MAMA event to look forward to will be hosted by Honda for a “Day at the Park!” Honda will have the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline loaded with cold refreshments as members enjoy a BBQ lunch and vehicle presentation. That event will be held on June 21 at the UIC Outdoor Picnic Grounds from noon to 2 p.m.

Members should also save the date for the 2016 MAMA Fall Rally which will be held on September 28 at the Autobahn Country Club. Following the track day, MAMA will also host a 25^thanniversary party to honor the association’s heritage and success. Stay tuned for more details.

GMC introduces Yukon SLT Premium Edition

MAMA Webmaster — Thu, 26 May 2016 02:51:45 GMT

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin – GMC today announced the 2016 Yukon SLT Premium Edition – a chrome-trimmed special model offering a premium, personalized appearance on SLT models.

Unveiled today before a gathering of automotive media from across the country at the annual 2016 MAMA Spring Rally, it goes on sale this summer, offered on Yukon and Yukon XL models. Features include:

· Unique design 22-inch chrome-wheels

· Unique design chrome grille

· Bright chrome body-side moldings

· Polished exhaust tip

“The new Yukon SLT Premium Edition adds distinction and personalized style to the already well-appointed Yukon SLT model,” said Stu Pierce, senior marketing manager, GMC Trucks & Full-size SUVs. “For discerning customers seeking uncompromising capability and unparalleled refinement in a full-size SUV, Yukon SLT Premium Edition delivers with the latest in technologies, amenities and a unique and premium style.”

Yukon and Yukon XL SLT models are powered by an advanced 5.3L V-8 engine that offers the segment’s best V-8 fuel economy: an EPA-estimated 23 highway mpg (2WD models).

Additional standard and available features on SLT models include:

· Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo capability and convenience, including an available power-folding feature

· Power rear liftgate with multiple programmable height settings and hands-free operation

· Wireless phone charging

· Standard 8-inch-diagonal color touch-screen radio with enhanced IntelliLink and available navigation

· Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility

· Keyless Open and Start

· 8,500-lb. max trailering for Yukon and 8,300-lb. max trailering for Yukon XL (2WD models)

The Yukon lineup also incorporates technologies that help protect the driver and passengers before, during and after a collision. They include a forward radar system and the segment’s only Front Center Air Bag (models with front bucket seats), which deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants in side impacts.

Phone projection technology

Through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Yukon’s IntelliLink infotainment system provides simple and intuitive use of smartphones in the vehicle. It integrates certain phone functions onto the 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen, allowing you to call up music, navigation apps and more.

Using either application is simple. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected and changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected through a USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later models.

OnStar 4G LTE and available Wi-Fi hotspot complement IntelliLink to enhance Yukon’s connectivity.

Fast Fact: Yukon and Yukon XL sales were up more than 11 percent for the first four months of 2016.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Haartz addresses MAMA members during May meeting

MAMA Webmaster — Fri, 13 May 2016 02:47:39 GMT

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois – Haartz Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of highly-engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings, presented to MAMA members during the monthly meeting. The supplier shared details of its new Jacquard Weaving Technology, which allows for designed patterns to be included in the topping material of convertibles. Most recently, Jacquard was applied on the 2016 MINI convertible which offers an optional Union Jack featured on the top; the Citroën DS3 which has the logo woven into the topping material; and the 60th anniversary Chevrolet Corvette, which included a blue racing stripe.

Haartz also highlighted its full range of capabilities and offerings in various segments including Luxury Cabrios (such as Mercedes C-Class); Ultra-luxury Cabrios (such as the Rolls-Royce Dawn they had on hand for media test drives); SUVs (including the Range Rover Evoque); Semi-Cabrios (Fiat 500C, for example); and Targas (such as the Honda S600 – not available in the U.S.).

