Owings Mills, MD -- August 28, 2008 -- 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 fuel 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 for automotives.

“MotorWeek is tuned in to what consumers want in their automotives – 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. They are demanding significant gains in fuel efficiency, without giving up capabilities. That’s a tall order that all automotive 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 which will highlight new vehicles that best blend practicality and affordability with increases in fuel economy. Many small cars will be included, as well as new hybrid, diesel and alternative fuel vehicles, and other new technologies to increase fuel efficiency.

Also new this season, viewers will have more tools to determine a vehicle's fuel efficiency. Carbon Footprint ratings will be included in many of the automotive reviews, indicating how much carbon dioxide is emitted annually by a vehicle.

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 in fuel efficiency, and the debut of the 2009 Government Fuel Economy Guide, which highlights the top performers in each automotive class.

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 automotive 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 automotive news, advances in fuel efficiency, feature segments being developed and recent test drives. The audio podcasts will be available at www.pbs.org/motorweek .

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.

Media Contact:
Michelle Parker
MotorWeek Public Relations
Maryland Public Television
410-581-4076
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www.motorweek.org

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