MAMA News

Last month, Mazda hosted an eMeet to share more about the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models. Kingsley Iduma, Mazda’s Vehicle Line Planning Manager, led the Zoom meeting to share the primary highlights of the vehicles. He touched on three key components:

• Elevated performance: Mazda took another step forward with the introduction of its turbo-charged engine with standard all-wheel drive on both the Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models.
• Advanced technology: New technologies were introduced in the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models to further heighten the brand’s safety reputation within the industry and meet the expectations of customers shopping for a premium vehicle.
• Craftsmanship: The new turbo models adopt a matured “Kodo” design, taking inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and adopting a “less is more” approach. Mazda focused solely on what is essential to both vehicles’ form when crafting these new models.

Mazda3 2.5 Turbo

The new 2.5-liter turbo engine gives the 2021 Mazda3 heightened power and performance. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 turbo puts out 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo now comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Additional premium feature highlights include a color head-up display with street-sign recognition, 12-speaker Bose audio system, and 18-inch forged BBS wheels.

Mazda CX-30 Turbo

For the 2021 model year, the biggest difference in the CX-30 is its new turbo-charged engine. According to Mazda, this upscale powertrain brings more peak power while delivering a direct and connected driving experience. Additionally, the new turbo-charged engine delivers better traction capabilities, improving the driver’s handling and confidence. The 2021 model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic.

Additional available features include:

• Bose 12-speaker premium audio
• Heated steering
• Leather seats
• Power liftgate
• 360-degree monitoring
• Head-up display
• Traffic jam assist
• Smart city brake support reverse
• Rear cross traffic braking

Official pricing for both the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models has yet to be released, but it’s expected to hover around $30,000.

Save the date! The next MAMA eMeet is on the calendar for Thursday, April 22 at 11 a.m. CDT. The topic is centered around April’s National Car Care Month and the presentation will be led by Turtle Wax. To register, click here. 

Car Talk with Click and Clack might have popularized car shopping and maintenance tips as entertainment worthy of radio waves, but the proliferation of podcasts has led to topics as varying as every make, model, and trim. MAMA members spend many hours on the road, and these portable podcast companions illuminate the latest news as well as interview guests and pop quizzes.

Some broadcasts can be caught on the AM radio, and in cars where that’s not possible (Volvo, Tesla, what’s the frequency?), there are podcasts, available wherever and whenever there is the internet.

Here’s a brief rundown of MAMA member podcasts that we like to lend an ear. Most can be found on the internet or through podcast platforms ranging from Apple Podcasts to Spotify.

Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast

The editorial team of Consumer Guide Automotive featuring host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell partners with co-host Jill Ciminillo in an honor roll of past MAMA presidents in this 50-minute weekly recap available online any time but also broadcast on WCPT AM 820 radio every Sunday at 1pm CST. The format bridges fun and fact with a news recap to start the set before a guest host takes this party of three into a fantastic foursome playing through a weekly quiz, new car review, and automotive ephemera from the week.

Drive Chicago Radio Podcast

The long-running radio show broadcast Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. on WLS-AM 890 extends life as a podcast. WLS News anchor Rob Martier joins co-hosts Mark Bilek, past MAMA president and current Senior Director of Communications for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), and Jim OBrill, Director of Marketing for CATA, to present a weekly microcosm of the Chicago Auto Show. In addition to covering the weekly automotive news, the hosts interview a guest, review a specific model, and talk car shopping tips and maintenance advice.

True Road Trip Tales Podcast

At the crossroads of cars and rock ‘n roll is the road trip, and this upstart podcast features narrative-based stories of the road trips that define our lives and the playlists that rock our souls. Host and founder Scott Leff interviews a guest with insight from resident gearhead Brian Smith and a score from producer Tyson Ellert. MAMA VP Robert Duffer was featured in Episode 8 at the end of Season 1 in “Road Trip Reawakening.”

