The Toyota Prius Prime has taken the Green Car Of The Year Award for the second year running.

• AND NOW THERE IS ONE….
• SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR TOYOTA – WORLD GREEN CAR
• Toyota Prius Prime – 2017 World Green Car

The TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME was declared the 2017 World Green Car at a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation, and Autoneum.

This is the second consecutive World Green Car win for Toyota Motor Corporation. The Toyota Mirai won last year’s World Green Car title.

Jack Hollis, Group VP and General Manager of Toyota division commented, "It is a great honor to have both the Prius Prime and C-HR nominated for World Car of the Year awards. For global automakers like Toyota, consideration for this award is a testament to our focus on developing products that both stir the emotions and meet the mobility needs of our customers in all corners of the world."

Toyota Motor Corporation is no stranger to the World Car Awards program – now in its 13th year.

The Toyota Prius previously earned “Top Three in the World” status in 2010 for both the World Green Car and the overall World Car of the Year categories. The Toyota GT86 was a “Top Three in the World” finalist for 2013 World Car of the Year; the Toyota iQ in 2009 for the same category and the Toyota Harrier Hybrid for 2006 World Green Car.

The TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced in Geneva: the Chevrolet Bolt, the Tesla Model X and the Toyota Prius Prime.

To be eligible for the 2017 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new, or substantially revised, in production and introduced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2016 and ending May 31, 2017. 

Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

Vehicles in all award categories are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 75 top-level automotive journalists from 23 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. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors’ ballots.

Previous World   winners were: Toyota Mirai (2016), BMWi8 (2015) and the BMW i3 (2014), then the Tesla Model S (2013), the Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2012), the Chevrolet Volt (2011), the Volkswagen BlueMotion (2010), the Honda FCX Clarity (2009), the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics (2008), the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (2007) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (2006).

The Road to World Car began in Paris on September 29, was followed by test-drives in Los Angeles in November, continued in Geneva with the Top Three in the World announcement, and finally ended today with the declaration of the winners in six categories at the New York International Auto Show.

2017 marks the 11th anniversary of the partnership between World Car and the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the number one automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach.

The Global Trends Report, co-presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, was also released today.The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said, “The auto industry is in the midst of an upheaval that goes far beyond anything it has experienced in the past 100 years. 

Emerging industry trends such as autonomous driving, electric mobility and connected cars are changing not only vehicles and their technologies but also their concepts and forms. As the market leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, Autoneum today already offers a large variety of multifunctional and lightweight technologies and components to meet the requirements of modern mobility. 

With our recently established “Competence Center for New Mobility” in Sunnyvale, California, Autoneum is taking a committed and active role in driving vehicle advancement by developing innovative technologies and components for all forms of mobility.”

World Car of the Year is more than just an awards program. The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry. World Car connects the global industry around the very best of today and inspires, with insights, the ideas and trends of tomorrow. 

Thus defining The Road Ahead platform shared with our presenting partners Bridgestone Corporation, Prime Research, Autoneum and, most recently, Brembo.

“As the world’s largest tire and rubber company, we are proud to partner with the World Car program for the 9th consecutive year,” said Mike Martini, president, original equipment tire sales, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “This is an important forum for leaders in the automotive industry to celebrate achievements in innovation, performance and sustainability. 

As new mobility preferences emerge, we must continue to collaborate across our industry to deliver cutting-edge technology and world-class products that meet the needs of a changing global customer base.”

In a rapidly changing automotive world, Brembo is also focused firmly on the future and the vehicles it will bring to market. Brembo is committing significant resources to perfecting ever more sophisticated virtual simulation methodologies that includes the study of forms, materials, technologies and surface treatments able to meet the needs of the new-generation vehicles, with a particular focus on environmental impact aspects, which drives all of Brembo’s development activities.

The Volvo XC90 T8 Plug in hybrid has been awarded the green car of the year award.

• XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid crowned Green Car of the Year at the Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards
• Honoured for its luxuriousness, affordable running costs and low CO₂ emissions
• Volvo’s comprehensive chauffeur programme also praised

The Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription has been voted Green Car of the Year at the 2016 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards.

