About Us

Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA)

The Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) is a professional organization that brings together journalists, automotive industry professionals, and media from the Southeastern United States to focus on the automotive industry. SAMA’s main goal is to foster relationships between automotive media, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders while promoting the automotive industry in the region.

History:

SAMA was founded in 2006 by a group of automotive journalists who wanted to create a community for media members covering the automotive industry, particularly those based in the South. Its creation was largely driven by the need for a more regional focus on automotive news, events, and product information, which could offer a unique perspective separate from larger, more national organizations.

Over time, the association has grown, attracting members from various states in the southeastern U.S. and expanding its role in automotive events, vehicle reviews, and providing media exposure for brands. SAMA also hosts events like vehicle launches, test drives, and other press-related activities, creating a space for journalists and automakers to collaborate.

SAMA plays an important role in connecting automotive media professionals with manufacturers and has been instrumental in providing recognition for top vehicles through awards like the SAMA Vehicle of the Year.

Are you looking into a particular aspect of SAMA’s work or its impact on the automotive industry?

The Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) sponsors several key events throughout the year that bring together automotive journalists, manufacturers, and industry professionals. Some of the notable events include:

SAMA Vehicle of the Year Award

This is one of SAMA’s flagship events. Every year, the organization hosts an event where members vote on the Vehicle of the Year. The award honors the best vehicle based on various criteria such as innovation, design, performance, and overall impact on the automotive industry. It often takes place during a special media event, showcasing new vehicle releases.

SAMA Spring and Fall Drives

These events are organized for journalists to get hands-on experience with the latest vehicles from manufacturers. These driving events often take place in locations that provide a mix of driving conditions (like scenic roads or track time), allowing media members to evaluate a wide range of vehicles for performance, features, and more.

SAMA Press Days

These events are designed to offer manufacturers the opportunity to showcase new models and innovations to the media. Journalists can get firsthand information, test vehicles, and ask questions in a press-friendly environment.

SAMA Awards and Gala

In addition to the Vehicle of the Year Award, SAMA may also host an annual awards gala, where members recognize excellence in automotive journalism, marketing, and other areas of the industry. This event helps highlight both media and industry efforts to promote and cover the automotive world.

SAMA Social Events and Networking Opportunities

SAMA also sponsors informal social gatherings, happy hours, and other networking events where automotive media professionals and manufacturers can mingle, share insights, and discuss industry trends.

These events help solidify SAMA’s role as a connector in the automotive community, fostering both professional relationships and a space for new ideas and innovations to be showcased. Many of the events also provide journalists with a closer look at the vehicles and trends shaping the market.

Is there a particular event that stands out for you?

Yes, SAMA is also involved in hosting or supporting some fun and highly anticipated events like Topless in Miami and Rides and Smiles, both of which have become significant fixtures in the automotive community.

Topless in Miami

Topless in Miami is an event where automotive journalists get the opportunity to drive and test convertible and open-air vehicles in the vibrant city of Miami. It’s a unique event where the focus is on enjoying the sun and the open-air experience of driving some of the hottest convertibles and roadsters on the market. The event typically includes test drives, media presentations, and sometimes scenic drives along the beautiful coastline of Miami. It’s a great way for automakers to showcase their drop-top vehicles to the media, and for journalists to experience and report on the driving dynamics of convertibles in a fun, real-world setting.

Rides and Smiles

Rides and Smiles is another fantastic event, where SAMA members come together to provide rides for children with special needs. The event typically features a range of vehicles, often including high-performance sports cars, classic cars, and other cool rides. It’s a wonderful initiative where car enthusiasts, manufacturers, and media come together to provide smiles and fun experiences for children who might not have the chance to experience the joy of riding in these vehicles under normal circumstances. It’s a heartwarming event that combines automotive passion with community service, making it a meaningful event in SAMA’s calendar.

These events highlight SAMA’s role not only in promoting automotive media but also in supporting community engagement and fun, unique experiences. They’re excellent opportunities for media members and automakers to interact in a more relaxed setting while also making a positive impact.

Are you thinking about attending any of these events, or just curious about how SAMA connects these with the automotive industry?Top of Form

The Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) plays a significant role in shaping the automotive industry, particularly in how media and manufacturers interact, communicate, and engage with consumers. Here’s how SAMA’s influence and impact unfold:

Promoting Automotive Innovation and Trends

SAMA provides a platform for journalists to explore and report on the latest automotive innovations, technologies, and design trends. Through its events like vehicle drives, press days, and media interactions, it enables automakers to showcase cutting-edge vehicles to a targeted, knowledgeable audience. As a result, the latest vehicles and technologies are discussed widely, helping shape the industry’s narrative and consumer expectations.

Example: When new vehicle features or technologies are revealed at SAMA events, they often gain significant media coverage, influencing how consumers view new models and the direction of the automotive industry.

Building Strong Relationships Between Media and Manufacturers

SAMA helps bridge the gap between automotive media and manufacturers. Through events, journalists gain direct access to decision-makers, engineers, and executives at car companies. These relationships lead to better and more informed reporting, ensuring that automotive coverage is accurate, in-depth, and impactful.

Example: Press days and vehicle test drives allow manufacturers to present their latest models firsthand to journalists, who can then provide authentic reviews and insights to the public, giving manufacturers valuable feedback.