KENT ISLAND, Md., Oct. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a banner day for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt and 2018 Lexus LS 500 at the annual 2017 Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) Rally on Oct. 12. The Chevrolet Bolt EV took home the WAPA Rally Green Vehicle award, while the Lexus LS 500 received the WAPA Luxury Vehicle award.

The annual 2017 WAPA Rally, held on the grounds of the luxuriously appointed Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, hosted over 150 WAPA members, journalists, and manufacturer representatives. Over 70 media members of WAPA served as judges to award the highly coveted WAPA Green Vehicle and Luxury Vehicle awards. Representatives from over 30 manufacturer brands were on hand to answer questions about the vehicles and to assist in the evaluation process. After a full day of both highway and suburban on-road testing, the WAPA board of directors presented awards during a reception overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

"Washington, D.C. and its surrounding areas include the wealthiest counties in the United States. The Luxury Vehicle Award continues to be a highly sought-after award since the audience of our media members has a keen buying interest in that category of vehicle," said WAPA President, William Hopper.

Philip Van der Vossen, WAPA Rally Director, said, "As the roads of the D.C. area become more congested and legislation for green initiatives is spearheaded in Congress, the Green Vehicle Award has proven itself quite relevant in its second year of existence."

The all-new 2018 Lexus LS 500—Lexus' reimagined global flagship sedan—rides on a fully redesigned platform offering greatest-ever agility and comfort, while featuring an all-new twin-turbo V6 engine. Sales begin in February 2018, with a starting price around $75,000.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an affordable, all-electric vehicle capable of an EPA-estimated 238 miles on a single charge. On sale across the United States as of September, the 2017 Bolt EV has quickly become the best-selling mass market electric vehicle in the country this year.

The 2017 WAPA Rally set new records for attendance and vehicles at the annual event, with more than 160 journalists and industry representatives gathering to experience over 50 new vehicle models.

About Washington Automotive Press Association
Founded in 1985, the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) is the professional association for the Washington, DC and Baltimore area, and is comprised of over 200 automotive journalists and industry representatives. WAPA promotes education and professional awareness in the field of motor vehicles regarding their manufacturing and regulation. It seeks to enhance and encourage professionalism of journalists and specialists in automotive and related fields.

Media Contact
Ryan Morris | WAPA Director of Communications
T: 202-431-2526
E: ryan.morris@jdpa.com

SOURCE Washington Automotive Press Association

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