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MotorWeek kicks off Season 36 September 10 with focus on the evolution of the autonomous car 8.30.2016

OWINGS MILLS, MD -- Season 36 of MotorWeek, television’s original and longest-running automotive series, premieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

MotorWeek will drive into season 36 with a hands-on exploration of the future of autonomous driving. Host John Davis and the MotorWeek crew will examine how the push toward driverless vehicles is already impacting the cars we drive today. 

This exploration will include reviews of emerging Congested Traffic Self-Drive systems and examination of how safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist are maturing as well as influencing new car buying decisions. 

In season 36, MotorWeek also will review additional new advanced safety systems, along with complete semi-autonomous vehicles, such as the Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, to see if today’s rapid rise in technology will also mean a rapid rise in cost of ownership.

As always, new vehicle road tests remain the core of the series. In season 36, MotorWeek will continue to monitor the march toward higher mandated fuel economy and how the latest powertrain technologies, from turbocharging to all-electrics, are impacting new car designs. From sedans to sport utility vehicles, from exotics to economy cars, the MotorWeek crew gets comfortable behind the wheel of more than 150 vehicles annually. This season, MotorWeek will test the rankings of new entries such as the Jaguar XJL Portfolio, Toyota Prius Prime, the Nissan Titan XD, the Genesis G90, GMC Acadia, and the Audi TTS Coupe.

In season 36, MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with master technician Pat Goss offering know-it-yourself car care advice.  Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in the “Motor News” segment.  “Over the Edge” reporter Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive, while feature reporter Lauren Morrison delivers information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice, as well as the latest technological advances in her “FYI” reports.  Finally, MotorWeek’s Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look at the two-wheel experience, reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in his “Two Wheelin’” reports. 

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish-language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, motorweek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/Motorweek.

To find out which public television station in your area airs MotorWeek, go to motorweek.org and click on find your station. MotorWeek can also be seen on pbs.org, Discovery’s Velocity channel and the V-me Spanish language television network. You can also find MotorWeek on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and iTunes.

MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

MotorWeek 2016 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year: The 2016 Volvo XC90 2.11.2016

OWINGS MILLS, MD -- MotorWeek names the Volvo XC90 as the 2016 Drivers’ Choice Awards “Best of the Year”. The all-new XC90 was the clear standout amongst the 13 categories this year that span from a wide variety of vehicle segments from “Best Small Car” to “Best Dream Machine.” The Volvo XC90 is the first utility vehicle to win the top Drivers’ Choice honor in the 34 year history of the awards. The Volvo XC90 also won the honor of “Best Luxury Utility.” 

Fourteen years have passed since Volvo made its mark in the three-row luxury crossover segment with its first XC90. That first XC90 proved to be the right vehicle at the right time, and this innovative second-generation 7-seater scores again. The Volvo XC90 impresses with top notch safety, otherworldly comfort, and extra family-friendly features; all wrapped up in an unmistakably Swedish style.

“In selecting the Volvo XC90 as our Drivers’ Choice Best of The Year, we’re honoring both the car and the brand for their supreme achievement.” says MotorWeek Creator and Host John Davis. “The XC90 is not only a vehicle we like to drive, but one we like to be surrounded by as well. That doesn’t mean it’s a cocoon, but rather one that invites the driver and occupants to be involved with it. The technology, the safety, and of course the luxury, are all very personal in this car. Plus, Volvo, in this one new design, completely changed our perception of the brand; from conservative and safe to visionary and smart. Be it the advanced powertrain and chassis, or just the ease at which everything in the XC90 is controlled. Plus, this ground breaking crossover is priced as much for those that live on Main Street as on Wall Street.”

"We are honored to receive a MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for the Volvo XC90, the first of a new generation of vehicles from Volvo Cars. The XC90 brings Volvo firmly into the luxury space and fully represents the company’s new direction," said Dean Shaw, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Volvo Car USA. 

All Drivers’ Choice winners are featured on Motorweek.org, and will be appearing on a special episode (#3523) of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 12, 2016, and on cable’s Velocity beginning February 23, 2016. MotorWeek and the 2016 Driver’s Choice Awards are nationally sponsored by RockAuto and Tire Rack.

