Ward's Announces Auto Interior of the Year Awards For 2010

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Awards, North America's only honors for excellence in automotive interiors, have been announced for 2010.  The list features winners in pricing and vehicle type categories, as well as special award winners for design, versatility and brand expression.

The 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year winners are:

• Subaru Outback (Popular-priced car under $29,999)      
• Infiniti M56 (Premium-priced car)
• Lexus HS 250h (Hybrid car)
• Chevrolet Camaro (Sports car)
• Chevrolet Equinox (Popular-priced truck under $39,999)
• Volvo XC60 (Premium-priced truck)
• Acura ZDX  (Design Breakthrough)
• Mazdaspeed3 (Brand Expression)
• BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo (Design Versatility)
• Porsche Panamera (Inspired Design)

"For years, the focus on safety and functionality has given us drab, uninspired vehicle interiors," said Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. "This year's winners show style and original design is becoming as important inside the vehicle as it already is to the sheet metal outside."

A team of eight Ward's editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year.  The vehicles – both car and truck – were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category.  In addition, Ward's bestowed special awards for outstanding achievements in key areas. Having both designations allowed judges to rank vehicles against the entire field, regardless of segment and price.  Judging criteria included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, driver information, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.

The awards will be presented during a ceremony held as part of the Ward's Auto Interiors Conference on May 19 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, MI.  Registration details can be found online at www.autointeriors.com.  

About Ward's Automotive Group

Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals.  The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Automotive Group, the world's leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI - based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward's Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward's Automotive Reports, the monthly magazine Ward's Dealer Business, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.

About Penton Media, Inc.

As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton serves the information needs of more than six million business professionals every month in industries ranging from Agriculture and Aviation to Electronics, Natural Products, and Information Technology. With the majority of the company's properties ranked the #1 or #2 information source for their respective industries, Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed.  Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors.  For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

CONTACT:

Bethany Weaver

1-216-931-9551

SOURCE Ward’s Automotive Group