Cars.com Unscheduled Maintenance Podcast

Entering a third season, “Unscheduled Maintenance” is 20-minute podcast from Cars.com and hosted by Steve Gaede that focuses on car dealer marketing and the back-end of how dealer websites work, and how they don’t.

Pickup Truck + SUV Talk Podcast

This infrequent podcast builds off host Tim Esterdahl and co-host and MAMA member Jill Ciminillo’s live-streamed segments from their YouTube page, covering the latest pickup truck and SUV news, of course.

RoadWorthy Drive Podcast

The RoadWorthy Drive podcast is where mobility and technology meet the open road. This weekly podcast doesn't always "color between the lines" as MAMA member Ken Chester and Chase Siebert discuss and debate the various aspects of mobility and related technology. From your current daily driver to EVs, autonomous vehicles, micromobility, heavy trucks, and space travel, it's subject to be covered. Related issues such as privacy and security are also discussed. 

BONUS:

The Fast Lane Talkin’ Cars Podcast

While they’re not MAMA members, it’s worth noting this podcast. Fathers and sons, cars and trash talking, go together like gas and engines. Father-son duo Roman Mica and son Tommy take their charm and insights from the video reviews posted on TheFastLaneCar.com and apply it to this weekly hour-long podcast full of genuine laughs, filial bickering, and compelling automotive news of the week. The banter between these two is as fun as the cars they’re covering.

MAMA’s first president, Jim Mateja, played an important role in Robert Duffer joining MAMA back in 2014. Duffer, who at the time was the Chicago Tribune’s Autos editor, brought back the veteran automotive journalist as a freelance writer, and with Mateja’s return, Duffer also got a mentor who was “always nudging me to be a part of MAMA.”

Thankfully, Duffer listened to Mateja and joined MAMA. He later became a rally committee member, and today, he’s MAMA’s senior VP, working with MAMA President Harvey Briggs. 

Duffer is a senior editor at The Car Connection. He lives in Action Heights, a suburb of Chicago more commonly known as Arlington Heights, with his two kids and a dog.

Q: What led you to accept the senior VP role?

A: With my professional life more solidified following the Tribune, and my personal life less chaotic with my kids getting older and my dog getting less dumb, I was overdue to give back to an organization that has given me so many unique opportunities. I also wanted the challenge of serving our member journalists as well as automotive partners in expanding our reach and creating unique programs, pandemic be damned, that benefit enthusiasts, consumers, and anyone else interested in four-wheel fun.

Q: What 2021 MAMA plans have you most excited?

A: I’m looking forward to seeing my friends in the automotive world. That’s one big reason I’m looking forward to the rally in October. The other is burning rubber at Road America.

Q: What makes MAMA stand apart from other automotive organizations?

A: The people. I don’t know if it’s the goofy acronym that I’m sure Mateja is still winking at from up high, or the alleged Midwestern sensibilities, but MAMA folk are like family, and the family reunions are on race tracks and off-road courses.

Q: What’s been keeping you sane (or somewhat sane) during the pandemic?

A: Dog walks, long drives, random hikes, checking off the ever-growing list of home improvement projects, and spending a lot of unusual quality time with my kids, who both became teens during the pandemic. There’s been a lot of ping-pong and basement mini-hoop, chess and board games, and we wrote a song or two about Gingerbread the dog.

Keep up with Duffer’s Twitter musings at @DufferRobert, and read more of his work at www.robertduffer.com.

MAMA continues to have success keeping its members informed in a (primarily) virtual world via its eMeet series. The one-hour presentations are intended to keep manufacturers connected with media individuals to share the latest product and company news, with most concluding with a live Q&A session among the presenters and the media attendees.

Following each eMeet, MAMA recaps the presentations via its News section on the MAMA website. Refer to this link when digging for more details and information on recent and past MAMA eMeets. Also follow along live with the hashtag #MAMAeMeet.

