Audi A7 Named Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, today announced the all-new 2012 Audi A7 as the winner of the first-ever Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Award. MPG President Laura Burstein will present the award to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen at Audi's press conference on the first day of the Los Angeles Auto Show press days on Nov. 16, 2011.

"It was a close battle, but the 2012 Audi A7 edged out the competition with its compelling combination of handsome styling, dynamic handling and advanced in-car technology. In this highly competitive market, it's hard to be a standout, but Audi did it with the A7. Likewise, we congratulate all of our finalists on bringing good-looking, quality vehicles to the market that are fun to drive," said Laura Burstein, President, Motor Press Guild.

"The A7 is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a five-door coupe design that is both sporty and elegant. Response to the launch of the A7 this year has been outstanding. We're proud to be selected by Motor Press Guild as the recipient of their first-ever Vehicle of the Year award," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.

The 2012 Audi A7 was one of five finalists chosen over a two-month period by a select panel of MPG journalist members who test and review cars on a regular basis. The final five vehicles were evaluated and ranked by the entire journalist membership at MPG's Track Day event on Oct. 11-12, 2011. Vehicles were rated in the categories of safety, quality, value, performance/handling, design/style, environmental/green impact and technology/innovation. In addition, journalists were encouraged to consider models that reflect the unique style of Southern California. Vehicles were required to be all-new or substantially changed from the previous year's model and available at dealerships on or before Jan. 1, 2012. Other 2011 VOTY finalists (in alphabetical order) are the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 2012 Fiat 500, 2012 Ford Focus and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

Details of the press conference are below:

What: Motor Press Guild VOTY Award Presentation
When: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 4:40 PM
Where: Audi Stand, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center

ABOUT MPG

The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is the largest automotive media association in North America with more than 800 members. This non-profit trade guild is dedicated to promoting professionalism in automotive journalism through education and information exchange. Members include journalists from print, broadcast, and online outlets as well as public relations representatives, consumer groups and governmental bodies tied to the automotive industry. The organization hosts regular meetings featuring key figureheads in the auto industry and is widely recognized for its annual Dean Batchelor Award program and annual industry MPG Track Day.

For more information on the Motor Press Guild, please visit our website (www.motorpressguild.org), Facebook page or Twitter feed (@MotorPressGuild). For media inquiries please contact MPG Publicity Chair Mike Caudill at 951-719-1040 or [email protected].

SOURCE Motor Press Guild