2014 Press Conference Summary

For detailed information on each manufacturer press conference, click on the links below.

MAMA/Continental Automotive Breakfast

MAMA(1)

The 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview kicked off with the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) breakfast, where the Chevrolet Impala was announced as the 2014 MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year.

Kia_2012Kia

Kia introduced a trio of new vehicles this morning during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview. The new line-up includes the 2015 Soul EV and the 2014 Optima Hybrid. Also making an appearance was the Niro Hybrid concept car.

2013_Toyota_MediaToyota

Toyota announced the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Pro Series during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The latest chapter in the TRD Pro Series includes the Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner. All three are designed with enthusiasts and off-roaders in mind.

Nissan_2012Nissan

Nissan introduced the all-new 2015 Versa Note SR and 2015 Frontier Diesel Runner concept during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The new Versa Note SR model features a sportier, dynamic look with an exclusive grill, darker headlights and chrome accents. "We’ve given it all the works," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Nissan. “Every feature available, regardless of budget.”

Subaru-Logo-CapSubaru

Subaru introduced the all-new 2015 Legacy during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The mid-sized sedan was designed with the contemporary driver in mind. “Customers appreciate the current model for its all-wheel-drive, boxer engine, reliability and durability,” said Thomas Doll, Subaru president and CFO. “The 2015 Legacy combines all that with sporty looks and increased efficiency.”

CChevrolet_Logo_2013_Presshevrolet

Chevrolet brought two new vehicles to the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview: the 2015 City Express and the 2015 Silverado HD CNG Bi-Fuel. Chevy also introduced a special edition of the Corvette Stingray.

VVolvo-Logo-Capolvo

Volvo introduced performance-oriented Polestar editions of the 2014 S60 sedan and V60 wagon during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. They are the quickest models Volvo has ever offered for the everyday use.

ECC(1)Economic Club of Chicago Luncheon

Ford Motor Co. Executive President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs delivered the keynote speech during the Economic Club of Chicago’s luncheon at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview. Hinrichs addressed an audience of nearly 00 Economic Club members, guests and journalists. Displayed were Ford’s iconic models including the 50th edition of the Mustang, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator, and the 2015 Ford F-150.

Volkswagen_Logo_2013_PressVolkswagen

Volkswagen introduced the all-new 2014 Global RallyCross Beetle, during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Volkswagen was excited to announce that they are teaming up with Andretti Autosport and will enter the Red Bull Global Rallycross Series as the Volkswagen-Andretti Rally Cross Team beginning in May. This newly launched racing version of the Beetle will be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed.

Toyota-Motorsports-Logo-CapToyota Motorsports

Toyota Motorsports announced its partnership with Daytona Rising during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Daytona Rising broke ground on the new Daytona International Speedway in July of 2013.

BMW-Logo-CapBMW

BMW introduced the all-new 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. For the first time in the United States, this BMW 7series will be available with a diesel engine. “This year should be another incredible year for us based on the broadest range of products that we have,” said David Buchko, product and technology communications manager at BMW. The 740Ld will have new M Sport equipment and styling line. The 2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive will be available beginning this spring, with a retail price starting at $83,425.   ​

Maserati-Logo-CapMaserati

Maserati highlighted its new sport sedan, the Ghibli S Q4 during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview. Jeffrey Ehoodin, public relations manager at Maserati, emphasized Maserati’s 100-year-old Italian tradition of luxury is still “alive and well.” The new sport sedan offers AWD capability with a 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 engine that can easily accelerate up to 404 horsepower.

Lingenfelter-logo-capLingenfelter Performance Engineering

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering introduced the all-new 2014 Reaper during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The high-performance pickup truck was designed with Chevy-truck enthusiasts in mind. “The best word I could use to describe projects like this to you is the passion that we have for performance cars and the commitment that we have to our customers who buy our performance cars and our parts,” said Ken Lingenfelter, president and owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

Connected-World-Magazine-Logo-CapConnected World

Connected World magazine awarded six vehicles in individual categories as the 2014 Connected Car of the Year during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.  The Connected Car of the Year award honors vehicles that fit all drivers’ budgets and demonstrate the right blend of technology.

Motorweek-Logo-CapMotorweek

MotorWeek named Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray as the 2014 Drivers’ Choice Award during the Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was recognized for its exotic car performance and realistic price. Host, Executive Producer, and Creator of MotorWeek John Davis said this award represents the pinnacle of automobiles.

WOMMA-Logo-CapWord of Mouth Marketing Association

The Chicago Auto Show and Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) presented Hyundai Motor America with the second annual “Driving Engagement” award for most innovative social media campaign of 2013 during the Social Media Preview of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.

Honda-Logo-CapHonda

Honda unveiled the winning entry of the Forza Motorsport Civic Si Design Contest at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, as part of a partnership with Forza Motorsport, the racing franchise on Xbox One. Selected from nearly 170 entries, the winning 2014 Civic Si Coupe design was created by Forza gamer Tiffany Labedz of Phoenix, Ariz. This one-of-a-kind Civic is the first vehicle to feature a design from the Forza Motorsport community. ​

Hyundai-Logo-CapHyundai

Hyundai introduced the all-new 2014 Veloster RE:FLEX during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Social Media Preview. The RE:FLEX Edition Veloster is the second limited-run version of the Veloster, following last year’s RE:MIX Edition. With a limited production of only 3,000 units, buyers of the Veloster will own a truly unique model.