A brief outline of the latest eMeets include:

• Hyundai hosted another eMeet to share details of its significantly refreshed 2021 Santa Fe 5-passenger SUV.
• Kia introduced the 2021 Sorento to MAMA members and fielded live questions from the audience.
• Maserati hosted its first eMeet to share updates on the recently unveiled MC20 and share the scoop on the luxury brand’s 2021 model year lineup.
• Nissan hosted another presentation to introduce the newly re-invented 2022 Nissan Pathfinder to members. 
• Mazda closed out the month with an eMeet to discuss the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 turbo models.
• Next up on the MAMA calendar is an eMeet with Turtle Wax to talk about car care (April is National Car Care Month). This will take place virtually April 22 at 1 p.m. CDT. Be on the lookout for this invite. 

MAMA also hosted the 2021 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards announcement via a virtual #MAMAeMeet. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban received the 11th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award and the 2021 Genesis G80 was announced as the Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. Voting for the 2022 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards will begin at the 2021 MAMA Rally, scheduled to take place Oct. 13-14 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. 

If you’re an automaker or affiliate member interested in setting up an eMeet, please contact MAMA SVP Robert Duffer.

Recently, MAMA members had the opportunity to hear from Mike Glime, Maserati’s head of brand management for North America, and Karl DeBoer, Maserati’s MC20 brand manager, during MAMA’s latest eMeet. Both Glime and DeBoer shared information and updates on the luxury brand’s 2021 model year lineup, including an expanded Trofeo collection with V8 engines in the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte. Overall, the entire 2021 model year lineup receives a significant range of styling updates as well as a new Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system and the addition of active driving assist. 

MC20

DeBoer also shared updates on the newly unveiled MC20, which takes the brand back to its racing roots (it has been 20 years since Maserati last produced a supercar, the MC12). He said the MC20 delivers in luxury, performance and sportiness and features the brand’s new Nettuno engine. The MC20’s V6 produces 621 horsepower with 538-lb.-ft. of torque, delivering 0-62 acceleration in under 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The MC20 is expected to arrive in the U.S. in fall 2021.

For the 2021 model year, Maserati unifies the styling among the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte to make these vehicles instantly recognizable. Key design highlights include a new front grille and rear light clusters that provide a boomerang shape inspired by the 3200 GT. Maserati also gave the lineup modern upgrades inside while keeping signature design cues.

2021 Maserati Model Year Lineup

The instrument clusters inside the vehicles are redesigned for the 2021 model year and have received new dials, needles and typography – inspired by timepieces and jewelry, which the brand knows are also important to its customers. The 7-inch TFT display also features improved graphics with a black background and white retro-illuminated dials. Also new for the 2021 model year is the addition of Zegna Pelletessuta, a premium industry-exclusive woven leather interior. It is available on all three nameplates on GranSport/GranLusso trims as well as GTS and Trofeo models.

All vehicles feature the new generation Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system, powered by an Android Auto operating system. The 2021 infotainment system includes: Bluetooth for multiple devices, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a reconfigurable home screen, over-the-air updates, Alexa in-vehicle voice assistant, e-call, remote diagnostics control, live navigation services, personal account, and app store access.

The addition of active driving assist is also available in all three 2021 models. The technology is available as long as the adaptive cruise control system is activated, which aims to reduce driver fatigue and keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Levante

For the 2021 model year, the Levante receives an updated front grille with a tuning fork design, available in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for the GranSport. Notable interior updates include significant changes in both design and tech for the central display and instrument cluster. The 8.4-inch infotainment screen receives improved resolution and graphics. The 2021 Levante lineup includes the Levante, Levante S, Levante GTS, and Levante Trofeo.

Ghibli

In addition to the rear light clusters, the 2021 Ghibli also receives an updated grille with a tuning fork design, available on the same trims as the Levante. The Ghibli’s center screen is now larger (10.1 inches) and also receives improved resolution and graphics for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Ghibli lineup includes the Ghibli, Ghibli S, Ghibli S Q4, and Ghibli Trofeo.

