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Automotive Interior of the Year Award Finalists Announced by Inside Automotives International

5 November 1997

Automotive Interior of the Year Award Finalists Announced by Inside Automotives International

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 5 -- Consumers will soon have a new
criteria for narrowing down their 1998 model year vehicle choices when the
winners of the year's most innovative automotive interiors are unveiled on
Thursday, November 13th at the Inside Automotives International "Interior of
the Year Awards" banquet.
    One award will be given to the best-in-class vehicle interior from each of
four categories.  Three finalists have been announced from each group:

    CAR
    Oldsmobile Intrigue
    Chrysler Concorde
    Dodge Intrepid

    LUXURY
    Cadillac Seville
    Mercedes-Benz CLK
    Lincoln Continental

    TRUCK
    Dodge Durango
    Lincoln Navigator
    Mercedes-Benz M-Series

    BEST RE-DESIGN
    Ford Escort ZX2
    Volvo S70
    Dodge Ram Quad Cab

    The "Interior of the Year Awards" recognize excellence in automobiles sold
in North America.  The awards program is in its fourth year -- this is the
first year they will be presented at a black tie affair.
    Johnson Controls is sponsoring the keynote speaker, Apollo 13 Astronaut
Captain Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks played him in the blockbuster movie).  Captain
Lovell will address the elite group of automakers and suppliers about his
experiences during the ill-fated space mission and describe how innovation in
the interior of his vehicle saved his life.
    Another special feature of the event: attendees can bring their children
to the Interior of the Year Awards' "Children's Room" -- sponsored by
Freudenberg-Vitech and located in the Rainbow Rascals Daycare Center in the
Renaissance Center -- for complimentary, loving, licensed childcare while they
attend the awards banquet.
    "Vehicle interiors are influencing consumer buying decisions just as
engine size, body style, and fuel economy did in years past," says Carla
Kalogeridis, publisher and editorial director, Inside Automotives
International.  "These awards will tell consumers which vehicles in their
price range have the most dynamic interiors, based on criteria like design and
styling, safety features, recyclability, and innovative use of materials.
There's no doubt that the interior is where all the excitement is."
    Tables of eight with preferred seating as well as individual tickets are
available.

SOURCE  Inside Automotives International