December 28, 2009

PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific Announce the Most Significant Trucks of the Decade

PickupTucks.com and AutoPacific have taken a look at all the new trucks sold in the past 10 years and made their picks for the most significant trucks of the decade. The trucks that made the list introduced cutting edge technologies and pushed the segment into new territory.

"Despite the economic challenges of the past two years, it's hard not to look back at the last ten years without calling it the decade of the pickup truck," said PickupTrucks.com editor Mike Levine. "Sales of full-size pickups hit 2.56 million units in 2004 and Ford's F-Series trucks remain the nation's best-selling vehicles, 33 years in a row."

Though there are many trucks that had a significant impact in the last decade, it's clear that the 2009 Ford F-150 earned the title of "Most Significant".

"On balance, we thought the 2009 Ford F-150 was the most significant pickup of the last decade," said Jim Hossack, vice president of consulting for AutoPacific. "It sells in high volume, owners like it and its body, chassis and powertrain are all first rate. Features abound, and there are more models, series and options than can be counted. It's a good looking truck and suitable for the widest possible range of tasks and uses."

After the jump are those trucks deemed most significant, in no particular order.

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September 1, 2009

Trio Of Cars Make A Clean Sweep Of AutoPacific's 2009 Awards

logocopy.jpgLuxury and Economy Cars Stand Out in Data from 32,000 Consumers

TUSTIN, Calif. (September 1, 2009) -- Three cars stand above the crowd of 2009 model year vehicles, as judged by owners participating in research firm AutoPacific's annual survey. Of the vehicles that earned honors in AutoPacific's 2009 awards, only the Lexus LS, Lexus ES and Honda Fit topped their segments in each contest: the Vehicle Satisfaction Award, the Ideal Vehicle Award, the Motorist Choice Award (presented jointly with IntelliChoice.com) and Owner Recommendations.

Data collected by AutoPacific from more than 32,000 new vehicle owners rated 2009 vehicles on 48 vehicle attributes related to satisfaction, value, comfort, styling, size, performance, reliability, fuel economy and more. The winning vehicles best met their owner's expectations.

"Winning one award is quite an achievement, and proof an automaker is able to meet its customers' needs," said George Peterson, President of AutoPacific. "But winning all four honors in a single year shows that Lexus and Honda are able to provide what their customers want in a reliable, satisfying vehicle; a single car owners are proud to recommend to their friends and family."

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August 18, 2009

2009 Honda Fit: Maybe the Most Ingenious Car You Can Buy Today

Honda_2009_Fit_exterior_side.JPGWhen I was a kid, I loved all manner of transforming robots. Transformers, Go-bots, Voltron...if it could change shape and function, I loved it. As an adult, I'm no different. I love multi-functional furniture, living spaces, and of course, automobiles.

Apparently, so do a lot of people. Part of the reason that SUVs became so popular was because they were multi-functional. They could carry people in comfort, but they could also be reconfigured to haul cargo. Or, they could be reconfigured to carry both. SUVs gave people the flexibility to adapt the vehicle to their needs, rather than the other way around.

Of course, there's no reason why lessons learned from the SUV can't be applied to other kinds of vehicles, and the Honda Fit you see here is one of the best examples of multi-functionality applied to a vehicle at any price. It may be tiny on the outside, but there's a staggering amount of out-of-the-box smart thinking on the inside that makes it more useful than many vehicles twice its size.

Continue reading "2009 Honda Fit: Maybe the Most Ingenious Car You Can Buy Today" »


August 11, 2009

2009 Honda Odyssey: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_08_Odyssey_Touring_3 copy.jpg"Minivans aren't for everyone, but those that like 'em love 'em. And the Honda Odyssey is the one to beat, winning its segment in the Motorist Choice Awards but also in the 2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards. There are sound product and financial reasons for selecting the Odyssey, including seating capacity, reputation and safety features. Some owners consider it stylish as well." - AutoPacific

"The Odyssey was a 2009 BOVY Winner. The Odyssey has best-in-segment ownership costs and segment-leading retained value and low insurance costs." - IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
• Overall Seating Capacity
• Driver's Seat Comfort
• Brand Reputation
• Safety Features
• Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
• 2009 BOVY Winner
• Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
• Best Retained Value
• Low Insurance Costs