Quattroporte

Maserati’s flagship, the Quattroporte, also features the upgraded grille with the same GranLusso and GranSport offerings as the Levante and Ghibli, along with the enhanced boomerang-shaped lighting cluster at the rear. The Quattroporte also receives the same enhanced central screen as the Ghibli, which has been enlarged to 10.1-inches with a curved glass top.  

The 2021 Quattroporte lineup includes the Quattroporte, Quattroporte S Q4, and Quattroporte Trofeo.

Trofeo Collection

The Trofeo collection has been expanded for the 2021 model year to include the Ghibli and Quattroporte, and now, all three models feature a V8 engine that produces 580 horsepower making the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte the fastest Maserati sedans ever built with a top speed of 203 mph. The Levante goes up to 187 mph. Both of the sedans feature Corsa buttons for top performance and enhanced driving dynamics.

The next MAMA eMeet will be hosted on Wednesday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to noon CDT, led by Nissan to share updates on the newly reinvented 2022 Pathfinder. Registration for that eMeet is now open.

CHICAGO (Feb. 17, 2021) – Today the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as the recipient of the 11^th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award and the 2021 Genesis G80 as the Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year during a virtual award presentation.

MAMA, a nonprofit association comprised of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, developed these two awards to assist car-shopping families in making a wise and decision when selecting a new vehicle.

“The Family Vehicle of the Year Award is different from others in that it’s focused on just one extremely important category of vehicle,” said MAMA President Harvey Briggs. “Whether mainstream or luxury, families need a vehicle that’s versatile, comfortable, reliable, capable, and provides a good value for the money. More than 90 journalists participated in the voting based on their experience with the entrants, making the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and Genesis G80 deserving winners in a very competitive field.”

In addition to the winners, mainstream finalists were the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Highlander for Family Vehicle of the Year and the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Corsair for the luxury category. To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors and be new or significantly updated within the past year.

“It’s an honor to receive recognition for Tahoe and Suburban as the Family Vehicle of the Year, a role these vehicles have embraced for decades,” said Chevrolet Trucks Marketing Director Bob Krapes. “Both Tahoe and Suburban are iconic vehicles that have been transformed for this generation to offer more of the space and technologies families love and need for life’s journeys.”

“We are delighted that the Midwest Automotive Media Association has named the all-new Genesis G80 as 2021 Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year,” said Genesis Motor North America President & CEO Mark Del Rosso. “With its bold new design, world-class technologies, and refined driving experience, we are pleased that the 2021 G80 has captured the hearts and minds of customers and industry experts in the Midwest and across the country.”

Voting for the 2022 MAMA Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards will begin at the 2021 MAMA Rally, currently scheduled to take place Oct. 13-14 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

For more information about the Midwest Automotive Media Association and its Family Vehicle and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Awards, please visit www.mamaonline.org.

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About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 30^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 211 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), an organization comprised of automotive journalists and related industry professionals, elected its 2021 board of directors during its annual January business meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom. Founded in 1991, MAMA celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

Harvey Briggs will step into the role of MAMA President. Robert Duffer was elected as Senior Vice President, and Jennifer Newman was re-elected to a second term as Vice President of Membership.

MAMA Secretary Kelley Enright, Treasurer Larry Nutson and Communications Director Jennifer Morand will carry out the second year of their two-year terms.  

Damon Bell, who served as MAMA President from 2019-2020, will transition to a two-year term as President Emeritus.  

During the annual business meeting it was reported that the association currently maintains a membership of 236 automotive journalists and industry professionals serving in the automotive industry or related fields.

It was also announced that the winners of MAMA’s annual Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards will be announced via a virtual event in February.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, 2020 Hyundai Sonata and 2020 Toyota Highlander are the finalists for the MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award, and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021 Genesis G80 and 2020 Lincoln Corsair are the finalists for the luxury category.

