Road & Travel Announces 2008 International Car of the Year and Earth Angel Award Winners

Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) announced the 12th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) winners at a black-tie ceremony on Saturday, January 12. Held at the all-new MGM Grand Detroit, more than 700 industry leaders and media gathered on the eve of press week of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to watch a jury of nationally renowned automotive journalists award the award-winning vehicles with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates.

"The ICOTY Award's unique theme focuses on the emotional connection between car and consumer; how vehicles reflect our lifestyles and self image, an attitude the average consumer can identify with," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY creator, and RTM editor in chief.

2008 ICOTY Winners
International Car of the Year -- Honda Accord Sedan
International Truck of the Year -- Chrysler Town & Country
Pick Up Truck of the Year, "Most Athletic" -- GMC Sierra Denali
Sports Car of the Year, "Most Sex Appeal" -- Audi R8
Sedan of the Year, "Most Dependable" -- Honda Accord Sedan
Luxury Car of the Year, "Most Respected" -- Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
Minivan of the Year, "Most Compatible" -- Chrysler Town & Country
Entry Level Car of the Year, "Most Spirited" -- Volvo C30
Crossover of the Year, "Most Versatile" -- Buick Enclave
SUV of the Year,  "Most Resourceful" -- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

U.S. Senator Carl Levin presented the inaugural Earth Angel award to Beth Lowery, vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy for General Motors Corporation's role as the most environmentally friendly automaker. Road & Travel Magazine Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith, both judges on the ICOTY jury, co-presented the award, which was sponsored by Bridgestone.

Eight major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota participated in the competition. Factors considered were established present and future environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid electric, diesel, and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and the automaker's company position and mission on global warming.

Throughout the past year, General Motors has worked to reduce its energy and water consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent in the last five years, as well. Additionally, GM has led the way in solar power energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, California.

Recognized for its multiple environmental partnership programs, GM will continue work in 2008 by launching Project Driveway, the largest test fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to hit the worldwide market. Project Driveway will offer drivers in multiple cities across America the opportunity to become more familiar with earth-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Equinox.

RTM also recognized veteran automotive journalist Thos L. Bryant with its 5th annual Lifetime Achievement Award RTM also presented its 4th annual HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2007 for Dodge Caravan's "Rooms."

By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor

U.S. Senator Carl Levin presented the inaugural Earth Angel award to Beth Lowery, vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy for General Motors Corporation's role as the most environmentally friendly automaker. Road & Travel Magazine Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith, both judges on the ICOTY jury, co-presented the award, which was sponsored by Bridgestone.

Eight major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota participated in the competition. Factors considered were established present and future environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid electric, diesel, and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and the automaker's company position and mission on global warming.

Throughout the past year, General Motors has worked to reduce its energy and water consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent in the last five years, as well. Additionally, GM has led the way in solar power energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, California.

Recognized for its multiple environmental partnership programs, GM will continue work in 2008 by launching Project Driveway, the largest test fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to hit the worldwide market. Project Driveway will offer drivers in multiple cities across America the opportunity to become more familiar with earth-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Equinox.

RTM also recognized veteran automotive journalist Thos L. Bryant with its 5th annual Lifetime Achievement Award RTM also presented its 4th annual HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2007 for Dodge Caravan's "Rooms."

By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor