The nominations for the 2017, World Car, Green Car, urban Cr and Luxury car of the year has been announced.

The journey on The Road to World Car began today at the Paris International Motor Show (Le Mondial de l'automobile) with the celebration of the reigning 2016 World Luxury Car winner - the BMW 7 Series - during a champagne media reception held within the BMW Group's exhibit.

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group said, "We are delighted and honoured that the BMW 7 Series carries the prestigious title of World Luxury Car 2016. 

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in the luxury segment: Customers are especially appreciative of the way the 7 Series combines superb modern luxury with outstanding driving dynamics and many ground-breaking innovations. The success story continues: For the very first time, we are now expanding our offering for the 7 Series lineup under the label of the BMW M and BMW i brands."

The Road to World Car follows our 73 international automotive jurors as they test-drive and tell the stories of the 2017 nominated cars in five categories prior to voting by secret ballot in January 2017. The official list of nominees for the World Car of the Year, World Luxury / Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the inaugural World Urban Car can be found on our web site: wcoty.com. The Road to World Car makes a stop in Los Angeles for test-drives in November, then at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when the top three finalists in each category are declared prior to the winners' announcement at a high-profile awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on April 13, 2017. The list of all nominated cars follows.

2017 marks the 11th year of World Car's partnership with the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. "The New York International Auto Show is proud of the tradition it has built with the World Car Awards to recognize the 'best of the best' in the auto industry, said Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show. "Over the past 11 years this awards program has grown to become one of the most coveted honors for the world's automakers."

World Car has a dual mission of celebrating the best of today and inspiring the best ideas for tomorrow. Our role is not just to reward current achievement but to also provide insights into the future.

The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry who serve as an important resource focused on excellence and innovation on a global scale.

The Road Ahead initiative was created in 2014 with our long-standing partner Prime Research.

The Road Ahead identifies emerging global trends throughout the year, via newsletters, trend studies and related initiatives that recognize innovation. The annual Global Trends Report, co-presented by Prime Research and Autoneum annually at the New York International Auto Show is the culmination of research and insights across six months.

During the reception, Peter Lyon, chairman of the WCA Steering Committee, welcomed back the Swiss-based firm Autoneum as a presenting partner of the 2017 World Car Awards for the third consecutive year. "Autoneum's commitment to innovation and excellence on a global scale makes them a good fit for the World Car Awards and our Road Ahead platform," he explained.

Martin Hirzel, CEO of Autoneum, further explained: "For Autoneum as the market leader for acoustic and thermal management with 50 locations around the world, the global World Car Awards are the ideal sponsorship partner. Together we aspire to promote innovation in the automotive industry and thus shape the future of mobility."

As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Autoneum, Bridgestone Corporation, Newspress (media partner) and KPMG (vote tabulation).

THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR:

BEGINS IN PARIS SEPT. 29, 2016. ENDS IN NEW YORK APRIL 13, 2017.

BACKGROUND

World Car Awards

Now entering their 13th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one awards program in the world for the fourth consecutive year based on Prime Research's 2016 media report. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (chair - Japan), Jens Meiners (vice-chair - Germany), Mike Rutherford (vice-chair - UK), Tamara Warren (director - USA), Siddarth Patankar (director - India) and Gerry Malloy (director - Canada and president, WCOTY Association).

New York International Auto Show

Owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the New York Auto Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.

Important 2017 Auto Show Dates

Automotive Forum: April 11

Press Preview, April 12 & 13 (credentials required)

Public Sneak Preview, Friday, April 14

Public Show Dates, Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 23

PRIME Research

PRIME Research, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy is once again the World Car Awards' research partner. On an annual basis, PRIME Research and the World Car Awards are co-presenting a Global Trends Report at the New York International Auto Show each spring. PRIME Research is a well-trusted research partner for the automotive industry with a broad range of automotive clients. Its full picture approach, which provides strategic benchmark information and SWOT analyses on over 150 brands and over 10,000 different automobile models, sets the standard in automotive media research.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the globally leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay as well as heatshields and underbody shields. Customers include leading automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Autoneum is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, of whom about 5% are in Switzerland. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol AUTN).

