Consumer Alert
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - What do 174 brand new vehicles, 80 automotive journalists and the Niagara Parks Commission have in common? The answer: the 26th "TestFest" staged annually by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada known within the industry by its acronym AJAC.
The top automotive journalists from all across Canada gather for a five-day test-drive evaluation of brand new vehicle models. This year, the event is hosted by the Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Janice Thomson, chair, The Niagara Parks Commission said, "The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to host the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at Legends on the Niagara Golf Course this week for TestFest. NPC is proud of the efforts made by staff to ensure AJAC could remain in Niagara when their previous venue became unavailable. The alternate use of our golf course at a time when the golf season is drawing to a close is a mutually beneficial opportunity to both partners. NPC looks forward to showcasing the golf course and the rest of the beautiful parklands this week as part of TestFest."
The point of the journalists' evaluation is to select the best new vehicles in various categories such as "Best New Family Car" or "Best New Luxury Car". The comparative data generated by the journalists is then passed on to consumers for their use as a resource buying guide.
Our journalists drive every vehicle back-to-back on the same day, under the same conditions (yes - even rain). They use public roads so that the information passed on to the consumer is relevant to everyday life.
Every detail, from safety features to cargo capacity, is thoroughly scrutinized, discussed, and individually rated by secret ballot. Over 40,000 data fields are generated by the journalists.
Shell Canada is the event's official fuel supplier. "TestFest draws a passionate crowd of auto experts who are focused on providing consumers with information they need to help make decisions on one of their biggest investments - their vehicle," says Arjun Prakash, Shell Fuels Scientist. "Shell is proud to be the official fuels sponsor of TestFest, because it is our mission to provide drivers with optimum vehicle performance through advanced technology. We work closely with the auto industry to develop fuels based on evolving engine technologies to ensure that no other premium gasoline keeps critical engine parts cleaner than Shell V-Power."
Need to compare a Mazda3 to a Toyota Corolla? Or a Chevrolet Impala to a Ford CMAX Energi? How about a Kia Cadenza with a Mercedes-Benz CLA 250? The vote results and comparative data from this year's event will be announced December 3rd.
However, you don't need to wait until then to learn more about AJAC's posted vehicle comparisons. Comparative data for 2013 are currently listed under New Vehicle Data - Criteria Driven - Canadian Expertise on our web site: ajac.ca
"Live From TestFest" updates with photos and video will occur today, Wednesday and Friday.
Of course, you can also follow us on Twitter @AJACanada or #testfest and on Facebook.
Image with caption: "TestFest - Day One - Vehicles Parked by Category (CNW Group/Automobile Journalists Association of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131021_C5900_PHOTO_EN_32350.jpg
SOURCE: Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
For more information about AJAC, its annual "TestFest", and the Canadian Car of the Year Awards, please contact Beth Rhind, AJAC Manager, 1.905.375.5145, e: [email protected]
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