Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) announced the 12th Annual
International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) winners at a black-tie
ceremony on Saturday, January 12. Held at the all-new MGM Grand
Detroit, more than 700 industry leaders and media gathered on the eve
of press week of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to
watch a jury of nationally renowned automotive journalists award the
award-winning vehicles with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and
Associates.
"The ICOTY Award's unique theme focuses on the emotional connection between car and consumer; how vehicles reflect our lifestyles and self image, an attitude the average consumer can identify with," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY creator, and RTM editor in chief.
2008 ICOTY Winners
International Car of the Year -- Honda Accord Sedan
International Truck of the Year -- Chrysler Town & Country
Pick Up Truck of the Year, "Most Athletic" -- GMC Sierra Denali
Sports Car of the Year, "Most Sex Appeal" -- Audi R8
Sedan of the Year, "Most Dependable" -- Honda Accord Sedan
Luxury Car of the Year, "Most Respected" -- Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
Minivan of the Year, "Most Compatible" -- Chrysler Town & Country
Entry Level Car of the Year, "Most Spirited" -- Volvo C30
Crossover of the Year, "Most Versatile" -- Buick Enclave
SUV of the Year, "Most Resourceful" -- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
U.S. Senator Carl Levin presented the inaugural Earth Angel
award to Beth Lowery, vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety
Policy for General Motors Corporation's role as the most
environmentally friendly automaker. Road & Travel Magazine
Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director
Kevin Smith, both judges on the ICOTY jury, co-presented the award,
which was sponsored by Bridgestone.
Eight major automakers
including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, General Motors,
Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota participated in the competition.
Factors considered were established present and future environmental
initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid
electric, diesel, and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and
the automaker's company position and mission on global warming.
Throughout
the past year, General Motors has worked to reduce its energy and water
consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has
succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent in the
last five years, as well. Additionally, GM has led the way in solar
power energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power
warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations warehouse in
Fontana, California.
Recognized for its multiple environmental
partnership programs, GM will continue work in 2008 by launching
Project Driveway, the largest test fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
to hit the worldwide market. Project Driveway will offer drivers in
multiple cities across America the opportunity to become more familiar
with earth-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Equinox.
RTM also recognized veteran automotive journalist Thos L. Bryant with its 5th annual Lifetime Achievement Award RTM also presented its 4th annual HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2007 for Dodge Caravan's "Rooms."
By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor
automotive advice for women