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CAR

2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS

NOMINATIONS LIST - SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

Audi A5 / S5 Coupé

Audi Q2

Audi Q5

Buick LaCrosse

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Cruze

Chrysler Pacifica

Fiat/Abarth 124 Spyder

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Genesis G80

Infiniti Q60

Jaguar F-PACE

Kia Cadenza

Kia Rio

Kia Sportage

Mazda CX-9

SEAT Ateca

Skoda Kodiaq

SsangYong Tivoli Air / XLV

Subaru Impreza

Toyota C-HR

Volkswagen Tiguan

WORLD LUXURY / PERFORMANCE CAR 2017

Audi R8 Spyder

BMW 5 Series

Bentley Bentayga

Cadillac CT6

Cadillac XT5

Honda/Acura NSX

Hyundai Genesis G90

Lexus LC500

Lincoln Continental

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-AMG Roadster

Porsche Boxster Cayman

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Volvo S90 / V90

WORLD URBAN CAR 2017

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Citroën C3 Citroën E-MEHARI

Ford KA+

Smart Brabus Range

Smart Cabriolet

Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Ignis

WORLD GREEN CAR 2017

Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro

BMW 740e iPerformance

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet Malibu

Hybrid Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car

Hyundai Ioniq

Kia Niro Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e (Plug-In Hybrid)

Tesla Model X

Toyota RAV4

Toyota Prius Prime

WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2017

• All of the World Car of the Year entries automatically qualify for the design award.
• In addition, the following stand-alone entries are also nominated as candidates

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

Jaguar and Land Rover to have a raft of new metal at the New York International Auto Show.

-Ultra-high performance 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR to make North American Auto Show debut

- Jaguar stand to feature newest models to join lineup, the all-new 2017 Jaguar XE sport sedan and F-PACE performance SUV

- Land Rover display to feature two special halo models - Range Rover SVAutobiography and Range Rover Evoque Convertible

- Press Conference: Wednesday, March 23 at 3:55PM

Jaguar Land Rover has announced it will show the full Jaguar and Land Rover model line-ups at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, including range topping models such as the 200 mph Jaguar F-TYPE SVR¹, the $200,000 Range Rover SVAutobiography² and the world's first luxury compact convertible SUV, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible.

The Jaguar brand will also be showcasing its new expanded lineup with two models going on sale this spring, the Jaguar F-PACE and Jaguar XE.

The Jaguar Land Rover press conference at the 2016 New York International Auto Show will be held at the Jaguar Land Rover stand on Level 3, show stand #710 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Wednesday, March 23 at 3:55PM.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR

Following its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, the 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR will be on display for the first time in North America at the New York International Auto Show. Developed to exploit the lightweight aluminum sports car's full potential while retaining its inherent tractability and day-to-day usability, the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR sprints to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and, in coupe trim, joins an elite club of cars capable of accelerating to 200 mph¹.

As the first series production Jaguar vehicle to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and wear the SVR badge, the F-TYPE SVR takes performance, dynamics and driver involvement to a new level yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars. Becoming the new halo product for both the F-TYPE line-up and the Jaguar brand, the     F-TYPE SVR will join the 2017 Model Year F-TYPE Coupe and Convertible range comprising of the F-TYPE, F-TYPE Premium, F-TYPE S, F-TYPE British Design Edition and F-TYPE R.

The F-TYPE SVR goes on sale this summer with an MSRP starting at $125,950 for the coupe and $128,800 for the convertible².

2017 Jaguar F-PACE

Alongside the first SVR-badged Jaguar, the brand's first-ever SUV - the     F-PACE - and its newest sedan - the Jaguar XE - will also be on display in New York.

When the F-PACE reaches U.S. showrooms in May of 2016, it will enter the highly competitive compact performance SUV segment. Coupled with the concurrent on-sale dates of the new XE compact sports sedan and F-PACE performance SUV, the Jaguar brand has the chance to fundamentally transform its business in America; both new vehicles sell in tremendously competitive, high-volume, segments of the premium automotive market and both vehicles allow consumers entirely new access points to the brand.

