NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a private ceremony held in New York today, the 2011 International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) honored 3 vehicles deemed best in class for their most superlative connection with consumer lifestyles. Winners are:

2011 International Sedan of the Year:
Volvo S60 – Most Dependable

2011 International Luxury Car of the Year:
Jaguar XJ – Most Respected

2011 International SUV of the Year:
Ford Explorer – Most Resourceful

"To receive the International Sedan of the Year award and be named 'Most Dependable' demonstrate first-hand that Volvo S60 connects with consumers' lifestyles on both an emotional and rational level," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of VCNA, who accepted the award.

Adrian Hallmark, global brand director for Jaguar, who accepted the International Luxury Car of the Year Award said, "We're delighted that the 2011 Jaguar XJ has received this honor. The all-new XJ is a benchmark in both design and technology, and we're thrilled to receive the 'Most Respected' accolade from one of the highest international panel of judges in our industry."

Judged 'Most Resourceful,' the 2011 Ford Explorer won International SUV of the Year. "With its modern design and class-leading fuel economy, the new Explorer has been reinvented, delivering all the features buyers expect in an SUV and many that they don't expect," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development. "From its seven passenger capability to industry-first rear inflatable seat belts, consumers can experience the Explorer in a fresh new way. We are pleased to have won the International SUV of the Year."   

In its 15th year, the ICOTY Awards remain a respected industry honor, measuring what no other automotive award does, the emotional connection between car and consumer. Bridgestone, longtime lead sponsor of ICOTY, recognizes the consumer-product relationship as critical to vehicle success.

"Bridgestone is proud to support the ICOTY awards, and applauds the efforts of these automakers that, like our company, demonstrate a strong commitment to innovative technology," said Michael Martini, president, Consumer OE, Bridgestone Americas. "Through the combined efforts of everyone in the auto industry, and led by automakers like those being recognized today, we will continue to meet and exceed the demands of the motoring public."

Trophies were presented by Mike Martini and five of ICOTY's 12 jurors including Courtney Caldwell, editor Road & Travel Magazine; James Bell, president, Motor Press Guild; Joe Wiesenfelder, senior editor, Cars.com; Denise McCluggage, contributor, Auto Week; and BJ Killeen, road test editor, Drivers Talk Radio.

About ICOTY

The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, owner of Road & Travel Magazine. Its unique theme was created to recognize automakers that successfully design and market vehicles to consumer lifestyles. Today, many automakers use the 'emotional connection' theme in their international marketing and advertising campaigns.

www.icotyawards.com

SOURCE Road & Travel Magazine