The Michigan-made 2013 Cadillac ATS has been named "Vehicle of the Year" by the Los Angeles-based  Motor Press Guild.
  The ATS was one of six finalists chosen by  MPG members who test and review cars on a regular basis. The final vehicles were evaluated and ranked by all voting journalist and analyst members at MPG's annual Track Day in October.  Vehicles were rated in the categories of safety, quality, value, performance/handling, design/style, environmental/green impact and technology/innovation. The award will be presented during the press preview prior to the official opening of the LA Auto Show.
 In addition, journalists were encouraged to consider models that reflect the unique style of Southern California, according to MPG representatives.
  "In many ways, the ATS is a breakthrough vehicle for Cadillac," said Laura Burstein, Motor Press Guild president. "Not only is it smaller and leaner than other Cadillacs on the market, it's the first American luxury car that truly goes head-to-head with compact luxury sport sedans from well-known European and Asian brands. Our members remarked that the ATS is capable on both the street and the track, offers a well-made and attractive interior, is replete with the latest technology and - perhaps most importantly - is fun to drive."
"The ATS is the result of an extensive, all new, ground-up mission to deliver a segment-winning vehicle," says Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. "That makes it especially rewarding when our efforts are recognized and awarded by a large and influential panel of automotive experts."
  To be eligible for the Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year award, models must be all-new or substantially changed from the previous year and available at dealerships on or before Jan. 1, 2013. Other 2012 VOTY finalists (in alphabetical order) are the 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Honda Accord, 2013 Nissan Altima, 2013 Scion FR-S and 2013 Subaru BRZ. By Joseph Szczesny