The 2010 Chicago Auto Show hosted five different awards presentations, distinctions given for everything from eco-friendliness to pet safety. Here’s a look back at the winners this year.
Bark Buckle UP
Bark Buckle UP Founder and Pet Safety Expert Christina Selter presented an astounding ten pet safe vehicle distinctions this year. The vehicles recognized by Bark Buckle UP all incorporated rear climate control, side-curtain airbags, and d-rings to secure a pet crate of any size. In alphabetical order, the winners were: Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Ford Flex, Ford Transit, Honda Element, Kia Soul, Smart Car, Subaru Outback, and Volvo XC60.
Bark Buckle UP also recognized the top pet-friendly hotel brand, Sheraton; top pet-friendly airline, southwest; and top pet-friendly retailer, BassPro.
Best of Show
Show-goers proclaimed their favorites vehicles in each of five categories for the Chicago Auto Show's fifth annual “Best of Show” balloting. Each of the first four winners beat out seven other vehicles. In the fifth category, "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway," voters could choose from any of the nearly 1000 vehicles on the show floor.
Winners in the contest's five categories were:
• Best All-New Production Vehicle: Ford Focus (29 percent of vote)
• Best Concept Vehicle: Cadillac XTS Platinum (28 percent of vote)
• Best Green Vehicle: Chevrolet Volt (25 percent of vote)
• Best Exhibit: Ford (41 percent of vote)
• “Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway:” Ford Shelby GT500
Intellichoice.com BOVY Awards
IntelliChoice held its "Best Overall Value of the Year" Awards ceremony to recognize the best-in-class vehicles that deliver outstanding value and lower than expected costs over time.
For 2010, IntelliChoice.com identified nine overall category winners including:
• Best Car Value Under $24,000 - Toyota Prius
• Best Car Value Over $24,000 - Chevrolet Corvette
• Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000 - Toyota FJ Cruiser
• Best Crossover/SUV Value Over $28,000 - Lexus RX
• Best Truck Value Under $28,000 - Toyota Tacoma
• Best Truck Value Over $28,000 - Chevy Silverado 2500 HD / GMC Sierra 2500 HD (tie)
• Best Van Value Under $26,000 - Toyota Sienna
• Best Van Value Over $26,000 - Honda Odyssey
Hermance Vehicle Efficiency Award
The first ever Hermance award recognized the affordability, drivability, and fuel economy of the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Combining distinct styling with an average 39 mpg and a 45% smaller carbon footprint than the average vehicle, the Fusion is a model of practical efficiency.
Internet Car and Truck of the Year – Chevrolet Equinox and Camaro, and Mazda3
The very first Internet Car and Truck of the Year Awards let “Internet Pros and Average Joes” pick their favorite 2010 model. The “Internet Pro” panel consisted of 12 online automotive journalists, while “Average Joes” covered about 50,000 online voters.
The Pros favored the Mazda3, while Joes rooted for the Chevrolet Camaro. The Chevrolet Equinox swept the truck category, earning accolades from Pros and Joes alike.
Arnell Chevrolet
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Chevrolet to Recall 1.3 million for Steering Failure
General Motors Co. announced an upcoming recall of 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac vehicles over steering motor failure. The recall will be compact vehicles including:
2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts sold in the US.
2007 to 2010 Pontiac G5s sold in the US.
2005 and 2006 Pontiac Pursuits sold in Canada
2005 and 2006 Pontiac G4s sold in Mexico.
The recalled power steering motors are not considered a safety concern but may cause steering challenges at speeds under 15 MPH. Still, there have been 1,100 complaints that the cars lost their power steering assist. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.
According to GM spokesman Alan Adler, the power steering motor supplier, JTEKT Corp., will need time to make the 1.3 replacements available.
Adler said the failures are rare and the cars can still be driven until motors can be replaced by dealers. Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails, but they could be surprised when the steering becomes more difficult.
“Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.” ~ Jamie Hresko, GM’s VP of Quality.
Adler said if the power steering assist fails, it usually comes back for a time after the car is shut off and restarted.
by Chevrolet in the News on March 2, 2010
2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts sold in the US.
2007 to 2010 Pontiac G5s sold in the US.
2005 and 2006 Pontiac Pursuits sold in Canada
2005 and 2006 Pontiac G4s sold in Mexico.
The recalled power steering motors are not considered a safety concern but may cause steering challenges at speeds under 15 MPH. Still, there have been 1,100 complaints that the cars lost their power steering assist. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.
According to GM spokesman Alan Adler, the power steering motor supplier, JTEKT Corp., will need time to make the 1.3 replacements available.
Adler said the failures are rare and the cars can still be driven until motors can be replaced by dealers. Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails, but they could be surprised when the steering becomes more difficult.
“Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.” ~ Jamie Hresko, GM’s VP of Quality.
Adler said if the power steering assist fails, it usually comes back for a time after the car is shut off and restarted.
by Chevrolet in the News on March 2, 2010
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