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Joe Wiesenfelder
Update: Tuesday, 9:50 p.m. -- Cars.com announced at a party it sponsored in downtown that the 2016 Volvo XC90 is the best car of 2016.
Cars.com wrote on its website:
The Volvo XC90's Best Of 2016 win can be summed up in one word: execution. What's too often lost on shoppers is how varied the performance and effectiveness of features can be among models that seem to be equally equipped. On paper, the XC90 looks like most luxury SUVs, distinguished mainly by its stately exterior styling and a list of active-safety features above and beyond what competitors offer, such as collision avoidance and protection in additional scenarios, like when turning in front of an oncoming vehicle. Get behind the wheel, however, and you encounter distinctive styling and high quality in everything from the look of its materials to the feel of its few mechanical controls.
To see other winners click here.
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From Earlier Today
For many years, it was assumed the Detroit Auto Show was the auto show.
In time, the show faced competition from similar events in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. They all became venues for companies to unveil models or concepts and try to get lots of positive publicity from auto writers.
Joe Wiesendfelder, executive editor of Cars.com, a car-shopping and information site based in Chicago, has gone to shows around the country since 1998 when he began writing for the site. He's in Detroit now for media previews.
When asked by Deadline Detroit whether the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is still tops, he said:
"I think Detroit is still the most important because it has such an international pull."
Some high-end companies like Bentley, Land Rover and Jaguar are not participating this year. There could be many reasons, Wiesenfelder explains:
Decision may be based on production cycles, whether they have something to show off, costs involved in participating and whether Detroit is a good place to promote their cars for consumers.
What's different about this year's Detroit show?
For one, while there are new models, there's no blockbuster.
"Last year, the Ford GT car was the one that made everyone's jaw drop. There's no show-stopper this year."
Tuesday night, Cars.com is sponsoring an invite-only party at the Fillmore in downtown Detroit where Cars.com will announce its pick of the best car for 2016.
We'll update this with the winner tonight.
