Active Lifestyle Vehicles Program Created by Active.com and Gen-A Network to Give Active Consumers a Voice in Auto Design
SAN DIEGO, CA – December 28, 2005 – Based on feedback from automotive journalists and elite and recreational athletes from across the nation, the ‘2006 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year’ winners were announced today at the San Diego International Auto Show and will be on display at the show until January 1, 2006. Presented by Active.com and Gen-A Network, creators of the Active Lifestyle Vehicles program (www.ActiveLifestyleVehicle.com), the award is designed to connect active consumers with auto manufacturers to create the ultimate vehicle for active lifestyles. This year’s winners include the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi for best value on-road, the Subaru Forester for best value off-road, the Mercedes-Benz R500 for best luxury on-road, and the Land Rover LR3 V6 for best luxury off-road.
“Millions of active consumers visit Active.com to tap into the services and resources that will make participation easier and enhance their active lifestyles. These same consumers have similar needs in their personal vehicles,” explained Jim Woodman, senior vice president of business development, Active.com. “By giving consumers a voice in designing a vehicle with the best features to support their active lifestyles, we’re working to effectively bridge the gap between automotive manufacturers and active consumers.”
The Active Lifestyle Vehicles program showcases the industry’s top vehicles for active lifestyle consumers, from sport coupes to full-size sport utility vehicles. This year, San Diego athletes and a team of the nation’s leading automotive journalists test drove 16 finalists chosen from a field of 32 entries submitted by 14 auto manufacturers. Models were evaluated based on handling, cargo space and special active lifestyle features, including roof racks, bike transport and towing capability. The four winners were selected for their exceptional all-around active lifestyle vehicle capabilities, from handling and horsepower, to roof rails and lumbar control in seats.
“The three million fitness-oriented readers of our publications need a vehicle that complements their incredibly active lifestyles,” said Bob Babbitt, co-founder of Gen-A Network. “This year’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle winners all satisfy the needs of a very demanding consumer.” Added Jessi Stensland, professional triathlete, “My car plays an essential role in my training, enabling me to transport bikes, gear and equipment to competitions and training locations. The Active Lifestyle Vehicles program allows me to give input on a vehicle design with all the features to fit my active lifestyle.”
For more information about the Active Lifestyle Vehicles program, visit www.ActiveLifestyleVehicle.com or www.motortrendautoshows.com/sandiego.
About Active.com
Active.com (www.Active.com), a service of San Diego, Calif.-based The Active Network, Inc. and a leading online destination for active lifestyles, provides one of the Web’s most comprehensive resources to find, learn about and register online for participatory events and activities. Active consumers can search the site’s online database and find events in more than 100 sports, in cities nationwide, throughout the year. Participants can also access exercise, nutrition and health information to help maintain fitness goals. Other Active.com services include ActiveAdvantage, a customized membership benefits program for active lifestyles; and effective, interactive online training programs to track training progress online. For more information, visit www.Active.com.
About Gen-A Network
With 17 publications serving every major market in the U.S., the Gen-A Network is the leading local "voice of authority" for recreational sports and fitness enthusiasts nationwide. Gen-A Network publications have long served as the trusted monthly guide for active, affluent sports participants across the country. Through 1.165 million magazines circulated nationwide every month at over 22,000 distribution points, Gen-A Network publications reach a total readership of 3.32 million active readers each month. These publications are an essential resource for our dedicated and passionate readers who are looking for everything from health and fitness information to new products and upcoming events. For more information, visit www.gen-a.com.
Media Contacts:
Courtney Gay, The Active Network, Inc.
courtney.gay@active.com or 858-964-3814
Bob Babbitt, Gen-A Network
bob@competitor.com or 858-973-2711