KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory, as well as accounting services has released the top three contenders for the third annual World Car of the Year (WCOTY) awards.
WCOTY is a program organized and conducted by renowned automotive journalists from all over the world. Jurors have completed the evaluation of eligible vehicles for the award last January. To be eligible for a World Car award, the contender had to be in production and sold in at least five countries on two continents during 2006. Each juror has been appointed by the World Car Steering Committee based in their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence in the automotive industry. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. From an initial entry list of 28 new vehicles from international automakers, the first round of voting was done to determine Top Ten World Car and World Performance Car finalists. The award is divided in three major categories including World Car of the Year, World Green Car, World Performance Car, World Design of the Year.
KPMG has recently announced the top three finalists for all categories. The winners of the 2007 World Car of the Year will be unveiled during a Press Preview at the forthcoming 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in April 5.
For the 2007 World Car of the Year, the top three finalists are the Audi TT, Lexus LS 460, MINI. The top three contenders for the 2007 World Performance Car award are Audi RS4, BMW 335i, and Porsche 911 Turbo.
For the 2007 World Green Car award, the vehicles should have to be all-new or revamped, in production, and like should be on sale in at least one major market during the year 2006. In addition, the vehicle should be equipped with green technology (including hybrid, bio fuel capable, hydrogen powered, etc.) and released as a production or a prototype model in quantities of 10 or more during 2006.
The BMW Hydrogen 7, Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion with VW parts similar to VW Rabbit parts was chosen by more than 40 jurors as the top three finalists for the 2007 World Green Car award.
For the 2007 World Car Design of the Year award, jurors selected the top three vehicles that are included in the finalists of the World Car of the Year award. The 2007 World Car Design of the Year top three finalists includes Audi TT, Citroen C4 Picasso, and Fiat Grande Punto.
By: Benjsmin Hudson