By: George Kennedy
New England winters can be tough. Unlike any other part of the country, this region boasts a harrowing combination of topography, inclement weather, and some of the oldest roads in the country (our Main Streets are often evolved from colonial cow paths). If you don’t have the right equipment, winter in New England can be inconvenient at best and treacherous at worst.
Members of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) know this as well as any, because they live in the region and test vehicles there every day. NEMPA members are print, online, video, radio, and podcast journalists at some of the most prestigious automotive outlets in the country and in the world. While their reach is broad, it’s the home market on which they are subject matter experts. This is evidenced by their integral contributions to naming the best vehicles for New England winters.
The Winter Vehicle of the Year Awards are part of an annual tradition where excellence is recognized across various automotive categories. While NEMPA journalists are constantly evaluating vehicles throughout the year, the membership gather every February to put numerous manufacturers’ vehicles to the ultimate test in New England’s harsh winter weather. These evaluations are conducted at a one-day event at NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Massachusetts.
Vehicles selected by NEMPA as “best for winter driving in New England” are those that offer a combination of winter-specific features and options plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving. As put best by a former NEMPA-President, Craig Fitzgerald, “The ultimate winter vehicle is one that has the tools to get through New England winters without detracting from its drivability and usability the rest of the year.” The testing is done in boots and gloves, but the winners are announced in sandals and shorts at an annual summer NEMPA Awards Dinner, so stay tuned.
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