International Carwash Association Names Saturn Aura Most Washable Car of 2007 |
LAS VEGAS, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Carwash
Association (ICA) named the Saturn Aura as the Most Washable Car 2007 today
at the Car Care World Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual award
acknowledges the vehicle that car wash operators consider the most
wash-friendly car of the year.
The honor is a critical distinction in the car care industry as
research shows that nearly $24 billion a year is spent battling automobile
corrosion damage. With the number of consumers keeping their cars longer,
this award is an important nod to Saturn's dedication to designing cars
that are easier for car owners to maintain.
"The sleek, European lines which give the Aura its visual appeal, also
make it easier to keep clean," said Lisa Hutchinson, director of brand and
product development for Saturn. "We took great pride in the attention to
detail and quality of the Aura, because we know that Saturn owners take
great pride in their vehicles."
The International Carwash Association members considered the following
criterion for choosing the Most Washable Car:
-- Smooth aerodynamic lines that do not catch and retain dirt
-- Moldings and ornamentation that do not protrude and are securely
attached
-- Bumpers, mirrors, wipers, etc. that are securely attached
-- Radio antennas that are securely attached or are hidden in the
windshield or back window glass
-- Retractable side view mirrors that are robust at the pivot or mirrors
that do not retract at all
-- Ground affects and desk lid spoilers that are aerodynamic and securely
attached or do not exist
-- Windshield wipers that are concealed under the rear edge of the hood
-- Rear window wipers on Sport-Utility vehicles that do not protrude
-- Front license plate attachments (when required) are secure and are not
susceptible to damage
"Keeping your car clean certainly helps its appearance, but it also
contributes to its long-term condition and value," said Mark Thorsby,
International Carwash Association executive director. "Our members
recognize the Saturn Aura as a vehicle that washes easily professionally,
therefore contributing to its preservation."
The biggest car-finish culprits include the corrosive mixture of sand
and salt on roads, pollutants from rain fall, bird droppings, road grime
and tree sap. They can harm a car finish if not removed in just a couple of
days. According to a survey by the International Carwash Association, more
than half of all car owners wash their cars less than once a month, and 16
percent say they never wash their cars. And, once kids ride in a vehicle,
food is reported as the number one leave-behind odor, followed by sweat and
old shoes.
The International Carwash Association is a non-profit trade association
serving 3,000 businesses in the United States, Canada and overseas.
Membership includes car wash operators, equipment manufacturers,
distributors, and related suppliers. ICA members represent approximately
25,000 car wash and car care locations in North America. The ICA provides
facts on car care at http://www.carlove.org.
SOURCE International Carwash Association
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