MAMA News

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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. 

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 10th 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.

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 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.

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’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.