On the Edge of Evolution: MotorWeek Drives Coverage of Dynamic Advances in Automobiles and Consumer Choice
OWINGS MILLS, Md.--With an eye to the future, MotorWeek, television’s original automotive magazine series, captures current trends with consumer demands and desires -- while taking the pulse of an industry teetering on the brink of its most dynamic change since Henry Ford conceived the assembly line.
Significant industry changes may take a full decade to be realized, but MotorWeek will offer up-to-the-moment coverage every week of its 27th consecutive season beginning September 7, 2007 on PBS and on cable’s SPEED later in the month (check local listings). MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by Cars.com, The Tire Rack, Valvoline and Dunlop Tires and is produced by Maryland Public Television.
“This is a pivotal year for change in the automotive industry as a whole,” said John Davis, MotorWeek host and executive producer. “A flood of new models from a widening array of import brands, enormous pressure on U.S. auto industry management to reduce costs, and more competition from overseas and south of the border are among the influences that will dictate enormous upheavals.
Make no mistake -- American car companies will pull out all the stops to remain competitive in the industry.”
The near future will include a new wave of vehicles that run on ultra-clean diesel fuel from popular brands like Honda and Volkswagen, that will join alternative fuels like ethanol E85 and hydrogen to lessen U.S. dependence of foreign oil.
Davis notes that car and truck personalization by consumers will see an accelerated evolution in car buying. Consumers seek personalization in the form of laptop capabilities, video screens and infotainment connections that call for dinner or hotel reservations or directions. MotorWeek will cover these advances.
MotorWeek staples such as Goss’ Garage with resident master technician, Pat Goss, continues to take viewers under the hood for clues and reviews on new trends in car care; Over the Edge with feature reporter Henry Kopacz explores a new generation of drivers defining the ageless American love affair with the automobile.
Gear with MotorWeek’s lifestyle reporter Anqoinette Crosby will spotlight the ongoing craze of after-market accessories in new automotive products and driver wardrobe, while consumer reporter Yolanda Vasquez keeps tabs on the changing attitudes and preferences of the automotive public, and emerging issues regarding driving safety and security.
MotorNews’ Jessica Choksey keeps the audience up-to-date on breaking news that affects every automotive consumer, while Dave Durso shakes it up with a hands-on look at all sides of the Two Wheelin’ experience with tests of the latest in street bikes.
MotorWeek is no longer just about freshly minted cars, but used cars as well -- expanding its video relationship with the auto research and buying site Cars.com which now offers over 350 archived road tests available for free viewing.
Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. Listing more than 1.8 million vehicles from 12,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties Cars.com offers consumers the best selection of new and used cars online. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews.
The Tire Rack (www.tirerack.com) is the leading online retailer of high performance tires, and the acknowledged independent expert on the best tire selection for any car, new or used. The Tire Rack is focused on providing consumers only quality products from the most reputable manufacturers. Their partners must not only share The Tire Rack’s vision of excellence, but must have a proven, technologically-advanced manufacturing and testing facilities behind all of their products.
Valvoline (www.valvoline.com) serves more than 100 countries worldwide and is a leading marketer, distributor and producer of quality branded automotive and industrial products and services. Products include automotive lubricants, transmission fluids, gear oils, hydraulic lubricants, automotive chemicals, specialty products, greases and cooling system products. Valvoline also offers Eagle One car care products for automotive cleaning and maintenance and operates Valvoline Instant Oil Change, the second largest quick-lube chain in the U.S.
Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original-equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships. For more information, visit www.dunloptires.com.
MotorWeek, the first and longest running automotive magazine series on television, has become one of the nation’s leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information and entertainment, focusing on consumers’ needs and driving experience. MotorWeek can seen on PBS and SPEED, is nationally sponsored by Cars.com, Dunlop, The Tire Rack, and Valvoline. For information, visit www.pbs.org/motorweek.