And Now There is One....Volkswagen Up! Declared 2012 World Car of the Year

NEW YORK, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show, the Volkswagen Up! was declared the 2012 World Car of the Year.

This is the third time that a Volkswagen has been declared the "World Car of the Year".  The Volkswagen Polo won the honour in 2010 and the Golf VI won the title in 2009 making it two consecutive years in a row. 

The Volkswagen Up! was chosen from an initial entry list of thirty-four (34) new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten, then three finalists:  the Volkswage Up!, the BMW 3 Series and the Porsche 911.

"This award shows once again that in the up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility," remarks Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chariman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, "The little Volkswagen Up! has altered what we have come to expect from the citycar segment. Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish. Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium. Look for every builder of citycars to up its game just to compete with the new VW".

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of sixty-four (64) top-level automotive journalists from twenty-five (25) countries around the world.  Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence.  Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work.   Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions world-wide.  

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Nissan Leaf in 2011, the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.

Prime Research International, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy is once again the World Car Awards' research partner.  The company will provide strategic reports in 2012 that analyze our awards global automotive media coverage.  

PHOTOS from today's press conference are available for download on our web site at www.wcoty.com > Award Photos.   

About the WORLD CAR AWARDS

Now in their eighth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world's most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind.

The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale.   The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America.  Peter Lyon (Japan) and Matt Davis (Italy) are the co-chairs; John McCormick (USA), Jens Meiners (Germany) and Gerry Malloy (Canada) are the directors.  There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

About BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

About PRIME RESEARCH

PRIME Research International, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy, has joined forces with the World Car Awards to provide strategic studies in the fields of automotive assessment criteria and automotive awards. PRIME Research is a well-trusted research partner for the automotive industry with a broad range of automotive clients. Its full picture approach, which provides strategic benchmark information and SWOT analyses on over 100 brands and over 10,000 different automobile models, sets the standard in automotive media research.    

About the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

Showcasing the latest automotive trends, the 2012 New York International Auto Show will unveil an extensive collection of the most technologically advanced vehicles on display anywhere in the world. More than four floors of displays, including the new Javits Center North exhibition hall, will house nearly 1,000 stunning new 2012/2013 vehicles as well as sensational futuristic concept cars.  NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

Important Show Information:   Press Days: April 4 & 5,  Public Show Dates:  April 6 – April 15th
Show Hours:  Monday – Saturday:  10 a.m. - 10 p.m.    Sundays:  10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

www.autoshowNY.com; Twitter: #NYIAS @NYautoshow; Facebook: Like us, we like you!
Mobile: Download our iPhone app; on iTunes for Show info on the go

SOURCE World Car Awards