Known as one of the auto industry’s most coveted honors, The MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards were announced at the largest consumer-driven auto show in North America, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. In selecting the annual Drivers’ Choice Awards, the MotorWeek’s editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles every year. Winners are chosen based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for the dollar.

2016 Drivers’ Choice Winners:

Best Small Car - Honda Civic

Best Family Sedan - Chevrolet Malibu         

Best Convertible - Mazda MX-5

Best Luxury Sedan - Jaguar XF

Best Sport Sedan - Nissan Maxima

Best Sport Coupe - Chevrolet Camaro

Best Performance Car - Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang

Best Small Utility - Hyundai Tucson

Best Large Utility - Honda Pilot

Best Luxury Utility - Volvo XC90

Best Pickup Truck - Nissan Titan XD

Best Eco-Friendly - Chevrolet Volt

Best Dream Machine - Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

MotorWeek is television’s longest-running and most-respected automotive series.  Debuted in 1981, MotorWeek launched a new television genre by becoming the first weekly series to offer consumer-oriented car and truck reviews, do-it-yourself car care tips, and the latest auto industry news. Produced by Maryland Public Television, the award-winning series is now in its 35th season. The winner of numerous automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is a reliable source of automotive news on television and on the web.

Distributed nationwide and overseas by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations and can also be seen on the Velocity channel and V-me Spanish-language network.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, motorweek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/Motorweek.  Fans can like MotorWeek on Facebook and also follow MotorWeek on Instagram and Twitter.

Lauren Morrison joins MotorWeek as feature reporter/producer 10.21.2015

Veteran TV reporter and anchor Lauren Morrison has joined the staff of the national TV series MotorWeek.  In her new role with the 35-season series, Morrison will serve as feature reporter and producer for the show’s consumer-oriented “FYI” segments. 

As part of the MotorWeek production staff, Morrison will cover trends in the automotive industry that directly affect car ownership such as evolving automotive safety technology and the integration of personal digital devices into routine car operation.  On a lighter note, she will also be free to explore the backroads of America’s automotive love affair to seek out special destinations that no car enthusiast should miss. Her MotorWeek “FYI” segments will continue to follow a fun- and fact-filled format that has both entertained and enlightened viewers for decades.

“I’m excited to start this new adventure, but, let me tell you, my dad and brother sure are jealous! I can finally put all those hours in the garage and at the track with them to good use,” says Morrison.

Prior to joining MotorWeek, Morrison was a morning reporter and fill-in anchor at WAFF, the NBC affiliate in Huntsville, AL.  Before her tenure with WAFF, Morrison was an evening news anchor at WABI, the CBS affiliate in Bangor, ME.  Originally from Florida, Morrison is an alumna of Florida State University in Tallahassee where she earned her bachelor's degree in media and communications studies.

 “We are delighted that Lauren has joined the staff of MotorWeek,” says show host John Davis.  “Her experience in producing and reporting a wide variety of timely stories, mixed with a profound affection for all things cars, makes her a perfect fit with our audience,” he adds.

National series MotorWeek celebrates 35 years in public television with special anniversary episode 10.07.2015

The 35-year anniversary special of television’s longest-running automotive series, MotorWeek, premieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

In this special anniversary episode, the MotorWeek crew digs deep into the archives to put together an entertaining and informative ride through time.  Feature segments will track the evolution of automotive styling over the past 35 years; re-visit MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winners to see which picks have stood the test of time; showcase the most iconic and influential vehicles we’ve road-tested; reminisce over our favorite adventures, destinations and people; and poke a bit of fun at ourselves with a classic selection of humorous bloopers, flubs and spins.

Throughout the rest of MotorWeek’s 35^th season, Host and Executive Producer John Davis will continue to lead a team of on-air reporters in rigorously testing and evaluating new vehicles; assessing performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety.  More than 150 cars, trucks and SUVs are examined annually for the benefit of viewers.

MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with MotorWeek’s resident Master Technician Pat Goss offering do-it-yourself car care advice. Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in the “Motor News” segment. Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive during the “Over the Edge” segment. Lauren Morrison delivers timely information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice and technological advances in the “FYI” segment. Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look at the two-wheel experience reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in the Two Wheelin’ segment. MotorWeek will also accelerate its coverage of the use of alternative fuels and advances in green-power technologies as consumers race toward a cleaner driving future.

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, MotorWeek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/MotorWeek. Viewers can also find MotorWeek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

National series MotorWeek marks 35 years on public television 9.11.2015

Season 35 of television’s longest-running automotive series, MotorWeek, premieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

Episodes of the 2015-2016 season will explore what MotorWeek producers call the 21^st century revolution of the car that includes such developments as self-driving technologies and the use of electric, natural gas, and even hydrogen to power automobiles.

MotorWeek creator, host, and senior executive producer John Davis cites the enormous change in the average family car over the decades since the program premiered on October 15, 1981.  “Every part of the automobile has undergone transformation,” he notes, “with the biggest changes in powertrain and control design since the automobile was first invented.”

Season 35 of MotorWeek will draw parallels from the past with on air transformations dating back to the 80’s. The series will also pause from time to time to look back at how far the “family car” has come over our generation plus on the air, through both a special anniversary episode, and through weekly MotorWeek Flashback vignettes. This season MotorWeek will look over the vehicles that were cutting edge back in the 80’s and comparing those to vehicles that are cutting edge today.

John Davis will again lead a team of on-air reporters for MotorWeek’s 35^th season in rigorously testing and evaluating new vehicles and assessing cars’ performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety.  More than 150 cars are examined annually for the benefit of viewers.  During the upcoming season, rare exotics such as the Mercedes-AMG GT-S and Bentley Mulsanne Speed will be featured as well as more practical types of transportation that families depend upon such as new generations of the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima and the first-of-its-kind Tesla Model X crossover.

MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments like Goss’ Garage with MotorWeek’s resident Master Technician Pat Goss offering do-it-yourself car care advice; Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in Motor News; Over the Edge Reporter Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive; while Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look of the two-wheel experience reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in Two Wheelin’. MotorWeek will also accelerate its coverage of the use of alternative fuels and advances in green power technologies as we race toward a cleaner driving future.

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish-language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, motorweek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/Motorweek.

MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

MotorWeek 2015 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year: 2015 Ford Mustang 2.12.2015

MotorWeek, television’s original automotive magazine, names the Ford Mustang as its “Best of the Year” pick from among all 2015 Drivers’ Choice Award winners.  The 2015 Ford Mustang, the 6^th generation of America’s original pony car, stood out amongst stiff competition for its eye catching retro-inspired exterior design, modern drivetrains, honest quality and overall progression.

“The all-new Mustang is a watershed design,” says MotorWeek host John Davis. “This car takes Ford’s most iconic performance nameplate to a new level of sophistication and prowess that blasts past domestic rivals and now challenges the best sports cars from around the world.”

As one of the auto industry’s most coveted honors, The Drivers’ Choice Awards are announced, fittingly, at the largest consumer auto show in North America, the annual Chicago Auto Show.

“Ford is honored that MotorWeek has selected the all-new Mustang for this award,” said Steve Ling, Ford North American Car Marketing Manager. "Our goal was to build the best Mustang ever and we're proud that this award-winning vehicle has been so well received by our customers."

Recognized as the best overall among winners in 12 lifestyle categories, the Ford Mustang also won as “Best Sport Coupe.”  All Drivers’ Choice winners are featured on Motorweek.org, as well as on a special episode (#3424) of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 13, 2015, and on cable’s Velocity beginning February 24, 2015. MotorWeek and the 2015 Drivers’ Choice Awards are nationally sponsored by RockAuto, Tire Rack, and DieHard.

The MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards are consumer focused and represent the best automotive picks within a large range of lifestyles. MotorWeek’s editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles per year,  and winners are chosen based on driving dynamics, performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value.

