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MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com

Contact: Jennifer Morand
Senior Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO (February 6, 2014) – Connected World magazine awarded six vehicles in individual categories as the 2014 Connected Car of the Year during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.  The Connected Car of the Year award honors vehicles that fit all drivers’ budgets and demonstrate the right blend of technology.

Peggy Smedley, editorial director of Connected World magazine, said, “We’re always looking at the productivity inside of the car.”

Factors that Connected World magazine looked for in the award winning vehicles included the cars’ safety, convenience and infotainment. The 2014 Connected Car of the Year award winners included:

• Small Car Category: The Dodge Dart was awarded for its UConnect voice-command system, affordability and 7 inches full-color customizable LED screen.
• Midsize Car Category: The Infiniti Q50 was awarded for its Infiniti InTouch system. This feature is quick, easy and allows the driver to focus on the road.
• Luxury Car Category: The BMW 5 Series for awarded for ConnectedDrive, its infotainment feature. It has a safe voice command system and a sleek design.
• Ultra Luxury Car Category: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was awarded for its mbrace2 system that creates entertainment and convenience for drivers.
• Green Category: The Tesla Model S was awarded for its easy plug-in and large navigation screen. It sets an example of an eco-friendly footprint for this class of vehicle.
• Truck Category: The Ford F-150 was recognized for its SYNC with MyFord Touch. This system allows the driver to easily and safely connect to his or her smart phone to control the entertainment features.

All winners of the 2014 Connected Car of the Year have been featured in the February/March issue of Connected World magazine. 

New this year, the Connected World Conference will be located within a 20,000 square foot pavilion on the first floor of the Auto Show. It will allow Chicago Auto Show attendees to be able to experience the latest technology products that will power the future and enhance the in-car experience.

To watch complete coverage of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview press conferences, please visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicago-auto-show-2011. The manufacturer press conferences are also available at www.youtube.com/chicagoautoshow. For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2014 public show will be February 8-17. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. Media can register for the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview at chicagoautoshow.com/media/.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ nearly 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit CATA.info.

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