PBS’ MOTORWEEK JOLTS TWENTY-SECOND SEASON WITH …



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lisa Shenkle

August 12, 2002 VERB! Communications

Tel: (410) 439-4695

E-mail: lshenkle@

PBS’ MotorWeek jolts 22nd season with high voltage segments

and a new look

Baltimore, MD: MotorWeek is sporting new, sharper styling for its 22nd season beginning on September 6, 2002 on PBS and September 26, 2002 on The Speed Channel (check local listings). Like the emerging high technology on the vehicles MotorWeek reviews, viewers can expect to see new segments, new graphics, and a new hard-edged design reflective of the automotive industry’s foray into the über-technical world of on-board, multi-tasking electronics and computers.

MotorWeek’s new look and feel reaches beyond window dressing and into substantive changes in format with the addition of new segments and the continuation of the program’s ever-popular expanded segments on new car and truck road tests.

“The show is developing a new avante garde look reflective of both today’s new age approach to television production, and an acceleration in automotive technologies,” said John Davis, executive producer and host of the long-running series MotorWeek. “It is important for us to keep pace with emerging production techniques. More importantly, we need to continue offering consumers the in-depth coverage they’ve grown to expect every week on the cars they love. To that end, we have developed some new additions to the program and expanded others.”

Some of the freshest additions and changes to MotorWeek’s content include:

➢ Car Keys – no sooner do we have the keys than MotorWeek hits the road to give viewers a first impression of the latest vehicles rolling off the assembly lines. Each monthly segment features our early impressions of two to four models. Watch for the more extensive road tests in future episodes;

➢ Eye Spy – it’s 007 behind the lens of this camera – viewers gain an insider’s look into the “secret” world of the automakers’ newest creations and innovations. Surreptitiously taken footage and photos of what tomorrow’s vehicles are offering, long before they hit the streets, is the focus of this expanded segment;

➢ Auction Block – follow MotorWeek as it goes to the classic car auction block, visiting the top auctions in the U.S. featuring cool classics from the 1960’s and before. Tag along weekly with Craig Singhaus as he and our expert auctioneers analyze the finer points of the cars up for bid, and find out the auction’s outcome without parting with your wallet;

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MotorWeek

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➢ MotorNews – fine-tuning of this segment gives viewers more of the most up-to-date consumer information, recalls, new technology, crash tests, and even a peek into some of the world’s most popular auto shows with Jennifer Khasnabis;

➢ Goss’ Garage – peering into the future from under the hood, Pat Goss trains viewers on what to look out for with the latest on-board electronics, and what to do when things go wrong! Pat also takes car buffs into the world of custom cars for those junkies who want to change everything from wheels to headlights, with priceless advice on how to do it right.

“While emerging technology thrusts us all into the future, automobiles are being equipped with everything from Internet access to voice activated cell phones, to weather and navigation devices and e-mail capability to satellite radio,” said Davis. “The field of in-car communications is starting to explode. In the past, car technology was hidden, now it’s becoming an integral part of the entire driving experience.”

Davis said it may not be long before vehicles will be able to make dinner, hotel, and even airline reservations for their driver!

“Telematics, the buzz word for ‘trying to do everything in the car other than drive,’ is here to stay,” said Davis. “It’s bringing the world of unbridled personal communications to your car. By the end of 2003, it’s estimated that over one million cars will be equipped with direct satellite-to-car radio, while wireless Internet access is expected to expand even more rapidly. George Jetson is here and he’s living next door!”

On-board communications technologies are not the only advancement drivers can look forward to seeing more of this year. Honda will begin delivering the first practical fuel cell car to corporate and government fleets, while Ford prepares a special edition Escape to be the first hybrid powered SUV.

Some trends seem worth hanging onto, and the demand for crossover vehicles will continue to increase. Vehicles such as the 2003 Subaru Baja, part all-wheel drive station wagon with a pick-up truck bed, and the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, which is a luxury blend of mini-van, sedan and SUV, are likely to be very popular on the showroom floor.

Classics never die and this season viewers will see more total re-designs of old favorites than ever before, such as the 2004 Ford F150, along with the rebirth of the famed Pontiac GTO. Not to be outdone, Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, already a modern classic, gives another nod to history with a new Woody option.

From galactic leaps of technology to subtle changes in classic styling, MotorWeek covers the trends with its own flair, blending new style with classic automotive journalism.

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MotorWeek is television’s original weekly automotive magazine and has been providing consumers with timely and practical news on the automotive industry since 1981. Nationally acclaimed host John Davis leads MotorWeek’s experienced crew around the country and the globe to bring consumers unbiased, cutting-edge automotive information. From more than 150 car reviews a year to car care and unique feature stories, MotorWeek is the one consistently unfiltered source for auto consumers. More information is available online at motorweek.

MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television and is nationally underwritten by eBay Motors and Pep Boys.

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