November 19, 2014 — For its 2nd year, MPG hosted the Motoring Invitational Breakfast at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Gourmet food trucks were once again on site serving complimentary breakfasts and some of the most stunning vehicles from influential automotive icons, collectors and celebrities were on view to celebrate Southern California’s coveted car culture. The big news of morning was the announcement of the MPG 2014 Innovation Vehicle (IVY) Awards. The winners were recognized for segment-busting technology, engineering, and other significant factors that move the industry in a notable direction.
This year, the Ford F-150 took the honor in the Under $30,000 category and the BMW i8 won for the $30,000 and over category.
When nominated, each manufacturer provides MPG with a statement on why their respective cars deserved to win the award.
Ford F-150 Manufacturer’s statement:
The 2015 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, improving dent and ding resistance and saving weight. Overall, up to 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency. Features includes a 360-degree camera to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow trails; a new 8-inch LCD productivity screen; and available second-row inflatable safety belts. A range of four engines provides power to meet almost any customer need including the 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop, a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine.
BMW i8 Manufacturer’s statement:
BMW i8 – SPORTS CAR OF THE FUTURE.
Introducing a new era of sustainable performance with its futuristic design and groundbreaking technology, the i8 is the world’s most forward looking sports car made out of carbon fiber.Purpose-built.
The BMW i8 was purpose-designed as BMW’s first plug-in hybrid sports car with agile performance attributes and exceptional efficiency, and features a bespoke version of the LifeDrive architecture developed for BMW i cars. The combustion engine and electric motor, battery pack, power electronics, chassis components and structural and crash functions are arranged together in the aluminum Drive module, while the central element of the Life module is the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) passenger cell.Sustainable from the ground up.
An all-embracing sustainability concept is running like a thread through the value chain. The carbon fiber production and vehicle assembly is using 100-per cent renewable electricity. The all-encompassing approach of the BMW i brand also includes the extensive use of recycled, renewable raw and naturally treated materials.The accent strips on the seats, the door trim, roof liner, floor mats, body pillar trim and floor covering use materials from an innovative recycling process including recyclable PET combined with 40 percent virgin wool to create a high-grade cover fabric.
MPG thanks YOU — our members — for helping to select the 2014 Innovation Vehicle of the Year Award winners as well as the 2014 Nominations Jury: John Dinkel – Chairman, Patrick Hong, BJ Killeen, Mary Lowry, Steve Mazor, Rex Parker, Nate Schroeder and Greg Whale.
