WheelsTV Announces 'Top 200' Model Cars

ACTON, MASS. – WheelsTV, the first television network devoted exclusively to the world's fascination with cars, trucks and motorcycles, has announced “Top 200,” a series that will air on the network and will also be a video-on-demand showcase.

“Top 200” will provide viewers with an innovative way to shop for new vehicles, putting consumers behind the video wheel of the 200 most popular cars, light trucks and SUVs. Through a recently announced alliance with Edmunds.com, a world-leader in automotive data, WheelsTV, which will launch in 2005, is creating video test drives that will aid consumers as they shop for new vehicles.

With the click of a TV remote or mouse, consumers will have access to a virtual test drive of the latest models. They'll enjoy detailed interior and exterior views, plus experience performance and safety demonstrations. “Top 200” combines full-motion entertainment with important car shopping information in a program that enhances cable, satellite and broadband business models.

Cable operators will gain a new advertising showcase that can be sold to local automotive dealers and other advertisers. With the recent roll-out of interactive television capabilities, many cable operators will also be able to provide leads directly to their advertisers.

The virtual showcase will be complemented by a television series on WheelsTV Network that will profile and compare a specific class of new vehicles each show. Consumers will be able to watch selected shows to compare vehicle features and benefits.

" ‘Top 200’ is the next giant step in the car shopping experience," said Jim Barisano, chairman of WheelsTV. "We believe that WheelsTV's ‘Top 200’ will become an essential consumer service. Whether through VOD, DVRs or broadband, consumers will be able to gather key vehicle information and narrow their search for a new set of wheels. And, if they're just curious about the latest designs, they'll be able to watch exciting, action-filled vehicle profiles whenever they want."

WheelsTV (www.WheelsTV.net) is the first television network in the U.S. devoted exclusively to consumer interest in vehicles, providing a wide spectrum of vehicle-based entertainment, information and news programming.