PBS Powers-Up New Season of MotorWeek - America's Favorite Automotive Television Series

BALTIMORE--Aug. 1, 20048, 2004--From the Autobahn to Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 to the Ginza, the global automotive buzz is all about the automotive "powertrain" revolution. Premiering its 24th season on PBS September 4, 2004 and on cable's PEE Channel later in the month (check local listings), MotorWeek will deliver door-to-door the latest information about all-things-auto, including the stories that will progressively cover this 21st Century revolution in power technology and fuel efficiency. MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television and is nationally sponsored by The Stanley Works.

John Davis, MotorWeek host and executive producer, notes that in the 2005 model year consumers will be offered "more new, cutting-edge engine and transmission combinations than at any time since the automatic transmission became popular in the 1950s."

MotorWeek reports that over the next year computer-based powertrain technology that simultaneously boosts engine power output and improves fuel economy is going to spread like wildfire in the industry. MotorWeek's award-winning team of journalists will cover, among other cutting-edge issues, the automotive industry's challenge of making the familiar gas engines more efficient, without making them less robust or responsive. Drivers will be able to shift engines into high efficiency without resorting to alternative fuels, such as hydrogen or even gasoline-electric hybrids, but rather with the use of cylinder cut-off technology, along with wide-ratio 6- and 7-speed, and stepless CVT transmissions. These and other technologies will be available on a broad range of mass-market vehicles from family sedans to station wagons, SUVs and minivans.

Drivers are also going to see the return of the highly efficient diesel engine in passenger vehicles to America - available on a wider variety of models than the few now available from European brands. The automotive industry is priming the pump for the arrival of low-sulfur diesel fuel in 2006. "This move could ultimately pave the way for wider acceptance of diesels, especially in heavily air-pollution-regulated states in the West and Northeast," said Davis.

"Automakers have been anticipating the arrival of clean, low-sulfur diesel fuel and are well underway with designs that can use it without the soot and smell normally associated with the fuel," said Davis. "In Europe, where clean diesel fuel has been available for years, almost 70 percent of new vehicles use diesel power, amounting to a huge gain in fuel economy compared to gasoline vehicles." As to why this sudden desire by automakers to build more fuel-efficient models, Davis attributes it to car and truck manufacturers' decision to "stop fighting city hall" and to recognize that both the government and their customers want more fuel efficiency. "Automakers want to provide the new technology before it is required of them, and without compromising performance," said Davis.

Americans were starting to take fuel economy seriously even before higher gasoline prices, Davis noted. They will be driving more gasoline-electric hybrids in the coming year - passing the 100,000 mark. By this time next year, motorists will be able to choose from double the number of hybrid models currently available, including hybrid pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

Nearly 200 new vehicles road tests annually, the staple of this popular weekly series, along with total reach automotive segments such as Goss' Garage, Taking the High Road, and FYI, all contribute to MotorWeek's unique tread in the world of automotive journalism.

MotorWeek takes you from dipstick to stick shift in record time with features including:

-- Goss' Garage - master technician Pat Goss works weekly to demystify car care with down-to-earth advice on routine maintenance and answers the toughest of viewer questions on modern technology and tools. This garage guru 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.

-- Taking the High Road - feature reporter Craig Singhaus takes to the road to satiate the appetites of car buffs everywhere, with humorous, historical and engaging stories on vintage automobiles, international racing and the people behind the scenes of America's car culture.

-- FYI - consumer reporter Anqoinette Crosby covers nearly every trend and tip in the automotive industry in her fun and fact-filled consumer reports, geared both to a general audience and to discriminating car enthusiasts. From accident investigations to automotive fashions, Anqoinette mixes it up with hard new and the industry's more glamorous side.

-- MotorNews - from highlighting major auto events to exploring the ecology of greener vehicles, Jessica Choksey gives viewers more of the most up-to-date consumer information, recalls, new technology and crash tests.

-- Auto Rewind - this used-car road test segment looks at the best used vehicle choices. Considering there are three times as many sales of previously owned vehicles as there are of new ones, Auto Rewind is the perfect answer to all those important questions about buying a used car.

-- Over The Edge - if it's off-the-wall and it's automotive, assistant producer Henry Kopacz will feature it in this look at the auto world gone extreme.

-- Two-Wheelin' - motorcycle aficionado and longtime MotorWeek head writer Dave Durso gives the low-down on just about anything with two wheels.

-- 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 a trio of models.

-- 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 segment.

-- Auto Shows - from Detroit to Paris, LA to Tokyo, MotorWeek travels the world on the international and domestic show circuits, showcasing the newest production models and hottest concept cars.

-- Auction Block - follow MotorWeek as it goes the classic car auction block, visiting the top U.S. auctions featuring cool classics from the 1960s and before. Tag along 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.

A recipient of numerous journalistic accolades, MotorWeek, television's original weekly automotive magazine, was awarded several International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA) in 2002 and 2003. Previously, MotorWeek has been distinguished with the Detroit Press Club Foundation's Golden Wheel Award, and the Silver Dome from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. MotorWeek has been providing consumers with timely and practical news on the automotive industry since 1981. From nearly 200 car reviews a year to car care and unique feature stories, MotorWeek is the one consistently unfiltered, unbiased information source for auto consumers. More information is available online at www.pbs.org/motorweek.