Most readers assume I receive test vehicles from local dealers. Not an unreasonable assumption, but wrong.
Instead, manufacturers allot a certain number of vehicles to “press fleets” and contract with third-party vendors, who maintain the cars and distribute them to writers. I receive press cars from the Seattle offices of two firms, STI and Page One.
I drive each car for a week and use it as any driver normally would. I live in the country, so my normal test route mixes two-lane roads, a bit of freeway and some city driving. In a limited number of words, I hope to give readers a feel for the a vehicle.
Don Adair, autowriter 