2009 Honda Fit: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_09_Fit_Sport_6 copy.jpg"The Honda Fit's image and reputation helped it earn a 2009 Motorist Choice Award, as well as AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award. This Economy Car's owners applaud the Fit's versatility, as it is easy to live with. The Fit also benefits from its Honda badge, as owners cite Brand Reputation as a contributing factor." -- AutoPacific

"The Fit was a 2009 BOVY winner and has above average retained value and fuel costs. In addition, the Fit has the lowest maintenance costs within the segment." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Image
* Vehicle Reputation
* Brand Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Overall Quality
* Durability / Long Lasting

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* 2009 BOVY Winner
* Strong Retained Value
* Low Fuel Costs
* Lowest Maintenance Costs


2009 Honda CR-V: Motorist Choice Award Winner

Hon_07_CRV_LX_6 copy.jpg"The Honda CR-V wins the 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Mid-Size Crossover SUV segment. Traditional CR-V strengths include brand reputation, vehicle reputation, reliability/dependability, durability, and overall quality. What a base to build upon! Even subjective attributes like exterior styling and environmental friendliness were highly rated. A solid winner." -- AutoPacific

"The CR-V has best-in-segment ownership costs. The CR-V has the highest retained value and strong insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs." -- IntelliChoice

Owner Satisfaction Highlights
* Brand and Vehicle Reputation
* Reliability / Dependability
* Durability
* Overall Quality
* Safety Features/Feeling Safe While Driving

Cost-of-Ownership Strengths
* Best-in-Segment Ownership Costs
* Best Retained Value
* Low Insurance Costs
* Low Fuel Costs
* Low Maintenance Costs


Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds

vv_intellichoice_autopacific_mca.jpgAwards Show Consumers Enjoy Luxury and Size
(August 11, 2009) -- Right brain, left brain; the practical versus the emotional -- an age-old dilemma often at the center of decision making when buying a new car or truck. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs. The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards survey, announced today, scores 196 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. With the top overall scores in both owner satisfaction and value, the Lexus LS placed highest of any 2009 model year vehicle.

Large and luxury vehicles dominated this year's results. The top 34 ranked cars, and 106 of the top 107, are large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans. Only one small car, the BMW 1-Series, scored in the top 100, landing in the 35th slot. Toyota Prius is the next-highest-scoring small car, coming in 107th.

Awards are given for top-scoring vehicles scoring in each of twenty-three segments, as well as for the top-scoring brand. Nine manufacturers earned segment wins, led by Toyota with nine awards (including three for Lexus), followed by General Motors with six (Chevrolet 4, Cadillac 2), Honda with three, and Chrysler with two (Dodge 1, Jeep 1). Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen took top honors in one segment each.

(And check out our video on YouTube.)

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July 28, 2009

2009 Honda Accord 2Dr EX-L V6 - The Everycar; Couped

If Honda's goal was for the Accord to reflect "Honda's desire for accord and harmony between people, society and the Automobile," they've been hitting their mark for more than thirty-three years. The Honda Accord has been attracting hoards of loyal buyers since its successful debut in 1976. In fact, the Honda Accord has been so successful it is practically synonymous with the brand. And Accord has done so by adapting to its environment. Growing in terms of size, options, and price, the Accord has kept pace with our society and its core audience; the Baby Boomers.

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Interesting Aside: Redesigned just last year (2008MY) the Accord four-door became rated a large car by the EPA, whereas the coupe still squeaks by as a mid-size car.
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Continue reading "2009 Honda Accord 2Dr EX-L V6 - The Everycar; Couped" »


June 29, 2009

2009 Honda Odyssey Wins AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award

2009_Odyssey_205_IVA.jpg"The Honda Odyssey wins AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award achieving the highest IVA score of any vehicle measured. Odyssey not only is the highest rated minivan, but also the highest rated vehicle!" said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "Owners rate the Odyssey best-in-class in seven of fifteen rating categories and very competitive in the others. Clearly Honda understands what the Minivan buyer wants and have designed the Odyssey to hit that target." Top-scoring Odyssey characteristics include:
* Exterior size
* Passenger room
* Cargo room
* Both ride and handing
* Power and acceleration
* Safety features