The company discussed its collaboration with the manufacturers on creating tops that customers desire, and also referenced its growing business in the aftermarket space. Haartz educated members on the market, mentioning they have the lion’s share, but noting the biggest competition for the company is actually other “open air” concepts such as moon roofs.

Additional capabilities range from basic formulation of fibers, yarns, fabrics and elastomers to customized design and testing services to suit customer specific needs for material appearance, physical durability, and acoustical performance. For more information on Haartz or its capabilities and products, MAMA members can visit www.haartz.com.

2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn featuring Haartz convertible topping

National Safety Council presents 'My Car Does What?'

MAMA Webmaster — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 02:53:32 GMT

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois – The National Safety Council’s Alex Epstein and the University of Iowa’s Dr. Daniel McGehee, from the university’s transportation and vehicle safety research division, served as the guest speakers during the monthly Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) meeting to talk about their new initiative, “My Car Does What?” Perhaps exactly how it sounds, the My Car Does What campaign was designed to put consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to learning about safety and technology features found in vehicles today.

According to the National Safety Council and the University of Iowa, 95 percent of car crashes are due to driver error. However, new vehicle technology can help prevent or greatly reduce the severity of the crash. The technology is out there, but the issue the NSC and the University of Iowa are finding is that consumers do not know much about how the tech works or even how to read some of the icons within their vehicles – ultimately defeating the entire purpose of the technology being present in the vehicle.

According to McGehee, one of the most exciting tech advancements out there today is automatic braking. For those within the automotive industry, that term can sound tired – archaic even – when up against some of the forthcoming advancements such as driverless cars; however, the reality is most consumers are far behind this curve. For example, if automatic braking is present within a vehicle, most do not know how to operate it or what signs to look for when it’s about to kick in (i.e. does it kick in at any speed or just after 30 mph?). Studies show that people who know how to use the technology can decrease their risk of an accident, but 40 percent of people reported their vehicle operated in a manner they didn’t expect and 33 percent had to call their dealership or turn to Google for more information.

The National Safety Council and the University of Iowa have teamed up to provide an online, mobile- and tablet-friendly resource, MyCarDoesWhat.org, to help educate consumers. The website’s homepage lists the 28 technology and safety features present on vehicles today including: backup camera, antilock braking system, blind spot monitor, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, automatic parallel parking, backup warning, curve speed warning, drowsiness alert, electronic braking assistance, electronic stability control, forward collision warning, high speed alert, hill descent assist, hill start assist, lane keeping assist, night vision, obstacle detection, parking sensors, pedestrian detection, push button start, rear cross traffic alert, road surface warning, sideview camera and traction control.

To educate people on the features, each has an identifiable icon next to it. The responsive site is designed to help serve as an easy-to-navigate online manual for people who don’t want to spend hours thumbing through their hard copy booklet. Additionally, the website features videos, easy-to-read infographics and even fun games to help people better understand their vehicle’s functionalities.

While there isn’t an industry standard for technology or safety feature terminology (naturally, each brand wants to distinguish itself from its competition), MyCarDoesWhat.org is aimed to help to bridge the gap for people wanting to better understand their car’s current features and determine what’s most important to them when shopping for a new vehicle. Learn more here.

Who's ready to Rally?

MAMA Webmaster — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 23:13:51 GMT

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin – What’s always a highly-anticipated event, automotive manufacturers and journalists will soon descend on one of America’s most famous race tracks, Road America, for the 15th annual MAMA Spring Rally.

What’s always a highly-anticipated event, automotive manufacturers and journalists will soon descend on one of America’s most famous race tracks, Road America, for the 15th annual MAMA Spring Rally.

The two-day event will kick off with hot laps in some of the hottest vehicles as well as scenic on-road driving on Elkhart Lake’s winding roads. The second day will consist of Autocross (avoid the cones to score the best time) and off-roading on three modest-to-challenging courses. Additionally, rally-goers will be able to test-drive the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year nominees; the award will be presented to the manufacturer at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

Registration is now closed. For those attending, please ensure to fill out your digital waivers. Also, remember to tag social media posts with #MAMA16SR.

