MAMA News

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.

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.

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.

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.! 

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.

 

  

  

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. 

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 electric vehicles (EVs) can fit individual needs and lifestyles. Featured brands available for test drives included: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

 

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.”

  

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!

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. 

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."

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.