CRUZE FEATURED AT NOVEMBER MEETING
AT SMITH & WOLLENSKY

By Ray Mummery, photos by Pepe Delfino

The November SAMA luncheon meeting began with the members facing a horrendous traffic jam on 395 from the mainland to Miami Beach as construction is beginning on the Port Tunnel.  Note to self: “Avoid the causeway for the next three years”

The meeting was called to order at 12.30 by President  Paul Borden, who welcomed the 25-plus guests and noted that several members, including Treasurer Marcello Serrato, were attending the LA  Auto Show.

The usual wonderful lunch was served by the very attentive Smith & Wollensky staff and was hosted by Chevrolet, showcasing the Cruze.

During lunch ballots were distributed, collected and counted under the direction of Angelo Serrato, who served as the Election Representative. Angelo also brought with him absentee ballots from members who could not attend.

After results were tabulated, it was announced that the officers for 2011 would be Paul Borden President; Bill Adam Vice President; Jaime Florez, Secretary; and Marcelo Serrato, Treasurer.

With event chairman Bill Adam away on business, Paul reported on the Rides  N’  Smiles  upcoming event Nov. 27 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and asked the volunteers to report to the track at 8 am.  He noted that both Baptist and Miami Children’s Hospital would be bringing children, and that we anticipate more than 100 riders.

Any member with items that would be good for inclusion in the "goodie" bags for the children were asked to notify Bill Adam so they could be picked up.

Manufacturer support has been exceptional, and we will have at least 14 top line cars for the rides. Drivers are reminded that they are expected to refuel the car they are driving  during the lunch break. As last year’s Viper driver, I feel  your pain.

Tony Serrato announced that the Christmas Party will be at 8 p.m. at The Redfish Grill on Dec. 10. This will be a Sponsor Appreciation night those manufacturers who have favored SAMA with their support throughout the year.

John Kiskinis reported on the recent South Florida International Auto Show, which he characterized as being very successful, with increased manufacturer participation and more attendees.

Rick Baker, president of the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, reported a 7 percent attendance increase and noted that the new Green Way exhibit featured the SAMA  Star of the Show Chevrolet Volt and the SAMA Green Technology Vehicle  winner the Nissan Leaf.  SAMA also named Jeep’s “Lower Forty” as the Best Concept Vehicle.

Our luncheon speaker was Mike Danowski, product manager for Chevrolet Cruze. GM was also represented by Araba Dowell, Stephanie Camargo, Melissa Galarza and Angie Diaz.

Danowski told the audience that while the Volt is currently leading in publicity, Cruze, which shares the same platform, will have a much larger sales volume.

He reported Chevrolet sales were up 17 percent and that they represented 72 percetnt of GM sales.

The market niche for the Cruze is upscale premium quality in the compact class.  The car is the  biggest in class, has the best mileage and the most  premium features including a 5-star safety rating.

With the most economical engine and  transmission options the Cruze will give 42 mpg in highway driving. The 1.4 turbo engine has the turbo built into the exhaust manifold to reduce turbo lag and simplify construction, and  there are many other state-of-the-art, class-leading innovations.

Following an excellent creme brulet dessert, the meeting  adjourned to  spend some time with the Cruzes in the parking lot. Short ride-and-drives also were offered.

SAMA wants to thank Chevrolet for sponsoring the event, and we look forward to future meetings with GM.