Ward's 10 Best Interiors for 2011 Represent Wide Range of Vehicles and Sticker Prices

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ward's editors have announced the Ward's 10 Best Interiors of 2011, a list that runs the gamut from high-priced luxury vehicles to affordable small cars.

The Ward's 10 Best Interiors of 2011 (alphabetically by manufacturer):

• Audi A8, luxury sedan, Audi AG

• BMW X3 xDrive35i, luxury CUV,  BMW AG

• Dodge Charger Rallye Plus, sport sedan, Chrysler Group LLC

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, SUV, Chrysler Group LLC

• Ford Focus Titanium, small car, Ford Motor Co.

• Chevy Cruze 2LT RS, small car, General Motors Co.

• Honda Odyssey Touring Elite, minivan, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

• Hyundai Elantra Limited, small car, Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.

• Kia Optima EX, midsize car, Kia Motors Corp.

• Volvo S60, luxury sedan, Volvo Car Corp.

With the 2011 ranking, Ward's updates its format for recognizing the passenger compartments that set standards for comfort, convenience, material quality and style, with all automobile categories, such as sports cars and trucks, competing against each other for slots on the list.  

Editors selected the Ward's 10 Best Interiors after driving 51 vehicles throughout February and March. All the vehicles were completely new or featured significantly upgraded interiors.  Editors filled out scoresheets for each vehicle and awarded points based on material quality, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall value and aesthetics. Extensive discussions followed.  The full package detailing the winners and how Ward's editors arrived at their decisions is available at http://wardsauto.com.

The 2011 interior winners will be recognized in a special ceremony at this year's Ward's Auto Interiors Conference May 17 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI.

Registration details can be found online at www.autointeriors.com.  

About Ward's Automotive Group

Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for more than 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving automotive professionals.  WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Automotive Group, the world's leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI - based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward's Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward's Automotive Reports, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.

About Penton Media, Inc.

As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

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SOURCE Ward's Automotive Group