Motor Trend To Announce 2002 ``Sport/Utility of the Year''
---WHAT: -- On opening day at the 2002-model California International Auto Show, Motor Trend Magazine will unveil the winner of its internationally coveted "2002 Sport/Utility of the Year" award. -- In selecting this year's winner, Motor Trend editors tested every all-new or significantly changed 2002 sport/utility vehicle in 10 tough tests. The eagle-eyed test staff critiqued such important factors as design, safety, on- and- off-road performance, technological advancement, quality of assembly, value and overall impact on the automotive market. Their goal was to choose one definitive winner: the most significant SUV of the 2002-model year. -- Twelve editors of Motor Trend conducted rigorous tests on 14 vehicles in an effort to determine this year's "Sport/Utility of the Year" award winner. The contenders for this year's competition included: Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Honda CR-V, Isuzu Axiom, Jeep Liberty, Land Rover Freelander, Mercedes-Benz G-500, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Xterra S/C and the Toyota Highlander. WHEN: -- Wednesday, October 10, at 10:55 a.m. WHERE: -- Anaheim Convention Center -- Ballroom D, Third Floor -- 800 West Katella Avenue -- Anaheim, CA VISUALS: -- Motor Trend Magazine's Editor-In-Chief C. Van Tune announcing the winner of the internationally-coveted 2002 "Sport/Utility of the Year" award. -- Top manufacturer executives hosting exciting press conferences. -- First glimpses of hundreds of exciting new 2002 cars, minivans, trucks and SUVs. -- Manufacturer specialists on site, distributing product literature and answering questions.