We’ll see you at the track!

Buick presents Cascada to Midwest Automotive Media Association

MAMA Webmaster — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 21:30:00 GMT

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois –Buick Vice President of Marketing Tony DiSalle spotlighted the all-new Buick Cascada during the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) monthly meeting. The Cascada is one of four new vehicles that Buick recently introduced or will unveil this year. Sharing showroom space with the Encore, Envision and Enclave, the Cascada enters a “white space” in the compact coupe convertible market.

While the Cascada is new to the U.S., it has been available in Europe since 2013 under the Opel name. Designed from the ground up to be a convertible, DiSalle says to not mistake the Cascada for a performance vehicle – there are plenty of others to fill that need. Instead, the Cascada mirrors Buick’s already established image of “beautiful, quiet, spirited and efficient.”

“This is not a ‘throw your head back, 0-60 miles per hour kind of car,’” DiSalle explained.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. The power-operated top can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31 mph in just 17 seconds. The sculpted simple, yet sporty, convertible rides on 20-inch alloy wheels that come standard.

From a tech standpoint, the Cascada becomes a mobile hotspot with standard 4G LTE in-car WiFi. Also available is OnStar’s RemoteLink system that allows owners to control their car remotely. Users of the RemoteLink mobile app can turn on and off their vehicle, manage WiFi usage, lock or unlock the doors and even locate the vehicle. Rear-seat entry is eased to allow passengers to enter the vehicle comfortably, thanks to a system that automatically powers the front seats forward. The technology also automatically moves the seats back when the seatback is returned to the upright position.

In terms of safety, the Cascada offers rollover protection bars that deploy behind the rear seats in the event a rollover is detected. Additional features include lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and efficient windshield wipers that can sense rain.

DiSalle gave a glimpse into Buick’s future and said the brand will continue to focus on three key items: quality, customer satisfaction and – to the auto journalists’ delight – new product. Buick continues to court a younger demographic and conduct advertising with the goal of shifting its brand image.

The Cascada starts at a $33,990 and has already proven to be popular in Chicago. Buick doubled its sales expectations with the Cascada last month – speaking volumes for a convertible in the month of February in Chicago.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association names Volvo XC90 the 2016 Family Vehicle of the Year

MAMA Webmaster — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 12:30:00 GMT

CHICAGO, Illinois – The Midwest Automotive Media Association announced today that the 2016 Volvo XC90 has been named the winner of its sixth annual Family Vehicle of the Year award.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, developed the award to help the consumer make a wise buy when it’s time to shop for a family vehicle. “Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. It should be versatile, reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicle from an excellent group of new and notably refreshed models, and the Volvo XC90 ended up at the top,” said award coordinator Damon Bell.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, start at less than $50,000, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2015 Spring Rally, which took place last May. The MAMA Spring and Fall rallies feature roughly 100 manufacturer vehicles for journalists to drive and evaluate.

Voting took place at both rallies, creating a list of 13 contenders: the Fiat 500X, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sedona, Kia Sorento, Lincoln MKX, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and Volvo XC90.

MAMA members then took part in the final vote. A total of 87 automotive journalists voted the 2016 Volvo XC90 the winner with 128 total points, besting the 2016 Honda Pilot, which garnered 90 total points. The 2015 Kia Sedona placed third with 43 total points.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

Voting for the 2017 Family Vehicle of the Year award will begin at the 2016 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 25-26 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The Fall Rally is set for September 28 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, the Midwest Automotive Media Association is comprised of more than 200 automotive journalists and public relations professionals. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues, and new products in the auto industry.

2016 MAMA Business Meeting Minutes

MAMA Webmaster — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 11:00:00 GMT

LOMBARD, Illinois – The 2016 MAMA Business Meeting was held at Harry Caray's on Jan. 27. MAMA board members provided reports on how the organization had progressed over the last year, and the membership elected the board for 2016.