For more information on the Midwest Automotive Media Association and related news, visit www.mamaonline.org.

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About the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Founded in 1991, and now in its 30^th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 236 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country – though based in the Chicago area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues and new products in the auto industry.

The final MAMA eMeet of the 2020 calendar year was hosted by Kia who took the opportunity to share updates on the 2021 Sorento. Kia Product Strategy Manager, Mark Savino, led the presentation to more than 50 MAMA media members and he fielded a live Q&A at the end of the online meeting.

Savino shared that while the Sorento nameplate is pushing 20 years of U.S. history, it has been completely redesigned for 2021 offering more capability, more safety technology, heightened performance and a bolder design. The all-new Sorento hit dealerships nationwide in December.

According to Kia, the 2021 Sorento features an “emotionally expressive” design with an all-new N3 platform, enabling the vehicle to be lighter and stronger. Picking up styling cues from big brother Telluride, the Sorento slots between the three-row Telluride SUV and the compact Sportage. The exterior is more angular and muscular while the interior incorporates bolder and more horizontal lines emphasizing its spaciousness. Another interior bonus is the newly added second-row captains chairs, which can ’t be found in Sorento ’s segment competitors.

In terms of technology, the all-new Sorento comes with an 8-inch standard touchscreen display or an available 10.25-inch HD touchscreen (which is shared with the Telluride).

The new Sorento is packed with the latest and most advanced safety tech from Kia, including:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist
• Lane keeping assist
• Lane following assist
• Driver attention warning and lead car departure warning
• Rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors
• Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and parallel exit
• Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
• Smart Cruise with Stop & Go
• Forward collision-avoidance assist
• Safe exit assist

According to Kia, there ’s a “Sorento for everyone” as the SUV will be offered in five different trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX and SX-Prestige and available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

For the first time, three new distinct Sorento models will be offered:

- X-Line: All-new for Sorento, the new X-Line appearance package features 1-inch higher ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles, more advanced AWD with snow-mode and a more robust roof rack than the outgoing model.

- SX-Prestige: Offered in a sapphire blue with gloss black accents. According to Savino, Kia’s hero model is the SX-Prestige AWD with X-Line appearance package, a variant that further demonstrates the transformation of the Sorento into a more premium and tech-oriented SUV. The X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim includes:

·   Standard torque-on-demand AWD with center locking differential and downhill descent control

·   Increased ride height to 8.3-inch (a 1-inch increase over standard ride height)

·   Exclusive bumper and exterior details, such as unique 20-inch alloy wheels and bridge-type roof rack

- Hybrid (notable as this is Kia’s first-ever hybrid SUV)

*Plug-in Hybrid variant is forthcoming in 2021

Four all-new powertrains are also offered on the 2021 Sorento including: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gas engine, 2.5-liter turbo, HEV, and PHEV (coming next year).

Pricing for the 2021 Sorento starts just below $30,000 ($29,390 to be exact) for the LX front-wheel drive and climbs to $42,590 for the top-level X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim.

Additional MAMA eMeets will be scheduled for after the New Year; additional updates are forthcoming.

The significantly refreshed 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 5-passenger SUV is just beginning to hit dealerships now, and MAMA members got a complete virtual walk-through of all of its new features during an early-December MAMA eMeet. Santa Fe Product Manager Trevor Lai led MAMA members in a Zoom presentation on the 2021 Santa Fe and fielded questions at the end of the presentation.

Lai shared details on the 2021 Santa Fe’s many enhancements, such as aggressive new styling with advanced front and rear lighting signatures, an optimized body structure, revised suspension, two new gasoline engines, several new technology and safety features, a line-topping Calligraphy trim level, and the Santa Fe’s first hybrid powertrain (with a plug-in hybrid version slated to follow in the near future).