2009 Honda Fit Wins AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award

2009_HondaFitSportIVA.jpg"Honda Fit wins AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award for Economy Cars with an extraordinary eight category-leading ratings by their owners. Adding the IVA to its win of AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award and being the top car in owner recommendations in its class is an impressive achievement - an absolute homerun," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. Some of the class-leading attributes that make the Fit ideal include:
* Exterior size
* Cargo space
* Interior storage
* Visibility
* Level of fechnology
* Handling
* Safety features
* Ingress/egress


June 24, 2009

Luca trumps Max: New Era in Formula One Announced

Thumbnail image for fia-chef_max-mosley_ferrari-boss_luca-di-montezemolo.jpgIf you read our F1 post from several days ago, the world known as Formula One was on the brink of becoming CART Wars, PART II. A majority of the teams who race in the international F1 Championship were prepared (so they said), to launch a breakaway series, due in large part to their dissatisfaction with the requirements set forth by the governing body and its president, Max Mosely.

Continue reading "Luca trumps Max: New Era in Formula One Announced" »


June 17, 2009

Survey Indicates Ford Benefits From Troubles Of Others And Not Taking Bailout

07AnnualMtg_9387_HR.jpgPublic Responds Positively to Ford's Actions, but Some Still Have Reservations
TUSTIN, Calif. (June 17, 2009) -- American consumers' opinions about Ford Motor Company have been positively influenced by the company's decision not to accept government bailout funds, and by the bankruptcy filings of rivals General Motors and Chrysler. Automotive research and analysis firm AutoPacfic conducted an online survey of more than 900 U.S. consumers regarding their purchase intent and opinions of individual car companies. Highlights include:

* Asian and European manufacturers scored highest when the survey asked "How concerned are you about buying/leasing a vehicle from" a particular maker, with an average of 61% "Not concerned at all." Ford scored 48%, far ahead of GM's 15% and Chrysler's 14%.

Continue reading "Survey Indicates Ford Benefits From Troubles Of Others And Not Taking Bailout" »


June 16, 2009

2010 Honda Insight: This Year's Hot New Hybrid...Or is it Just Really Hot Inside?

Honda_2010_Insight_rear34.JPGTo me, it's actually amazing that it's taken this long for someone to come up with another "dedicated" hybrid considering the runaway success of Prius. Much of Prius' success is directly linked to the fact that it is immediately recognizable as a hybrid. The car's looks make a huge statement; simply driving one makes a statement about your priorities and values.

So, enter the similarly distinct new Insight, which once it's common enough, will also be immediately recognizable as a hybrid. Not to be confused with the dinky two-seater of the same name (which was actually the first hybrid sold in America), this new Insight invites inevitable comparisons to Prius. They both have five doors and have similar proportions. And of course, both are dedicated hybrids. However, both Toyota and Honda are quick to point out that their hybrids are different types of cars that have different missions in life. It's easy to dismiss that as marketing-speak, but having now spent considerable time behind the wheel of both the Insight and the brand-new third generation Prius, I can definitely say that these are in fact apples and oranges we're talking about here.

Continue reading "2010 Honda Insight: This Year's Hot New Hybrid...Or is it Just Really Hot Inside?" »


May 22, 2009

2009 Honda Fit Wins AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Economy Car

2009_HondaFitSport2.jpgWithin the Economy Car segment, the Honda Fit blew the competition into the weeds. There is simply not much owners don't like about the Fit. From overall satisfaction to anticipated resale value, the Fit dominated the Economy Car segment, scoring highest in no fewer than 34 of 48 attributes. A few of those class-leading attributes include:
• Overall quality with top scores for reliability, dependability, durability and longevity
• Ease of getting in and out with flexible changeable seating - a clever interior with interior storage/ compartments
• Ease of loading/unloading cargo
• Brand and vehicle reputation along with image
• Fun to drive with best in segment ride and handling
• Controls have quality feel/operation
• Perhaps most important, value for the money including operating costs, fuel economy and anticipated resale value
• Top marks for seat visibility and instrument layout
• Innovative technology and safety features received top marks and helped owners feeling safe while driving


April 19, 2009

What Will Cars Do in 80 Years?

mobility2088.jpgCan you imagine the technology of your car in the future? How about 80 years from now? Will your car fly? Will you have a personal jetpack? Here's one to consider: Take all the bad drivers you curse every day while you pilot your way to work and give them all flying machines. That would make for some fantastic video. And lawsuits, too.

It's not easy to look into the future. But it takes a good imagination, and true desire to look beyond what sits in the driveway today. And I would bet that every one of you has some of this future-think in your DNA.

