CBS Detroit Schedules Three New Air Dates of the 2005 9th Annual International Car of the Year Awards

DETROIT, Dec. 22, 2004 -- ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM) announced that CBS Detroit will air its 2005 9th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) as a one-hour TV special at three separate times, just prior to the kickoff of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The ICOTY Awards that were originally scheduled to air on January 13, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. will now air on three new dates: Friday, January 14th from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and on Sunday, January 16th from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The ICOTY Awards will be presented on January 8, 2005. The awards will honor the Top 10 automobiles for 2005: Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Most Sex Appeal (sports car), Most Athletic (pickup truck), Most Resourceful (SUV), Most Respected (luxury), Most Compatible (minivan), Most Dependable (Sedan), Most Spirited (entry level) and Most Versatile (crossover).

"These emotionally compelling categories represent the strong relationships that consumers develop with their cars during ownership," says RTM editor-in-chief Courtney Caldwell. "It's about how cars reflect our lifestyles and self-image, an attitude most consumers can identify with."

"After being part of last year's success, we are excited to continue the tradition and build on the momentum from the 2004 event," said CBS and UPN Detroit Senior Vice President and General Manager Linda Danna. "The special on CBS Detroit will not only give our local viewers a front-row seat at the awards presentation, but it will also spotlight the award winning cars and everything they represent."

RTM will also present its second Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring veteran automotive journalist Jerry Flint of Forbes Magazine.

Additionally, the first annual HEART STRING Award will be awarded to the most emotionally compelling car commercial that ran on national TV in 2004.

Sponsors for the ICOTY Awards include Shell Oil Products US, Bridgestone/Firestone Tires, General Motors Corporation, Dolby Laboratories, Ford Motor Company, Detroit Marriott Renaissance Hotel, OnStar, Hyundai Motor America, BMW NA, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, GMAC Financial Services, Bose Corporation, Nissan North America, American Honda Motor Company, Subaru of America, U-Haul International, Google, Tower Automotive, and ArvinMeritor Inc. In addition, MSN Autos is the 2005 media sponsor.

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine, established in 1989, is a comprehensive online magazine specializing in travel, automotive and personal safety topics. RTM provides content and resources from which consumers can make informed and intelligent decisions regarding their automotive, travel and personal safety needs. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.roadandtravel.com/ .