For Immediate Release: August 27, 2008
Contact: Michelle Parker 410-581-4076 mparker@mpt.org
SEASON 28 OF PBS’ MOTORWEEK HOLDS KEYS TO FUEL EFFICIENCY “Clean Power Drive Season” Features Energy Smart Road Tests, Expanded Fuel Efficiency Ratings & Interactive Opportunities Owings Mills, MD - With high gas prices fueling significant changes in how Americans buy and drive cars, PBS’ award-winning automotive series MotorWeek launches its 28th season focused on vehicle technology that is efficient, eco-friendly and reshaping the auto industry. Beginning Saturday, September 6th (check local listings) MotorWeek rolls out its “Clean Power Drive Season” with all-new, consumer-oriented content including Energy Smart Road Tests, expanded fuel efficiency ratings, interactive opportunities for viewers and audio podcasts. A special “Clean Power Drive” edition of MotorWeek, airing October 18th (check local listings), takes a realistic look at fuel economy currently available and what the future holds. “MotorWeek is tuned in to what consumers want in their automobiles – comfort, versatility, performance, and now more than ever fuel economy,” said host and executive producer John H. Davis. “Even if gas prices drop, consumers know it is probably a temporary reprieve. So, they are demanding that new vehicles be significantly more fuel efficient, without giving up capabilities. That’s a tall order that all auto companies will have to meet just to survive.” All 52 new episodes will feature MotorWeek’s traditional Road Tests, along with exclusive Energy Smart Road Tests. Energy Smart Road Tests will highlight new vehicles that best blend practicality and affordability with gains in fuel economy. Many small cars will be included, as well as new hybrid, diesel and alternative fuel vehicles, and other new technologies that reduce fossil fuel consumption. Also new this season, viewers will have more tools to find the fuel efficient vehicle that fits their lifestyles and budgets. Carbon Footprint ratings will be included in many of the automotive reviews, indicating how much carbon dioxide is emitted annually by a vehicle. That’s in addition to the Energy Impact Score which measures annual petroleum consumption. MotorWeek Road Tests are available on iTunes and other media platforms. MotorWeek’s “Clean Power Drive” special will take an in-depth look at the reality of fuel economy as it exists today, including practical gas saving tips, the latest fuel efficient vehicles, and the debut of the 2009 Government Fuel Economy Guide, which highlights the top performers in each vehicle class. The special will also feature the Challenge X collegiate competition aimed at producing the next generation of engineers and eco-friendly vehicles. MotorWeek’s master technician, Pat Goss, opens a new door to his popular Goss’ Garage segment with an invitation for viewers to submit a video with the car care question they’ve always wanted to ask. If selected, the viewer question, along with Goss’ response will air on MotorWeek.
Viewers will also get a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of MotorWeek with audio podcasts. Davis and the MotorWeek team will hold lively and revealing discussions about the latest auto news making headlines, while reporters and producers will talk about story segments being developed and recent test drives. The audio podcasts will be available at www.pbs.org/motorweek. As the auto industry evolves, MotorWeek’s team of reporters continue to be a steady source of reliable automotive information. Consumer reporter Yolanda Vazquez tackles safety issues, as well as the latest trends and technological advances in the FYI and AutoWorld segments. Roving reporter Steven Chupnick goes Over The Edge with a quirky and fun look at the auto world in overdrive, while lifestyle reporter Anqoinette Crosby highlights the latest in aftermarket accessories in Gear. With MotorNews, Jessica Choksey tracks the auto industry news that consumers can use, while Dave Durso goes Two Wheelin’ with reviews of the newest motorcycles and scooters. Highlights of MotorWeek’s 28th season include: Dumping your gas guzzler: A good psychological choice, but is it a good financial choice? How real drivers are helping shape the future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles Automotive projects that are making it easier for disabled veterans to gain independence How a global security company is training young drivers A high energy auto show that’s known as much for its tunes as its tuner imports Inspired by the LeMans endurance classic, “The 24 Hours of LeMons” is for cars under $500
MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television and is TV’s longest running automotive series It can be seen on PBS, SPEED and V-me Spanish-language network, and is nationally sponsored by Cars.com, Valvoline and Goodyear. Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com (www.cars.com) is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). Valvoline, a business division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil marketer and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, highperforming automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries. Best known for its lubricants, Valvoline also markets Eagle One® appearance products, Car Brite® car restoration products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products, Pyroil® automotive chemicals and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. Valvoline also has a stake in the quick-lube market with its Valvoline Instant Oil Change® unit. To learn more about Ashland, visit http://www.ashland.com.
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate ###