Decisive magazine has announced ” The 2013 Urban Vehicles of the Year” after their selection by an esteemed panel of independent automotive journalists.
The Urban Wheel Awards judging panel spent several months determining the most stylish, practical and attainable new vehicles for 2013 by driving and evaluating dozens of cars and trucks in a variety of North American urban settings before settling on the three winners. Each of the three Decisive Magazine Urban Vehicles of The Year will be featured in the winter issue of the magazine, which will also be online at www.decisivemagazine.com in addition to all contemporary mobile platforms.
Urban Car of the Year: Cadillac ATS
Runners-up: Cadillac XTS an MINI Coupe
According to Urban Wheel Awards juror and syndicated automotive reviewer Arv Voss of Auto Impressions: “The ATS is its own vehicle – the most significant Cadillac to be launched since the first CTS. It showcases new technologies, along with an exceptional driving experience. Quick, nimble, and fun to drive, the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS is a true compact luxury sports sedan. “The ATS is the latest and most significant step in Cadillac’s long term mission to return to being the standard of the world,” says Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “That makes it especially rewarding to have ATS recognized by experts on the leading edge of cars and culture.”
Urban Truck of the Year: Ram 1500
Runners up: Hyundai Santa Fe and Mercedes-Benz GL
Urban Wheel Awards jurors and freelance automotive reviewers Tamara Warren said of the Ram: “The 1500 is still a big gun on the outside, even while it’s both leaner in appearance and more aerodynamic. There’s plenty under the hood, yet it’s amazingly quiet. Further, the Ram rides and drives like a comfortable sedan.” “Receiving this award from dedicated automotive media is a great honor and it creates positive influence among buyers,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “I would very much like to thank the Urban Wheel Awards jury for presenting our 2013 Ram 1500 with their most coveted title for trucks, Decisive Magazine’s 2013 Urban Truck of the Year.”
Urban Green Vehicle of the Year: Tesla Model S
Runners up: Ford C-Max and Honda Fit EV
Of the Tesla, UWA juror Kimatni Rawlins of Automotive Rhythms said: “The Model S redefines electric mobility. Range anxiety is virtually eliminated with this electric car’s ability to travel 300 miles on a single charge. Speed is part of the equation too the Model S is capable of running from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.” “Model S represents a turning point in the automotive industry, pushing not only the envelope for performance and utility, but for the all over adoption of EV’s”, said George Blankenship, Tesla Motors Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Ownership Experience. “Receiving this recognition from such a diverse and discerning panel of judges is very meaningful for Tesla.”
The multicultural/multi-gender Urban Vehicles of the Year judging panel is comprised of some of the most notable and respected automotive reviewers in the country. The panel includes: Camilo Alfaro of Auto Proyecto, freelance reviewer Mary Chapman, Frank Washington of AboutThatCar.com and Ron Doron of The Driver’s Seat.TV
The Urban Vehicles of the Year will be honored at the 17th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA), the “Official Multicultural Event” of the North American International Auto Show, on Sunday, January 13, 2013, in the Motor City Casino Hotel’s Sound Board Theater in Detroit, Michigan.
For media information, please contact pr@urbanwheelawards.com or call (301) 850-2858. For event and sponsorship information, email events@urbanwheelawards.com, call (707)-645-0965, or long on to www.urbanwheelawards.com