The F-PACE benefits from a shared aluminum-intensive platform that's found in the XE and XF, as well as shared driver assistance features, suspension and powertrain components found in the F-TYPE. Together, these components help deliver the outstanding driving experience owners have come to expect from Jaguar sports sedans and sports cars, in an SUV.

U.S. buyers will have their choice of a 340- or 380-hp supercharged 3.0L gasoline V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with power being routed to all four wheels via a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system. Later this year, a new 180-hp four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will be added to the lineup, offering a lower price of entry for the model, impressive torque for pull-away and towing, all while relying on the latest clean diesel technology to meet stringent EU6, EPA and CARB emissions requirements.

The F-PACE will be priced from $40,990² for the turbocharged 180-hp 2.0L diesel four-cylinder when it arrives in the U.S. later this year. MSRP for the 340hp supercharged V6 gasoline engine starts at $42,390².

2017 Jaguar XE

Built on an aluminum-intensive architecture shared with both the new F-PACE and XF, the XE completes the modern Jaguar sedan line-up as an entry point for the brand's streamlined styling, luxurious interiors, outstanding ride and handling.

When it arrives in dealer showrooms this May, the XE will be selectively available with a choice of three powertrains and four trim levels. Engines include a refined 2.0L 180-hp turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine - the 20d; a 240-hp turbocharged gas four-cylinder engine - the 25t; and the range-topping 340-hp supercharged gas V6 engine - the 35t; with the 2.0L diesel and the 340hp V6 gas engines both selectively available in either rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The XE will be priced from $34,900² for the four-cylinder gas engine when it arrives in US showrooms in May.

Alongside the debut of the 2017 F-TYPE SVR, the XE and F-PACE, Jaguar will also display the 2017 XF mid-size and 2016 XJ full-size luxury sedans.

More Jaguar at the New York International Auto Show

Jaguar EliteCare, a best-in-class ownership package, comes standard on all 2016 and newer Jaguar models³. For 5-years or 60,000 miles Jaguar EliteCare includes: 

-    New Vehicle Limited Warranty

-    Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance

-    24/7 Roadside Assistance

-    5-Year/Unlimited Mile Jaguar InControl^® Remote & Protect™

Land Rover at the New York International Auto Show

The Land Rover display will be led by two halo models within the brand's portfolio the exclusively crafted $200,000 Range Rover SVAutobiography² and the world's first luxury compact SUV convertible, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Joining these two special vehicles Land Rover will also have on hand the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover LR4.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

As the latest model in the Range Rover Evoque line-up, the all-new Range Rover Evoque Convertible enhances the desirability of the Range Rover Evoque family, expanding the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of open-air driving and luxurious refinement.

The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to be instantly identifiable as a member of the Range Rover Evoque family whether the acoustically-lined fabric top is up or down. In keeping with the award-winning design found in the five-door and coupe derivatives of the fixed-roof Range Rover Evoque, the new convertible retains not only the model's elegant design, but also the characteristic versatility, comfort and all-terrain capability. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible arrives in US showrooms later this year with a starting price of $50,475².

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Exclusively crafted by the team at the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) center in the UK, the Range Rover SVAutobiography is the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model's 45-year history.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography features unique exterior design enhancements, an exclusive premium leather interior with unique trim finishes, as well as a specially tuned supercharged V8 engine shared with the Range Rover Sport SVR producing 550hp and 502lb. ft. of torque; an increase of 40hp and 41lb. ft. respectively, over standard Range Rover supercharged V8 models.

Customers are able to specify a unique dual-tone body color option that includes nine pre-selected color choices for the lower body, mated to a Santorini Black top. The 2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography also features unique hood lettering, a tailgate adorned with new SVAutobiography badging and a new front grille finished in distinctive Graphite Atlas and polished chrome, furthering its visual differentiation.