2015 Drivers’ Choice Winners:

Best Small Car                                                                                  Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Best Family Sedan                                                                           Subaru Legacy

Best Convertible                                                                              BMW 4 Series Convertible

Best Luxury Sedan                                                                         Cadillac CTS

Best Sport Sedan                                                                            Dodge Charger

Best Sport Coupe                                                                            Ford Mustang

Best Performance Car                                                                   Alfa Romeo  4C

Best Small Utility                                                                             Nissan Murano

Best Large Utility                                                                             Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

                                                                                                            GMC Yukon/Yukon XL

Best Pickup Truck                                                                           Ford F-150

Best Eco-Friendly                                                                            Kia Soul EV

Beast Dream Machine                                                                   Audi RS7

                                                                                                             BMW i8

                                                                                                            Ferrari LaFerrari

MotorWeek is one of the nation’s leading sources for the latest car and truck reviews, do-it-yourself car care tips and auto industry news. Produced by Maryland Public Television, the award-winning series is now in its 34th season. MotorWeek currently airs on PBS, Velocity, and V-me Spanish-language network. Full episodes can also be viewed on pbs.org.

Season 34 of MotorWeek 2014 Celebrates the Reinvention of the Automobile 9.05.2014

Season 34 of MotorWeek, television’s longest-running automotive series, celebrates the reinvention of the automobile. Upcoming 2015 and 2016 models will feature the highest level of infotainment, safety, and driver’s aid technology ever on four wheels and MotorWeek will cover all of it in exciting detail. This new technology is transforming how automobiles interact with consumers as well as how they drive, paving the way for the emergence of the autonomous, self-driving car. The new season of MotorWeek premieres on public television stations nationwide beginning Friday, September 5, 2014.

Season 34 of MotorWeek will highlight advanced functions such as Collision Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and other driver aids that are a step towards cars that completely drive themselves. While this approach may be somewhat alarming to automotive enthusiasts, it will be a boon for everyone that loves or needs the everyday freedom that driving an automobile provides. “The autonomous automobile will not only continue America’s love affair with the automobile, but move it to an even higher level of usefulness,” says John Davis, MotorWeek Host and Senior Executive Producer. 

One new technology, Collision Mitigation, which uses a radar aided braking system to slow and even stop a vehicle to avoid a collision, will become a special focus of MotorWeek’s continuing commitment to driving safety. In season 34 MotorWeek will inaugurate a new test for cars with automatic braking systems.  MotorWeek will  add a low speed barrier test, the first all-new test in our  Road Test regime in a generation.  This new  barrier test was created to measure the effectiveness of the various automatic braking systems among different makes and models.  MotorWeek Season 34 will reveal how automatic braking systems react in low speed collisions; one of the most common accidents causing billions of dollars in insurance claims for injuries and property damage.

The season premiere of MotorWeek features the newest addition to the BMW family, the exotic 2015 BMW i8 advanced hybrid, the compact 2015 Lincoln MKC utility, the 700-plus horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, along with the all-new  2015 Acura TLX.  Other highlights from MotorWeek’s new season include road test reviews of the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, designed and engineered to be the fastest street-legal Camaro ever built; and the new 2015 Lexus NX, the brand’s first compact luxury crossover.

MotorWeek’s line-up of popular segments returns with Master Technician Pat Goss offering do-it-yourself car care advice at Goss’ Garage. Yolanda Vazquez will continue to tackle consumer news and trends in FYI and Motor News. Roving reporter Zach Maskell goes Over the Edge with a quirky and fun look at the auto world in overdrive, while Brian Robinson reviews the newest motorcycles and scooters in Two Wheelin’. MotorWeek also continues its decade-long emphasis on the widening availability and practicality of hybrid and electric vehicles in Green Motoring.

To find out which public television station in your area airs MotorWeek, go to motorweek.org and click on find your station. MotorWeek can also be seen on pbs.org, Discovery’s Velocity channel and the V-me Spanish language television network. You can also find MotorWeek on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and iTunes.

MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by Die Hard, RockAuto, and Tire Rack.