The awards celebrate the best in the private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry, and the Green Car of the Year category was open to any vehicle with CO₂ emissions of 70 g/km or below. 

The XC90 T8 sits comfortably below that figure, with CO₂ emissions of just 49 g/km, helped by its innovative petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

That’s not the T8’s only impressive figure. It can be driven for up to 27 miles in zero-emission, virtually silent electric-only mode, and its official combined fuel economy figure is 134.5 mpg. 

The XC90 T8 has space for seven adults in its luxurious interior, while its boot provides an impressive 967 litres of luggage space when the two rearmost seats are folded down.

Drivers and passengers will certainly appreciate the XC90 T8 Inscription’s beautiful cabin. Nappa soft leather upholstery, natural wood inlays and leather door tops are all standard, as are rear footwell and side step illumination, and integrated sun curtains in the rear doors. Every XC90 T8 also comes with a panoramic glass sunroof and four-zone climate control.

Class-leading connectivity comes as standard, too. The ground-breaking Volvo On Call app allows you to control numerous functions of the car from your mobile device, including the ability to heat or cool the cabin so it’s at the perfect temperature when you and your passengers get in the car. The innovative touch screen control system offers pinch and zoom functionality, and you can even use it while wearing gloves. You can also turn the car into a WiFi hotspot using the increased signal strength of the car’s antenna, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available.

As you’d expect from a Volvo, safety is paramount. Every XC90 comes with automatic emergency braking, which works day or night, along with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection. There are also advanced safety aids to prevent the car from inadvertently leaving the road, while the standard Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system takes the strain out of long motorway journeys by helping to regulate the car’s speed, distance from any vehicle in front, and position in its lane.

Volvo’s bespoke chauffeur programme also won praise from the judges. This includes a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty, a like-for-like replacement vehicle, direct aftersales support and service plan options. Contract hire offers of up to 50,000 miles a year are available, too.

Commenting on the award, Mark Bursa, the editor of Professional Driver, said: “The Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine offers a great combination of luxury, low running costs and great manufacturer support through a benchmark chauffeur programme.”

Selwyn Cooper, Head of Business Sales for Volvo Car UK, said: “The XC90 T8 is already proving a huge hit with Volvo buyers, and for it to win this award is an honour, especially because it is chosen by leading chauffeur and private hire professionals. The XC90 T8’s blend of space, luxury, tax-efficiency, refinement and safety makes it the perfect car to drive or be driven in.”

USA - General Motors is pleased to announce that Chevrolet has just sold the 100,000th Volt Plug In vehicle.

First Model to Reach Milestone for Plug-In Vehicles

Chevrolet is announcing the sale of 100,000 Volts, giving those owners a no-compromise electric driving experience with a plug-in vehicle offering an EPA-estimated 53 miles of electric vehicle range and a total range of 420 miles between gasoline fill-ups or full recharges*.

“The Chevrolet Volt delivers not just a fun driving experience behind the wheel, but has become the first vehicle with plug-in electrification technology to truly become mainstream,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. 

“Not only is the Volt a class-creator, it serves as the foundation of a Chevrolet electric family that will soon add the first long-range, affordable EV available to customers across the U.S., the Chevrolet Bolt EV.”

How much of an impact do 100,000 Volts out on the road make? As it turns out, quite a bit. Since sales of the Chevrolet Volt began, owners have driven almost 1.5 billion miles in EV mode of a total 2.5 billion cumulative miles. 

Based on an average new car fuel economy of 25.3 miles per gallon, Volt drivers have saved nearly 58 million gallons of fuel. That is enough gasoline to fill more than 87 competition-size swimming pools.

The second-generation Volt improves on the pioneering work of the original, adding additional electric-only range, improved fuel economy of 106 mpg-e and 42 mpg, and a chassis that is lighter than the original. The second-generation Volt is 220 pounds lighter than the first-generation and delivers 19 percent stronger 0-30 mph electric acceleration while providing 39 percent greater pure EV range. Based on Chevrolet data, Chevrolet expects the average 2017 Volt driver who fully charges the car regularly to travel more than 1,000 miles between gas fill ups.*

The Volt offers industry-leading smartphone integration, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an onboard, available OnStar 4G LTE connection—features that will leave the next 100,000 owners of the Chevrolet Volt even more satisfied.