Think about your car. What do you like? What would you like to remove from your car and install, say, in your mother-in-law's car? Or just eliminate, perhaps? Honda has been developing a remarkable documentary series. While it's true that it's a sales pitch, it's also terrific insight into the future of the automobile. Check out their idea about vehicles 88 years from now. (watch video)

Continue reading "What Will Cars Do in 80 Years?" »


November 25, 2008

Top Safety Picks by Insurance Institute of Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced the winners of its 2009 Top Safety Picks. There are 72 winners in 2009; more than double in 2008 and more than 3 times as many as in 2007. Some key factors leading to winning results are better structure to protect from side impacts and increased application of electronic stability control which helps maintain control and minimize rollovers. Additionally, improved headrests are doing a better job protecting against whiplash.

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IIHS works for auto insurers and publishes the results of its Top Safety Picks to help consumers select the safest cars and light trucks when they are in the market. AutoPacific's research shows that safety features and feeling safe while driving are very important when a person selects their vehicle.

Ford Wins 16 Top Safety Picks - almost 25% of Those Awarded

A major result of the 2009 Top Picks was that Ford Motor Company (including Volvo) had 16 of the 72 Top Picks. Several years ago, after Ford acquired Volvo, Ford began adopting Volvo safety strategies in its designs. Several Ford vehicles are derived from the Volvo S80 platform - Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Mercury Sable, Ford Flex, Volvo S80. Using Volvo's vaunted SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), Ford has been able to make its larger vehicles able to withstand significant blows from the side.

The Ford Fusion with ESC and Mercury Milan with ESC, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo C70, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, Volvo XC90, Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford F-150 also won IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2009.

Honda Comes In Second - Close Behind Ford

Coming in close behind Ford Motor Company products was another company that set an objective to become a safety leader several years ago. American Honda has Top Safety Picks for Acura RL, Acura TL, Acura TSX, Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Honda Accord 4-doors, Honda Civic 4-doors with ESC, Honda Fit, Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda CRV, Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline. The Honda Fit is the first Economy (Mini) Car to achieve an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

• • • • •

The IIHS Press Release Is shown below the fold.

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August 12, 2008

Honda Fit Wins 2008 AutoPacific Motorist Choice Award® for Economy Compact Car

Economy Compact Car MCA08.jpg

AutoPacific: A high “overall satisfaction” rating from owners in the economy compact car segment helped the Honda Fit win the 2008 Motorist Choice Award®. Against some tough competition from the Toyota Yaris, Scion xD, and Nissan Versa the Fit won its class. With top marks in cargo space and flexible interior, the Fit beat out stiff competition Toyota Yaris, Scion xD and Nissan Versa on its way to the top. High scores for both vehicle and brand reputation also helped secure its victory.
IntelliChoice: In a class where fuel costs are just as important has retained value, the Fit stands out for its above-average retained value and second-best fuel costs. In addition, the Fit has the lowest maintenance costs within the class.


August 11, 2008

Honda Ridgeline Wins 2008 AutoPacific Motorist Choice Award® for Compact Pickup

Compact Pickup MCA08.jpg

AutoPacific: Ridgeline proves that having a unitized body may be advantageous – it scored higher with owners than any other compact pickup to win the 2008 Motorist Choice Award®. With full-time all-wheel drive, the Ridgeline hauled in the highest ratings for traction in all weather conditions and garnered high marks for feeling safe while driving. Owners also rated the Ridgeline highest in its class for cargo capacity, having a flexible interior and brand quality.
IntelliChoice: The Ridgeline is second in both overall ownership costs and retained value. In addition, the Ridgeline has much better than expected insurance costs.


June 3, 2008

Yikes! F-150 Outsold!

May sales reports are coming in. Ford F-Series, for the first time since 1991 (according to Automotive News) has been outsold by a car. In fact, by four cars.

The world is coming to an end!


Numbers after the jump...

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May 30, 2008

Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Honda Ridgeline Win AutoPacific 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the Compact Pickup Segment

Explorer Sport Trac VSA.jpg
Owners of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac ranked the sport utility truck a winner in the Compact Pickup Segment of the 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. While the Sport Trac received high marks virtually across the board, Exterior Styling and Overall Quality and Reliability were standout features, according to owners.
Ridgeline VSA

Honda Ridgeline owners’ satisfaction rankings produced a 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the Compact Pickup Segment. Owners are very satisfied with Ridgeline’s Brand and Vehicle Reputations, coupled with the vehicle’s Reliability, Safety, and Overall Quality.