Much of the vehicle's controls and assorted brightwork - including the start-stop surround, rotary gear selector and pedals - are machined from solid aluminum which is further finished with tactile knurling details. This detailing carries through the front and rear center consoles, with distinctive materials for the cup holder and socket covers, as well as the new armrest adjuster knobs. The Range Rover SVAutobiography is available immediately, priced from $199,495¹.

USA - Jaguar Land Rover has lots of new metal on display at the Washington Auto Show 2016.

Jaguar Land Rover will showcase more than 10 vehicles at the Washington Auto Show January 22 to January 31, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.

Jaguar models on display will include the brand's two newest offerings which go on sale later this year - the new 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan and the first-ever Jaguar SUV, the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE. In addition, the recently redesigned XF mid-size luxury sedan, full-size Jaguar XJ and F-TYPE sports car will also be on hand.

Joining Jaguar, the Land Rover brand will have the new 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible on display, fresh from its worldwide debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Land Rover will also have the rest of its line up represented with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Land Rover LR4 sharing space on the show floor.

2017 Jaguar F-PACE

First unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the F-PACE joins the brand's line-up as the latest entry to the highly competitive compact performance SUV segment. As the first-ever SUV from the Jaguar brand, the F-PACE has been designed to deliver the same dynamic driving experience Jaguar owners have come to expect, while building on the cargo-carrying and versatility SUV owners demand.

The F-PACE benefits from a shared aluminum-intensive platform that's found in the XE and XF, as well as key driver assistance features, suspension and powertrain components that are found in the F-TYPE. Together, they help deliver exceptional driving dynamics, refined ride characteristics and confident road holding abilities owners have come to expect in Jaguar sports sedans and sports cars, in an SUV.

U.S. buyers will have their choice of a 340- or 380-hp supercharged 3.0L gasoline V6 mated to an 8-speed transmission with power being routed to all four wheels via a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system², when the car goes on sale in mid-2016. Later in the year, a new turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will also be added to the model lineup. Upon introduction, the F-PACE will be priced from $42,390¹for the V6 gas engine and $40,990¹ for 4-cyl diesel engine.

2017 Jaguar XE

Launched globally in 2015, the Jaguar XE compact sports sedan will arrive in North American showrooms in spring of 2016 as a 2017 model year. Built on the same aluminum-intensive architecture shared with both the new XF and  F-PACE, the XE completes the modern Jaguar sedan line-up as a new entry point for buyers looking for the brand's streamlined styling, luxurious interiors, outstanding ride and handling.

When it arrives in dealer showrooms, the XE will be selectively available with a choice of three powertrains and four trim levels. Engines include a refined 2.0L 180-hp turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine - the 20d; a 240-hp turbocharged gas four-cylinder engine - the 25t; and the range-topping 340-hp supercharged gas V6 engine - the 35t; selectively available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The XE will be priced from $34,900¹ for the four-cylinder gas engine when it goes on sale in late spring 2016.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

As the latest model in the Range Rover Evoque line-up, the all-new 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible enhances the desirability of the Range Rover Evoque family, expanding the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of open-air driving and luxurious refinement.

The new Range Rover Evoque Convertible has been engineered to be instantly identifiable as a member of the Range Rover Evoque family whether the acoustically-lined fabric top is up or down. 

In keeping with the award-winning design found in the five-door and coupe derivatives of the fixed-roof Range Rover Evoque, the new convertible retains not only the model's elegant design, but also the characteristic versatility, comfort and all-terrain capability.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented: "When the Range Rover Evoque Convertible was first shown as a concept, the response was overwhelmingly positive. 

It was the next logical step to bring the pioneering concept to reality and with a clear design strategy we have safeguarded the distinctive character of the Range Rover Evoque. The result is the ultimate expression of fun and desirability building on the ever-popular Evoque nameplate which continues to bring new customers to the brand."

¹ All prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Land Rover Retailer for details. 

² This feature is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving, nor can it overcome all extreme circumstances. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.