*EPA estimated 53-mile EV range based on 106 mpg-e combined city/highway (electric) and 42 mpg combined city/highway (gas).  Actual range varies with conditions.

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron receives Green, Connected Car Recognition.

• Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is finalist for 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year
• Green Car Journal to announce winners January 21 at Washington Auto Show
• Magazine noted “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

The soon-to-launch Audi A3 Sportback e-tron earned recognition as a leader in sustainable propulsion by qualifying as a finalist for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year awards that will be presented at the Washington Auto Show on January 21.

 

The awards “recognize vehicles that exhibit laudable environmental achievement,” according to Green Car Journal, which oversees the awards. “Along with improved environmental performance, traditional buyer touchstones like functionality, safety, quality, value and performance are also considered.”

 

For the Connected award, the magazine also considers, “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

 

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid features the most advanced version of the Audi connect platform, which provides the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

 

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also was a finalist for the national Green Car of the Year Award bestowed by Green Car Journal and given at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

USA - 2016 Chevrolet Volt wins second Green Car of the Year award

2016 Chevrolet Volt wins second Green Car of the Year award

The Next-Generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt was awarded Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the second time the Volt has won the award.

The Volt, which started arriving in dealerships this fall, also won the award when it debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model. Green Car Journal praised the Volt’s increased range, all-new propulsion system and bold design.

The Green Car of the Year award is determined by an 11-member panel, and is based on fuel efficiency, Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications, performance and affordability. Other criteria include availability and accessibility.

The other finalists were the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Prius.

“Chevrolet’s all-new Volt is a milestone, building on an already-technologically advanced ‘green’ car and delivering what buyers have longed for, including an impressive 53-mile driving range on a single charge,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.

“A visually appealing design, increased five-passenger seating, and an array of on-board electronics combine with the Volt’s inherent efficiencies to make the 2016 Chevrolet Volt a real winner,” Cogan said.

The all-new Volt delivers a total driving range of up to 420 miles. Combined with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg highway, Chevrolet expects owners to travel 1,000 miles between gasoline fill-ups.

“Chevrolet is all about bringing affordable electrification to our customers, and that is exactly what we did with the Volt” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director. “For Volt to stand out in Green Car’s evaluation, it reaffirms Chevrolet’s commitment to being a leader in electrification.”

According to independent surveys, Volt owners are the most satisfied in the industry, and 70 percent of those owners are new to General Motors.

NEW YORK - BMW i8 accepts World Green Car Of The Year Title, 2015.

Sports car with pathbreaking overall concept repeats the BMW i3’s success of the previous year.

For the second time in succession BMW i clinched victory at the World Car Awards in the category World Green Car. Following the success of the purely electrically driven BMW i3 the previous year, the BMW i8 was awarded this prestigious award at the New York International Auto Show. 

The sports car's combination of groundbreaking plug-in hybrid drive technology and innovative lightweight construction together with its avant-garde design was honoured by the international jury at the World Car Awards.

The BMW i8 was also one of the finalists in the category World Luxury Car at the World Car Awards 2015, thereby underlining its special position.

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team in Munich”, says Dr. Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW, speaking at the Award Ceremony in New York. 

“The BMW i8 represents the future with its unique lightweight construction and unrivalled connectivity. To win this award for the second year in a row shows that our BMW i products are truly leading the world.”

The BMW i8 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle manufactured by the BMW Group. It combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel consumption and emission figures of a subcompact vehicle. The BMW i8 can be driven up to 37 kilometres under electric power alone, accelerate in the style of a purebred sports car and yet its average consumption is that of a subcompact car. 

Its 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, is combined with an electric motor. The battery can be charged at a conventional power outlet, at a charging station or simply while driving. 

The system performance of the BMW i8 is 266 kW/362 hp and it accelerates in just 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h from a standing start (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 49 g/km)*. 

The extensive use of innovative materials, as well as the i8's energy-efficient production processes also underline the overall, future-oriented concept. The optional laser headlights and the services developed specifically for electro mobility by the BMW ConnectedDrive team are further proof of the progressive direction taken by the BMW i8.

