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The Midwest Automotive Media Association Names Volvo XC90 the 2016 Family Vehicle of the Year


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In Context: 2016 Volvo XC90


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Chicago, Illinois February 11, 2016 The Midwest Automotive Media Association announced today that the 2016 Volvo XC90 has been named the winner of its sixth annual Family Vehicle of the Year award. MAMA is a nonprofit group of automotive journalists and public relations professionals, and it developed the award to help car-shopping families make a wise decision when they’re ready for a new vehicle. “Choosing a family vehicle is an important decision. It should be versatile, reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced. MAMA members pooled their expertise and experience to select the best family vehicle from an excellent group of new and notably refreshed models, and the Volvo XC90 ended up at the top,” said award coordinator Damon Bell.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, start at less than $50,000, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2015 Spring Rally, which took place last May. The MAMA Spring and Fall rallies feature roughly 100 manufacturer vehicles for journalists to drive and evaluate.

Voting took place at both rallies, and out of nearly three dozen competitors, we ended up with 13 finalists: Fiat 500X, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sedona, Kia Sorento, Lincoln MKX, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and Volvo XC90.

In each round of voting, three points were awarded for a first-place vote, two points were given for a second-place vote and third-place votes were valued at one point each.

MAMA members then voted in one final round, and 87 automotive journalists selected the 2016 Volvo XC90 as the winner with 128 points, beating the 2016 Honda Pilot, which garnered 90 points. The 2015 Kia Sedona placed third with 43 points.

Voting for the 2017 Family Vehicle of the Year award will begin at the 2016 MAMA Spring Rally, which is scheduled for May 25-26 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The MAMA Fall Rally is scheduled for September 28 at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.

About the Midwest Automotive Media Association Founded in 1991, and now in its 25th year, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises 246 automotive journalists and public relations professionals. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all parts of the country. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, major issues, and new products in the auto industry.

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