MAMA News

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 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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 

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.