For 2016, the MAMA board will consist of Webmaster Jennifer Morand; Vice President of Membership Fred Ligouri; Secretary Kelley Enright; Treasurer Larry Nutson; Vice President Jill Ciminillo; and President Patrick Olsen.

In addition, Dave Sloan and Mark Bilek provided a preview of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, which will include a series of vehicle debuts.

The Treasurer’s news for the year was positive. We began 2015 with a balance of $75,720, took in $157,850 during the year, (which includes $10,485 in late payments from 2014 CY), spent $137,447, and ended with a balance of $96,125 in Jan. 2016.

Secretary Jennifer Morand reported that during the 2015 MAMA Business Meeting, there were 28 people in attendance. The 2015 Chicago Auto Show MAMA Breakfast had approximately 400 people in attendance; the Chrysler 200 was named Family Vehicle of the Year. In March, Chrysler hosted 40 guests at The Grove in Glenview to test drive the 300. MAMA hosted its annual Spring Rally last May at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. 160 industry personnel attended, 88 of which were journalists. MAMA held a track school for members last July at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI to get them comfortable with track driving and safety precautions. Space was limited to 24 attendees total, and was split into morning and afternoon sessions; Dodge was the presenting sponsor. Nissan hosted the July monthly meeting to discuss Maxima; there were 35 members in attendance. GM hosted 30 attendees for an August meeting to announce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 14 GM models. Honda also hosted an August meeting to share details for its light truck lineup; 40 members attended. September’s meeting focused on Jaguar Land Rover and the XE and F-Pace; 27 attended that meeting. MAMA held its annual Fall Rally in October at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet. A private dinner in Bobby Rahal’s garage kicked everything off. There were 120 people in attendance, 77 of which were journalists. Also in October, Toyota shared details with members on the 2016 Tacoma; 30 members attended that presentation. Then, in December, MAMA threw a Holiday Social for 60 members at the historic Danada House in Wheaton. Overall, the average meeting attendance in 2015 was 32 members, not counting rallies or special events.

Vice President of Membership Fred Ligouri reported that as of the date of the meeting, MAMA’s total membership stood at 246 members. This represents a slight increase, from 233 in 2015, in membership year over year. Of the current 246 members, 82 are affiliate members, 162 are media members, and 2 are in the retired class of membership.

Ford’s Mark LaNeve to keynote MAMA breakfast at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview

MAMA Webmaster — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:26:13 GMT

CHICAGO, Illinois – The 2016 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview will open on Thursday, Feb. 11 with a keynote from Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service Ford Motor Co. during the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) breakfast from 8-9 a.m.

During the opening portion of the breakfast, MAMA President Patrick Olsen will present the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year award and introduce Mark LaNeve. LaNeve is responsible for all marketing, sales, service, customer care and dealer relations for the Ford and Lincoln brands. His focus is on continuing to build the Ford brand through innovative new digital communications and transforming the retail experience for customers. LaNeve came to Ford after several years leading the company’s marketing and advertising agency, Global Team Ford, where he was chief operating officer since August 2012. In this role, LaNeve led not only Team Detroit, which services the Ford brand in the U.S., but also the agency’s operations in London, Sao Paulo and Shanghai, as well as Hudson Rouge, the Lincoln agency in New York City.

“The Chicago Auto Show is very important to Ford and its Chicagoland dealers,” said LaNeve. “We look forward to seeing the excitement this show generates as well as the automotive passion of all Chicagoans.”

“It’s an honor to have someone of Mark’s caliber to open the nation’s largest auto show,” said Colin Wickstrom, 2016 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “Ford has long supported the Chicago Auto Show with executive addresses, important product introductions and some of the largest displays it produces worldwide.”

Doors open for the MAMA breakfast at 7 a.m. on Feb. 11. Valid media or exhibitor credentials are required for admission.