Road & Travel Magazine - 25th Anniversary

DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On its 25^th anniversary, Road & Travel Magazine (RTM), announced the winners of its 18^th Annual International Car of the Year Awards for the most emotionally compelling vehicles of the year.

The 2014 Kia Cadenza was named International Car of the Year. "To win the prestigious ICOTY award two years running is a clear indication that our products continue to offer the perfect balance of design and value for today's discerning car buyers," said Michael Sprague, EVP of marketing & communications, KMA.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado won International Truck of the Year. "We are honored that RTM has recognized the new Silverado as its 2014 International Truck of the Year. We worked hard to make it the best engineered, most refined pickup on the road," said Maria Rohrer, marketing director for Chevrolet trucks and SUVs.

Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) honored the Toyota Corolla with its 6^th Most Earth Aware Car of the Year. "This award validates the efforts of our team to make Corolla the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class," said Bill Fay, Group VP and GM of Toyota Division U.S.A.

The Audi Q5 won Most Earth Aware SUV of the Year. "We are honored to accept an award that recognizes the environmental friendliness of the Audi Q5," said Mark Del Rosso, EVP & COO, Audi of America.

Presenting awards were RTM Editor Courtney Caldwell, and Mike Martini, president, Consumer OE and ICOTY sponsor, Bridgestone Americas. "Bridgestone is proud to support the ICOTY and EWP awards, and applauds the efforts of winning automakers that like our company demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative technology," said Martini. "Through the combined efforts of everyone in the auto industry, and led by automakers like those recognized in the 2014 awards, we will continue to meet and exceed the demands of the motoring public."

About ICOTY - Founded in 1996 by Caldwell, ICOTY pioneered the theme to honor vehicles for their emotional impact on consumers. The goal was to shed light on the importance of marketing cars across gender lines, thereby eliciting an emotional connection between car and consumer. Today, several automakers produce national TV commercials that successfully establish an emotional bond with their buyers inspiring brand loyalty.

SOURCE Road & Travel Magazine