Press Gets 'Seat Time' In Newest Vehicles

The International Motor Press Association (IMPA) held its annual two-day Test Days event last month at Pocono Raceway. The event allows IMPA members, which include automotive journalists from all media-print, broadcast and the Internet-to test-drive many different vehicles in a variety of venues (slalom, road course, off-road, etc.).

At Test Days, auto writers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with all of the newest vehicles, some of which they may not have seen yet, and to speak with representatives from the world's major vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket companies. Information learned here becomes part of an automotive writer's knowledge, and eventually appears in articles in the various car magazines-the buff books and service/repair magazines...like the one you're holding in your hands.

This year, 320 attendees were eager to put 113 vehicles through their paces on the road course at the track. Additionally, many drove 27 off-road vehicles through the wooded lulls of Pocono ski country.

The International Motor Press Association is this country's oldest organization of automotive journalists and public relations professionals. It was founded in New York City nearly 50 years ago.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Oct 2004
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