The exterior shows off a new front fascia highlighted by a striking T-shaped LED light signature and a bold horizontal grille with a three-dimensional crosshatch pattern and sculpted front bumper. Among the other prominent exterior features for the 2021 model year are:

• LED headlights and daytime running lights
• LED taillights
• 17”, 18”, 19” and 20” alloy wheels
• Roof side rails
• Power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Power panoramic sunroof
• Exterior silver accents

Several updates can be found in the interior of the vehicle, including a dramatic new “high-console” center-console design; push-button gear selector; and premium materials throughout the cabin, including available Nappa leather upholstery, soft-touch padding and ambient lighting. The list of standard or available interior features for 2021 includes:

• Premium Nappa leather seating surfaces (on Calligraphy trim level)
• Front heated and ventilated seats  
• Power driver seat plus lumbar support
• Integrated memory seat system
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Shift-by-wire and electric parking brake
• Heated steering wheel and rear seats
• Rear window sunshades

The Santa Fe also boasts a generous list of advanced safety features that come standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense, such as:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and bicyclist detection
• Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist
• Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
• Lane keeping assist and lane following assist
• Safe exit warning and rear occupant alert
• Driver attention warning
• Highway driving assist
• Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
• Parking distance warning (forward and reverse)
• Parking collision-avoidance assist-reverse
• Blind view monitor and surround view monitor

In terms of tech, the 2021 Santa Fe offers a 10.25-inch navigation system, remote smart park assist, hands-free power tailgate with auto-open function, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, windshield head-up display and 64-color ambient lighting.

The Santa Fe also offers new connectivity features for 2021. The Hyundai Digital Key smartphone app negates the need for a traditional key fob—the system allows owners to use their smartphone to start/stop the engine, lock/unlock the doors, turn panic mode on/off and open the trunk. Additional connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, enhanced Blue Link features, wireless device charging and dynamic voice recognition.

Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive is another available feature. The system tracks vehicle speed and road conditions to control braking between the left and right wheels. It also balances power

between the front and rear wheels to ensure occupant safety while delivering superior cornering and driving dynamics on multiple road surfaces.

Additional improvements have been made to the 2021 Santa Fe’s braking, ride and handling, noise reduction, and aerodynamics.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will start at $26,850 for the SE base trim level, $28,650 for the SEL trim, $38,600 for the Limited, and $42,100 for the Calligraphy.

The Santa Fe Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2021, and the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is expected to arrive later next year. Pricing for the HEV and PHEV models will be announced closer to launch.

The Hyundai Santa Fe presentation was one of the final MAMA eMeets to wrap up the 2020 calendar year. The MAMA Board of Directors are hard at work to arrange for more MAMA eMeets to resume after the New Year.

As we move toward the new year, it doesn’t appear as though we’ll have much clarity on the state of COVID-19 nor any potential vaccines or other remedies to help stem the tide of the disease. This means it’s very tough to plan for live, in-person events for 2021.

Nevertheless, the MAMA Spring Rally is on the calendar for May 25 and 26. We will begin discussions shortly after the first of the year. Where those discussions will lead, it’s hard to tell. It’s fairly certain if we host the rally at Road America in May, it will be different from previous years, with social-distancing and other safety measures in place. Just know that we will be monitoring the situation with Road America, The Osthoff, and our manufacturer partners. The most important factor in any decision will be the health and safety of everyone involved.

We will continue to host virtual product presentations with manufacturers and, when possible, host hybrid online/in person events like our recent Ford F-150 program. We have been getting great feedback from both journalists and manufacturers about the MAMA eMeets and appreciate everyone’s willingness to pivot to the new medium.

We had hoped to have more clarity on the ability to host events by now, but obviously that isn’t the case. Given the reality of limited in-person gatherings and travel restrictions imposed by some manufacturers and media outlets, we will continue to look for innovative ways to provide value to all and look forward to a time when we can all be together again. 

Be sure to check our website frequently for updated information, as well as our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.