Consumers Pick Their Favorite Vehicles and Exhibit at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show |
|---|
|
Chicago Auto Show
February 20, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO (February 20, 2013) - For the eighth straight year, consumer voters proclaimed their favorites in five categories in the Chicago Auto Show's "Best of Show" balloting.
In voting conducted over the 10-day public run of the nation's biggest auto show, winners in the contest's five categories were:
Best All-New Production Vehicle: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (36 percent of vote)
Best Concept Vehicle: Chevrolet "Turbo" Camaro (27 percent of vote)
Best Green Vehicle: Fisker Karma (24 percent of vote)
Best Exhibit: Jeep (27 percent of vote)
Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
"Best of Show voting has become a benchmark measure, and winning in any category is quite meaningful for our manufacturers and exhibitors," said 2013 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Michael Ettleson. "In a year where the show featured three indoor test tracks and six outdoor test drives, consumers had a better chance than ever to evaluate the competitors and let their voice be heard."
Each of the first four winners beat out seven other vehicles. The eight finalists in Best All-New Production Vehicle, Best Concept Vehicle, Best Green Vehicle and Best Exhibit were selected by a jury of automotive experts. In the fifth category, "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway," voters could choose from any of the nearly 1,000 vehicles on the show floor.
According to the results, voters considered the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray the Best All-New Production Vehicle. Though the Stingray took a commanding victory, the SRT Viper and Jaguar F-Type also garnered a considerable number of votes, finishing second and third, respectively.
The Fisker Karma took the honors for Best Green Vehicle. It topped runner-up Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and third-place finisher Cadillac ELR. The Karma is a strikingly styled luxury sedan with an extended-range electric powertrain.
Best Concept honors went to the defiant Chevrolet Turbo Camaro. Unlike most other concepts, the Turbo Camaro gets a Broadway debut this July in a DreamWorks Animation movie, "Turbo." Runner-up for Best Concept was the elegant Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe.
Retaining its top spot as Best Exhibit for the third year in a row was the Jeep brand. Jeep's exhibit featured a ride-and-drive experience with an 18-foot drop, rock-climbing wall and mini Jeep course for kids. Posting a close second was the rejuvenated Chevrolet display that featured the new Corvette Stingray and the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.
Every year the tightest race of all is the pick for "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway." This year was no different as the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Lamborghini Aventador battled neck and neck to the last day. Chevy fans mashed the gas on the final day to put the new Corvette on top.
In all, nearly 8,500 consumers voted for best of show, which was sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. Each consumer who voted was entered for a chance to win one of five Apple iPads. The awards for Best of Show will be presented to the winning manufacturers at the annual Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally.
For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.