Since 2005, the World Car Awards have been presented annually at the start of the New York International Auto Show and are among the most important international prizes to be won in the automotive sector. The jury is composed of 75 journalists from more than 20 countries. 

Each summer before the award ceremony, the models nominated in each category are announced, from which an Expert Committee or the jurors nominate five vehicles in each category (World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car) or ten vehicles (World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car). 

From these, the jury selects the three finalists in the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show, before the winners are finally announced in New York.

The BMW i8 is the BMW Group's third model to be honoured with the World Green Car Award at the World Car Awards, following the BMW 118d in 2008, which represented the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, and the BMW i3 the previous year.

With the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, the BMW i3 has added another trophy to an impressive raft of honours.

With the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, the BMW i3 has added a further trophy to an impressive raft of honours in its first year on the market. It was chosen for this award, presented by Green Car Journal at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, as the first dedicated all-electric vehicle in the premium segment. 

This latest honour, which adds to a long tally of awards the BMW i3 has picked up over the past months, is a further endorsement of this model’s unique sustainable mobility concept. More than 12,000 BMW i3s have already been sold since November 2013. 

The presence of more and more of these vehicles on the roads of cities all over the world is clear proof that it is now possible to successfully mate zero tailpipe emissions with premium-class driving pleasure, and that this groundbreaking combination is here to stay. 

One year after its launch, the BMW i3 is already the third best-selling all-electric automobile on the market.

Early adopters of the BMW i3 in Germany praise its sporty performance in particular. This is based on a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor, which offers highly responsive acceleration, and advanced chassis engineering. These drivers mainly use their BMW i3 for everyday urban driving and for commuting to work. 

For the most part they charge the lithium-ion battery overnight, at home. These first customers’ main reasons for buying the first electric vehicle from the BMW Group are its integrated sustainable mobility concept and BMW’s acknowledged technological expertise. 

Stand-out features of the BMW i3 in the eyes of its first German customers are its carbon-fibre (CFRP) passenger cell, renewable interior materials, mature powertrain engineering, state-of-the-art connectivity, and styling which these customers perceive as “futuristic”. 

Demand for this electric vehicle, which can optionally be supplied with a range extender, is outstripping expectations. Both in number and diversity, the string of awards the BMW i3 has picked up – starting before the market launch and continuing on an upward trend ever since – is quite exceptional. 

In Germany, no sooner had pre-launch sales begun than the BMW i3 won the Green Steering Wheel 2013 award – one of the categories in the Golden Steering Wheel competition hosted by Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag – and was voted best car in its class in auto, motor und sport’s Best Cars 2014 awards.

It also won two readers’ awards from Auto Zeitung magazine, plus the Auto Trophy 2013 and the Green Mobility Trophy 2014.

On the international stage, too, the successful market launch of the BMW i3 was accompanied by very positive ratings in opinion polls and independent expert reviews. 

Highlights to date include the UK Car of the Year Award, the Next Green Car Award, the Green Car of the Year Award, the Fleet Hero Award and a class win in the Sunday Times Top 100 Cars list (all of these in the UK), the Special Jury Award in the Swiss Car of the Year Award and a win in the French Trophées de l’Argus awards. In April 2014, a jury of motoring journalists from across the world named the BMW i3 World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

The BMW i3’s groundbreaking and individualistic exterior and interior design also earned it many other accolades, including the German Design Award, the iF gold product design award and the Automotive Interiors Expo Award, while the French edition of GQ magazine named BMW i Head of Design Benoit Jacob “Designer of the Year”. In further tributes, Auto Bild voted the BMW i3 Design Innovation of the Year, and readers of Auto Bild Klassik named it Classic of the Future.

The latest honour, the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, presented at the LA Auto Show, is a further tribute to the BMW i3’s all-round sustainable mobility concept. The evaluation by Green Car Journal was based on the BMW i3’s zero emissions at the point of use, its innovative lightweight design and the high percentage of sustainably produced materials used in its manufacture. 

Green Car Journal specialises in reporting on sustainable, efficiency-enhancing technologies and pioneering trends in the automotive industry and has been hosting the Green Car of the Year Award annually at the LA Auto Show since 2005. This year’s show is open to the public from 21 to 30 November.