German Engineering Rules the World

The sixth annual World Car of the Year was awarded to the Volkswagen Golf VI at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Golf beat out 51 other entries that were nominated by 59 jurors representing 25 countries throughout the world. Candidates were judged on merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal.

 

The new Golf features updated styling similar to the sporty Scirocco with a premium interior. Six different engines are available, ranging from fuel-efficient diesels to supercharged performance.

 

"We are honored that our new sixth-generation Golf was named World Car of the Year," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.  "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the Volkswagen brand and is known throughout the world. The Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling nameplate, with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries."

 

The two other finalists for this coveted award were the Ford Fiesta and Toyota iQ.

 

In addition to World Car of the Year, three other awards were announced during the press conference.

 

World Performance Car of the Year was awarded to the Nissan’s powerful new GT-R. The 480-horsepower GT-R exhibits amazing handling with performance statistics that match or beat exotic sports cars of more than twice the price. 

 

"On behalf of the global team of designers, engineers and others behind the development of the Nissan GT-R, Nissan proudly accepts the 2009 World Performance Car of the Year award," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America Inc. "This recognition validates their unique vision in creating a true world supercar that can be enjoyed by anyone, any time and anywhere.  Beyond power, beyond performance, GT-R goes beyond expectations.  Thank you, jurors, for this unexpected honor."

 

The other finalists for this award included the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Porsche 911.

 

World Car Design of the Year went to the diminutive Fiat 500. Beating out the other finalists -- the Citroen C5 Sedan / C5 Tourer and the Jaguar XF – the 500 is smaller than a MINI and remains true in style and purpose to the original "Cinquecento."

 

"It is with great pride that we accept an award which sets the seal on the work done by Fiat to create stunningly good-looking cars that convey everything that is best in Italian manufacturing," said Roberto Giolito, head of Style Fiat.

 

World Green Car of the Year went to the Honda FCX Clarity. The fuel-cell powered FCX Clarity earned Honda its second Green Car of the Year award – the Honda Civic Hybrid was the winner in 2006. With styling akin to a futuristic Honda Accord, the FCX features all the expected amenities of a family sedan with an estimated fuel-economy equivalent to 72 mpg.

 

"The FCX Clarity is a symbol of the progress we have made with fuel-cell vehicles and our commitment to developing vehicles that meet the societal goals of climate stability, renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said Steve Center, vice president of national marketing operations for American Honda Motor Co. Inc.