Posts Tagged ‘Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association’
Georgia Journalists Name Chrysler’s Pacifica Best Family Car 2016
2016 Family Car Challenge Winners
For Further Information:
Christopher Lawrence
AutoAcademics
(215) 514-8002
Georgia Journalists Name Chrysler’s Pacifica Best Family Car 2016
ATLANTA: The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) held its fourth annual Family Car Challenge at Lake Lanier Islands and named the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica the best family car for 2016. More than 40 journalists, representing national and publications and websites as well as bloggers and broadcast automotive journalists, test drove 24 vehicles and rated the cars and trucks.
In addition to the Pacifica winning Best Family Car, the other category winners were:
Best Value: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Best Technology: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Best Three Row: 2016 Ford Explorer
Best Family Pickup Truck: 2016 Ram 1500
Best Luxury: 2016 Lexus LX 570
Best Green: 2017 Chevrolet Volt
“It was our most competitive Family Car Challenge yet and our journalists took almost 200 rides in the cars and trucks in order to truly get a feel for the vehicle, its value, energy efficiency, its technology and comfort,” says GAAMA President Christopher Lawrence, CEO of AutoAcademics. “In the front of our minds was always the family factor and whether this would be a vehicle that would be as family-friendly doing school drop-offs as well as taking the family road trip.”
Another exciting aspect of the Challenge was that the journalists were among the first to test drive some vehicles that were just re-introduced to the market, such as the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E. “Because of the Family Car Challenge our members’ readers and listeners will be able to get some of the first initial impressions of these remarkable cars,” says Lawrence. “It’s another testament as to the respect GAAMA’s Family Car Challenge is receiving within the automotive industry.”
Participating manufacturers were: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
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GAAMA’s objective is to further professionalism of the automotive media, provide a forum for newsworthy people and products connected with the automotive industry and to bring together people whose activities are related to the field of automotive journalism, public relations and related fields for the mutual benefit of all parties.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 at Babette’s Cafe
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 on display at Babette’s Cafe.
Babette’s Café set the scene for the October 28th Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association luncheon sponsored by Mazda. Tamara Mlynarczyk and Dan Calhoun introduced us to the 2016 Mazda CX-3. What a sweet ride … the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the fifth vehicle introduced to the U.S. with KODO—Soul of Motion design, encasing Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV Technology. The new CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV was developed to “Create the standard for the next era.” It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers, supporting creative, adventurous lifestyles wherever – from the urban sprawl to the weekend getaway.
Key Features:
All trim levels will come with a standard
SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, paired exclusively
with a six-speed automatic transmission
– Standard push-button starter
– Standard keyless entry
– Manual-shift Sport mode
– Available i-ACTIV AWD on all trim levels
– Available power glass moonroof heated seats
and cargo cover
– One-, two- or three-tone premium cloth,
leatherette or leather interior seating surfaces
– Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels
– 60/40 fold down rear seats
– Active Driving Display
– New Ceramic Metallic body color
Technology Highlights:
– Standard MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment
System with seven-inch full-color touchscreen
display and voice command
– Aha™, Pandora® and Sticher™ internet radio
– Available BOSE audio system, SiriusXM
satellite radio and HD radio
– Multi-function commander control
Safety and Security Highlights:
– Rear Camera (standard)
– i-ACTIVSENSE
– Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
– Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
– Smart Brake Support (SBS)
– Lane Departure Warning
– Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
– Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert
– High Beam Control
– Adaptive Front Lighting System
Barbara Pomerance of Pomerance & Associates with Mazda CX-3.
A view of the stylish interior and perfectly-placed display.
Sleek alloy wheels.
Tamara Mlynarczyk happily greets GAAMA members.
Jim Tucker introduces Dan Calhoun.
Babette’s Cafe prepared a feast.
Tamara Mlynarczyk thanks GAAMA members for attending.
Dan Caloun explains the Mazda CX-3’s technology to a captivated full house.
Since all good things must come to an end, we bid adieu to the Mazda CX-3 and Babette’s Cafe.
Special thanks to Tamara Mlynarczyk, Dan Calhoun and Mazda for a a delious meal and stellar presentation.
Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association Meets the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD
2016 Nissan TITAN XD
On Monday, Sept. 28 the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association met for an up-close-and-personal look at the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD at the College Football Hall of Fame. A perfect meeting place since The Heisman House campaign supports Nissan’s long-running sponsorship of the Heisman Memorial Trophy Award. Sincerest thanks to our friend, Nissan’s Steve Parrett, Manager, Southeast & South Central Communications for hosting us.
The 2016 Nissan TITAN XD is set to shake up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment when it goes on sale in the United States and Canada beginning in December 2015 – with a bold all-new design that stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries.
Called the “XD,” it offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds* and maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds* (when properly equipped) – yet has the fuel-efficiency* and affordability of a half-ton pickup.
The new TITAN XD Crew Cab, which was shown in Detroit with its powerful Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available in the full TITAN lineup.
“The full-size truck market is the toughest market to crack in the entire industry, with so many outstanding products available,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Nissan TITAN XD is designed to offer buyers something the others don’t – combining outstanding towing and hauling capabilities and exceptional towing and hauling fuel economy. It also offers excellent ride comfort and handling, and the features and amenities that real working truck owners want.”
The all-new TITAN XD, like the first-generation Titan, was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi. The TITAN XD’s engine will be sourced from Cummins Inc. in Indiana. And, the lead designer and nearly four-dozen engineers also worked on the original 2004 TITAN development.
Barbara Pomerance with Nissan’s Steve Parrett, Manager, Southeast & South Central Communications .
The roomy interior of the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD.
The premium wheels of the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD.
The stylish grill of the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD.
Peter Luttenbacher, Nissan Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc., highlights the design and features of the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD.
Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association members gathered at historic Brumby Hall to experience the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X.
On Wednesday, July 15, Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association members gathered at historic Brumby Hall to experience the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X.
The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with advanced drive systems, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features.
With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.
A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration in different driving conditions.
The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.
Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
2016 Fiat 500X.
Historic Brumby Hall.
Barbara Pomerance, Pomerance & Associates with Kimberly Shults of Fiat.
GAAMA President Jim Tucker welcomes attendees.
Kimberly Shults, South Region Communications Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Vern Bremmer explained the design, technology and safety features of the 2016 Fiat 500X.
The stylish dash of the 2016 Fiat 500X.
GAAMA members enjoyed a garden view while dining.
The traditional southern buffet included fried chicken, catfish and hush puppies.
The event ended on a sweet note. Thank you, Fiat!
Highlights from the June GAAMA Luncheon with Lexus
Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association members enjoyed a close-up, hands-on experience of the Lexus RC F yesterday at JCT Kitchen.
Born on the grueling Fuji International Speedway, the 2015 Lexus RC F performance sedan is the fastest, most dominant sedan Lexus has ever built. The Lexus RC F features a 467 horsepower 5.0 liter V8 engine, 8-speed transmission and a sleek coupe body style.
Highlights below:
Video courtesy of GAAMA member Wojtek Wysocki.
GAAMA members enjoyed a great meal.
Great weather for a great ride.
The 2015 Lexux RC F.
Check out the mini version for racing.
Marcus Williams, Vehicle Operations Manager, Lexus Southern Area.
Chad Deshenes, Product Training Specialist, Lexus Southern Area.
