- The Kia Telluride earns the top spot in the design category for its striking design and execution.
- The Ford Escape Hybrid claims victory in the powertrain category with its high MPG and spirited driving dynamics making it a true standout against the competition.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLS wins the convenience innovation award for its “car wash mode.”
- General Motors takes the top spot in the technology innovation category for its trailer camera system in the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALG, the benchmark for forecasting future vehicle values, and the analytics subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) today announced the winners of ALG’s 2020 Innovation Awards.
In its second year, ALG’s Innovation Awards recognize the vehicles leading the way with cutting-edge technology, ingenious features and state-of-the-art design. The four different categories distinguishing the top innovative vehicles include: design, powertrain, convenience and technology. The year’s recipients have shown innovation in their competitive categories and were chosen amongst all 2020 model year vehicles on sale in the United States. The awards will be presented to automakers ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
"The 2020 Innovation Awards winners not only reflect creativity and forward-thinking product visions that challenge the status quo, but they also demonstrate the successful execution of the vision in a way that enhances the vehicle’s appeal for consumers,” said Eric Lyman, Chief Industry Analyst at ALG, a subsidiary of TrueCar.
Added Lyman, “This year’s winners have set the bar high in their respective categories and have given consumers a reason to consider them when shopping for their next new vehicle.”
The 2020 Design Innovation Award Winner: Kia Telluride
Exemplifying the best in automotive design, the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride is ALG’s 2020 winner for design innovation. With a sophisticated, yet rugged exterior design language on par with luxury utility vehicles, Telluride has commanded attention in one of the most crowded and competitive segments in the industry. In addition, the sense of luxury extends to the interior with available quilted Nappa leather, faux open pore wood finish, and dual panoramic moonroof, amidst superior material quality. With a 10.25” touchscreen display, captain’s seating and USB chargers available for every row of seats, the Telluride proves that practical family utility can be had with luxury styling, all at a value that Kia has been proven to bring time and time again.
The 2020 Powertrain Innovation Award Winner: Ford Escape Hybrid
Since its introduction in 2004, the Escape Hybrid has claimed several firsts for Ford. Not only was it the first hybrid SUV to hit the North American market, but it was notably the first hybrid offered by an American manufacturer as well as the first to be built in the United States. Ford fully leverages its hybrid powertrain experience with the all-new Escape Hybrid, targeting best in class MPG while providing uncompromised drive dynamics. The 2.5L I4 engine boasts an impressive 198hp and 209 lb/ft of torque, delivering punchy acceleration with remarkable smoothness. Proving to be much more than just an efficient alternative, Escape’s hybrid variant shines as the showcase within the lineup. A true standout among the competition, the Escape Hybrid solidifies its legacy and earns ALG’s 2020 Powertrain Innovation of the Year Award.
The 2020 Convenience Innovation Award Winner: Mercedes-Benz GLS
The all-new GLS includes a new feature that makes prepping your vehicle for the car wash just a button press away. The newest feature aptly named Carwash Mode, conducts all of the necessary checks to optimize exterior cleaning, while ensuring the interior stays dry. The GLS will close the windows (and sunroof), turn on climate recirculation mode, pauses the rain sensing wiper, and activates the exterior camera, all while raising the vehicles air suspension to thoroughly wash the undercarriage. The mode is automatically deactivated once the vehicle reaches 12mph. The Carwash Mode is a convenient and innovative function that gives drivers a more luxurious and seamless car washing experience.
The 2020 Technology Innovation Award Winners: Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD
General Motors is changing the towing game with unique technology offered through an integrated camera system. The all-new 2020 GMC Sierra HD trucks use eight available cameras to provide up to 15 unique views, including a surround view, bed view, and the first ever transparent trailer view. The transparent trailer view uses the standard backup camera and an accessory camera mounted on the trailer to stitch together a wide-angle view behind the trailer, making the trailer appear “invisible”. The numerous camera views are seamlessly integrated in the 8” infotainment screen and provide increased safety while making towing a less daunting task.
Below is the full list of 2020 Innovation Awards winners:
| Innovation Award Category | Innovation Award Winners |
| Design Design innovation represents successful styling and new product execution. | Kia Telluride |
| Powertrain Powertrain embodies the driving experience including elements of power, efficiency, and handling dynamics. | Ford Escape Hybrid |
| Convenience Thoughtful features that go above and beyond to enhance the mobility experience. | Mercedes-Benz GLS |
| Technology Innovative applications of leading technologies that enhance the driving experience or safety of the vehicle. | General Motors: Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD |
About ALG
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, ALG is an industry authority on automotive residual value projections in both the United States and Canada. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value, ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with market industry insights, residual value forecasts, consulting and vehicle portfolio management and risk services. ALG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc., a digital automotive marketplace that provides comprehensive pricing transparency about what other people paid for their cars. ALG has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for over 55 years and in Canada since 1981.
About TrueCar
TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) is a digital automotive marketplace that provides comprehensive pricing transparency about what other people paid for their cars and enables consumers to engage with TrueCar Certified Dealers who are committed to providing a superior purchase experience. TrueCar operates its own branded site and its nationwide network of more than 16,500 Certified Dealers, and also powers car-buying programs for some of the largest U.S. membership and service organizations, including USAA, AARP, American Express, AAA and Sam's Club. Nearly half of all new car buyers engage with the TrueCar network during their purchasing process. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with an office in Austin, Texas.
For more information, please visit www.truecar.com, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter. TrueCar media line: +1-844-469-8442 (US toll-free) | Email: pr@truecar.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d204432-2f80-479f-9c6c-fd346a507dc4