Edmunds.com, Inside Line Win Journalism Awards
April 30, 2007

Edmunds.com, the premier resource for automotive information (and parent of AutoObserver), and Inside Line, Edmunds’ high-speed online car magazine, were awarded six 2007 International Wheel Awards for excellence in automotive journalism presented by the Detroit Press Club Foundation.

Winners were selected by professor-judges from the the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago. The awards were presented during a ceremony on April 26 at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

Edmunds received half of the awards presented in the Internet category, including all three Internet photojournalism awards.

“This is a credit to our entire editorial department, and we’re excited to be recognized by our peers for the work we produce. These awards highlight the talented team we have at Edmunds.com, Edmunds’ Inside Line and Edmunds’ AutoObserver.com,” said Kevin Smith, editorial director for Edmunds. “The Internet has become the leading source of information and entertainment for automotive consumers and enthusiasts, and these awards clearly demonstrate that Edmunds.com and Inside Line are the leaders in that space."

Winners of the Wheel Awards from Edmunds.com and Inside Line are:

First Place Awards

Internet –- Editorial or Column:  Michelle Krebs, of Inside Line and AutoObserver.com, for Inside Line: Perception is Reality

The column, as true today as it was when it was written last September, contrasts the public perceptions of Toyota and General Motors. Despite recalls and public relations woes, Toyota's image of bulletproof quality persists, and sales and market share continue to rise. Despite concrete evidence to the contrary, GM's reputation for inferior quality remains, while sales and market share decline.

The judges said: "Toyota has had millions of recalls and other problems, but it's GM that has the reputation for inferior quality. An insightful observation of what is. Solid reporting and writing."

Internet -– Product Review: Chris Walton, Edmunds' chief road test editor, for Inside Line: V6 Family Sedan Comparison Test

The review pits Toyota’s all-new 2007 Toyota Camry against its other natural competitors: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion.

The judges said: “This piece, which at least recognizes it's on the Web even if it doesn't otherwise contain any Web elements, is chock full of information and even-handed analysis. Well done."

Internet -– Photojournalism: Josh Jacquot, senior road test editor, for Inside Line: Follow-Up Test: Jaguar XK Convertible

Entitled “The Gentleman’s GT –- Minus the Top,” the article reviewed the new Jaguar XK convertible

The judges said: "A beautiful, moving view over the shoulder of the driver. You see the car, the road and the magic of this car."

Second Place Award

Internet – News Story or Related Series: Philip Reed of Edmunds.com for Torch My Ride: Arson for Hire

The story discussed the new way SUV owners, faced with rising gas prices, found to get out from under their high car payments — arson.

The judges said: "Solid reporting and writing in this one-way piece that also belongs on paper, not on the Web."

Internet –- Photojournalism: Scott Jacobs, of Edmunds.com and Inside Line, for Inside Line: Follow Up Test:  911 Carrera Cabriolet

The judges said: "Fast image inside a tunnel. You can feel the speed."

Third Place Award

Internet – Photojournalism: Scott Jacobs, of Edmunds.com and Inside Line, for Follow-Up Test: 2007 Hummer H2 SUT

The judges said: "Eye-catching. While there is a temptation to see the woman and a dog instead of the Hummer, the cropping keeps focus on the H2. Great contrast, great moment."

Posted by Michelle Krebs at 6:51 AM under In the Media | Comments (0) | digg this | Seed Newsvine