The Nissan LEAF electric car was declared the 2011 World Car of the Year at a press conference held on April 21, during media previews at the New York International Auto Show. At the same time, winners of the World Green Car, World Performance Car and World Car Design awards were also announced.
The LEAF was chosen as World Car of the Year the from an initial entry list of 39 all-new vehicles from around the world. It was selected by a jury of 66 automotive journalists from 24 countries, winning by a narrow margin over the BMW 5 Series. The Audi A8 placed third in the detailed voting process.
“It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”
To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates had to become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending May 30, 2011.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were: the Volkswagen Polo in 2010; Volkswagen Golf in 2009; the Mazda2 in 2008; Lexus LS460 in 2007; BMW 3-Series in 2006; and Audi A6 in 2005.
The 2011 World Green Car award, presented by Bridgestone, went to the Chevrolet Volt, which beat out the LEAF and the BMW 325d EfficientDynamics Edition. “The selection of the Volt as the World Green Car is a further proof point of the fuel-efficient technologies that are now being offered by the Chevrolet brand around the world,” said Rick Schiedt, Vice-President of Chevrolet Marketing.
Vehicles eligible for the World Green Car award had to be available in just one major market, which is why the Volt was eligible for this award but not for overall World Car.
The 2011 World Performance Car award was claimed by the Ferrari 458. Other finalists included the gull-winged Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Porsche 911 Turbo.
Accepting the award, Marco Mattiacci, President and CEO, Ferrari North America said, “Our goal in engineering the 458 Italia was to match the technology and extreme performance developed for our racing activities with the demands of our drivers who wish to enjoy their cars on the road and experience the unique emotions that only a Ferrari can provide. Today’s award as 2011 World Performance Car makes us very proud and confident that we achieved our goals.”
The 2011 World Car Design award went to the four-door Aston Martin Rapide, which finished ahead of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 in the voting.
Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, who led the in-house design team that penned the Rapide described it as being: “Like a race horse standing still… There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”
The World Car Design of the Year category, and the corresponding award, is meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries.
Now in its seventh year, the annual World Car Awards program is intended to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a steering committee of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America.
For more information visit: www.wcoty.com.
