GM Takeover of the South Florida International Auto Show

November 22, 2011 10:01 am CT

The South Florida International Auto Show took place in Miami Beach, Florida from Oct. 28^th through Nov. 6^th and GM was proud to be a part of the action! We had thechance to share compelling stories about GM’s brands, generate excitement around our captivating 2012 product line and show our commitment to building and selling the world’s best vehicles.

James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs for General Motors, was in town for the auto show and took the time to meet with some key business and community leaders in the South Florida market including Brandon A. Okpalobi, President of the Young Professional Network (YPN) and Liliam Lopez, President of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Both of whom have aided the GM South Florida grassroots team in improving opinion about our brand.   

GM also hosted the 5^th Annual Southern Automotive Media Association Luncheon and Awards Presentation during the opening day of the show. The luncheon, which attracted over 100+ members of the media and guests, gave us the opportunity to showcase representatives from various GM disciplines who shared insights about their contribution to the brand’s resurgence. Then, at the end of the luncheon, SAMA presented an award to the Cadillac Ciel for the Best Concept Car of the Show!

After the luncheon, everyone headed over to the Ruedas ESPN Awards Presentation. As it turns out, Chevrolet ended up winning the Best Convertible of the Year award for the Camaro SS and Best Car of the Year for the Cruze! It was definitely an honor to be recognized by Jaime Florez and Sergio Tacchella!

All this and the day wasn’t over yet…

As a way of saying THANK YOU to all of those local influencers who have shown their support for the GM grassroots efforts in South Florida, we hosted the first South Florida International Auto Show Shindig + Awards. The cocktail reception, which attracted over 40 local GM influencers, was a way of showing our appreciation to those who have served as GM brand ambassadors and honor them for their involvement. Eight different award categories were presented and winners walked away with a plaque, these included:

GM Social Media Champion of the Year: Jewel Figueras – Jewel’s Fab Life

GM Road Warrior Champion of the Year: Craig Agranoff – Worst Pizza

GM Preferred Partner of the Year: Heather Radi-Bermudez – Florida International University

GM Best C2P Loaner of the Year: Marlon Hill – Delancyhill, P.A.

GM Grassroots Chevrolet Dealer of the Year: Harry Astor – Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall

GM Grassroots Buick-GMC Dealer of the Year: Mario Murgado – Brickell Motors

GM Grassroots Cadillac Dealer of the Year: Ed Williamson – Williamson Cadillac

GM Media Friend of the Year: Jaime Florez – Sobre Ruedas

Everyone in attendance also received a GM goodie bag and tickets to the 2011 South Florida International Auto Show!

Overall it was a great day for General Motors and we hope our guests enjoyed the festivities as much as we did!

Until next time!