DieHard

Introduced in 1967, Sears designed the DieHard automotive battery to produce 35 percent more usable starting power than other similar batteries. Featuring a revolutionary tough, thin-walled case of translucent polypropylene plastic, which was 50 percent thinner than conventional black rubber-type battery enclosures, the design's extra room meant bigger plates, more acid and extra starting power. During testing, not a single failure was reported in over 26,000 starts in temperatures ranging from sub-zero to more than 100 degrees, hence the name "DieHard." See more DieHard history and compelling "Battery Torture" Video at www.DieHard.com.

RockAuto

RockAuto, LLCwas founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 1999 by the Taylor family. Their engineering background, passion for old cars, and desire to liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter led the Taylors to start RockAuto.com. Today, RockAuto.com ships thousands of auto parts from over 200 manufacturers to customers on every continent except Antarctica. The RockAuto.com catalog is updated daily with mechanical parts like brake pads and shock absorbers, body parts like bumpers and mirrors, interior trim like door handles and carpets, and major assemblies like steering gears, CV axles, engine long blocks, and complete transmissions. The RockAuto.com catalog is expanding constantly. Someday, it may be possible to build an entire car using parts from RockAuto!

TireRack
Tire Rack, family-owned and headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, is America’s largest independent tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, wheels and performance accessories. Their team of over 100 test drivers (their sales team) tests tires from every major tire manufacturer on the company’s state-of-the-art, 11.7-acre test facility. The findings are then posted on the company’s website, www.tirerack.com, where consumers can make an educated decision on a tire, wheel or performance accessory purchase.

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MotorWeek 2014 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2.04.2014

MotorWeek names the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as its “Best of the Year” 2014 Drivers’ Choice Award winner for delivering an exotic performance, for far less than an exotic price. The Drivers’ Choice Awards, among the auto industry’s most coveted honor, announces the awards annually at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray stood out amongst competition for its eye catching exterior design, high tech substances, honest quality and lofty performance.

"With MotorWeek's longstanding reputation for representing the pulse of the consumer and best market choices, Chevrolet is honored and delighted to be the recipient of the Drivers’ Choice, Best of the Year, 2014 with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray," said Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer, Global Chevrolet.  "This is a fabulous award and one that we are exceptionally proud to call our own."

“The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an amazing effort at an amazingly affordable price, says MotorWeek host John Davis.  It looks great from every angle, and is a total high performance package that is truly world class. Nothing is left out - from track-ready features, to impressive driver comfort, to the kind of fuel economy that is the envy of the sports car world.”

Recognized as the best overall among winners in 13 lifestyle categories, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray also won as “Best Sport Performance Car.” All Drivers’ Choice winners are featured on Motorweek.org, as well as on a special episode (#3323) of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 8, 2014, and on cable’s Velocity beginning February 18, 2014. MotorWeek and the 2014 Driver’s Choice Awards are nationally sponsored by RockAuto, Tire Rack, and DieHard.

The MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards are consumer focused and represent the best automotive picks for a large range of lifestyles. MotorWeek’s editorial staff evaluates more than 150 cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles. Winners are chosen based on performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value.

2013 Drivers’ Choice Winners:

Best Subcompact Car                          Ford Fiesta ST

Best Compact Car                                 Mazda3

Best Family Sedan                                 Chevrolet Impala

Best Convertable                                   Jaguar F-Type

Best Luxury Sedan                               Cadillac CTS

Best Sport Sedan                                  Subaru WRX

Best Sports Coupe                                BMW 4 Series

Best Performance Car                         Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Best Small Utility                                    Jeep Cherokee

Best Large Utility                                   Hyundai Santa Fe

Best Pickup Truck                                 Ram 1500

Best ECO-Friendly                                  Honda Accord Hybrid

Beast Dream Machine                         Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

                                                                   Porsche 911 Turbo S

                                                                   Land Rover Range Rover Sport

MotorWeek is one of the nation’s leading sources for the latest car and truck reviews, do-it-yourself car care tips and auto industry news. Produced by Maryland Public Television, the award-winning series is now in its 33rd season and currently airs on PBS, Velocity, and V-me Spanish-language network. Full episodes can also be viewed on pbs.org.