MotorWeek's Top Automotive Choices for Earth Day

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 20, 2009 – OWINGS MILLS, MD  – You don’t have to wear Birkenstocks and tie dyed t-shirts to get your environmental groove on this Earth Day! Television’s MotorWeek has the definitive guide to earth-friendly rides that will leave you feeling swell about your ecological footprint.

MotorWeek, television’s longest running automotive series, has released its top-ranked Cleanest and Greenest cars. Whether consumers want to make a social statement, protect the environment or simply save money, MotorWeek’s Cleanest and Greenest list includes mainstream models that appeal to both families, commuters and everyone in between. MotorWeek based its selections on real world driving experience, affordability, practicality and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) miles per gallon city and highway ratings.

“MotorWeek’s Cleanest and Greenest list shows that consumers can make environmentally responsible choices, without making major compromises,” says MotorWeek host and executive producer John Davis. “These cars are the complete package – clean, fuel efficient, versatile, comfortable and of course, fun to drive. Green car technology has never been more affordable and more accessible.”

MOTORWEEK’S CLEANEST AND GREENEST RIDES

Volkswagen Jetta TDI (30 city/41 hwy.) The first clean diesel sedan and station wagon available in North America, it delivers hybrid-like fuel economy with less complexity. A $1,300 federal tax credit makes the Jetta TDI comparable in price to the gasoline version.

Toyota Prius (51 city/48 hwy.) The best known hybrid, now in its third generation, defines the green automotive market with impressive efficiency, cutting edge technology and truly iconic styling.

Honda Insight (40 city/43 hwy.) The most affordable hybrid-electric car to date, the Insight’s compact, five-passenger hatchback configuration makes it the perfect commuter car.

Audi A3 TDI (29 City/ 40 hwy. - preliminary estimates) With aggressive styling and a sport tuned suspension, it proves that clean diesel motoring can also be a world of driving fun. Geared toward active lifestyles, the A3 TDI makes its U.S. debut in early 2010, and is expected to qualify for a federal tax credit.

smart fortwo (33 city/40 hwy.) The most efficient gasoline powered car sold in North America, this tiny urban runabout also returns the automobile to its historic role of being a fashion leader.

MotorWeek’s Cleanest and Greenest vehicles will be featured in an upcoming episode. Host John Davis is available for interviews. Please contact Michelle Parker at 410-581-4076 or mparker@mpt.org, or Lisa Shenkle at 410-439-4695 or lisa@verbcommunications.com.

About MotorWeek
MotorWeek is one of the nation’s leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information and driving entertainment. The award-winning series, seen nationwide on PBS,  SPEED and V-me, is produced by Maryland Public Television. For more information on MotorWeek, visit motorweek.org.