Honda Accord Wins AutoPacific 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the Premium Mid-Size Car Segment

Accord VSA.jpg
Owners claim the all-new Accord raised the bar even higher this time, taking home a 2008 VSA win in the Premium Mid-Size Car Segment. With updated looks and personality, the Reliability/Dependability, Power and Acceleration Honda has packed into the new Accord got high ratings from owners. Those factors, along with high marks for Driver’s Seat Comfort and the Brand’s Reputation, helped cement the Accord’s win against Premium Mid-Size Car’s serious competition.

May 29, 2008

AutoPacific Announces 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

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Cadillac Top Brand, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Car, Toyota Sequoia Top Truck and Top Vehicle

Tustin, California, May 29, 2008 - A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

The brand with the highest satisfaction rating is Cadillac. The vehicle - car or truck - registering highest overall satisfaction in 2008 is the new-for-2008 Toyota Sequoia Large Sport Utility Vehicle. The passenger car with the highest overall satisfaction score is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

There are twenty-eight Vehicle Satisfaction Award categories. At the manufacturer level, multiple top ranked award winners include: General Motors (eleven categories), Toyota (nine categories), Ford (six categories), Volkswagen (four categories), Honda (three categories) and Hyundai (two categories).

"Cadillac wins the Vehicle Satisfaction Award as the top brand in a close race. Strong satisfaction performance by Cadillac cars and trucks has Cadillac winning over other leading luxury marques including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW says AutoPacific president George Peterson. "Top ranked finishes by Cadillac's Escalade, CTS and DTS helped cement their industry topping position."

Peterson continues, "Vehicles that are all new received top rankings in several categories: Cadillac CTS, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, Scion xD, Toyota Sequoia, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, Hyundai Veracruz, GMC Acadia, Saturn Vue and Nissan Rogue. These new-for-2008 vehicles were strongly rated by their owners showing that the industry continues to improve as new vehicles are added to the hotly contested American car and light truck markets."

From a vehicle type perspective, Traditional Sport Utility Vehicles received the highest ratings as a class closely followed by Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles. Peterson says, "Clearly, SUVs continue to be one of the most popular and satisfying vehicle types available in the USA today. Even with skyrocketing gas prices, SUVs are attractive and Crossover SUVs fill the bill for most SUV buyers with better fuel economy." Cars scored slightly below industry average followed by minivans and pickup trucks.

Continue reading "AutoPacific Announces 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards" »


April 21, 2008

2009 Honda Pilot: Everything to Everyone?

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On the day I tried out the new Pilot, Michigan hadn’t realized that it’s April and long past time to get spring started. The crummy weather made it almost possible to believe I was setting out on some kind of adventure through a hostile environment. That’s just what the folks at Honda wanted: for drivers to imagine they were taking off in some kind of Adventuremobile instead of what the Pilot feels like – a more-or-less serviceable crossover tarted up as the answer to all your problems.

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March 19, 2008

New York Auto Show 2008 – Improved Honda Fit

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We’ve liked the Fit since it was first imported from Japan for US Sales in April 2006. Conceptually very good, but lacking a sporty look. The second generation of the Fit for US sales gets a lot better looking, as well as some package improvements to make it more compelling. “The goal is to provide entry-level vehicle customers with functionality and refinement that’s a class above,” said Dick Colliver. “Buying a Fit is a choice, not a compromise.” Ah yes. A nod to the aspirational small car.

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January 25, 2008

2009 Honda Pilot: Bigger, Better, Butt Ugly?

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Honda unveiled their much anticipated Pilot prototype at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. Conveying the design features of the production 2009 Pilot, set to make its debut this spring, this 2nd generation Pilot is tougher, smarter, larger, roomier, stronger, bolder, cleaner and safer than its predecessor.

While the specifications of the new Pilot are impressive, there was wide comment about its styling. Tougher-looking, yes, said many auto journalists, but ugly. Some of the descriptors were: "Styled by Isuzu", "third world styling", "bland", "worst looking production vehicle of show". Sometimes these things grow on you. Most folks have become accustomed to the weird styling of the Ridgeline SUT. Maybe that will happen with the new Pilot.

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