Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.
That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.
 |
| Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011 |
Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.
Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.
Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.
| BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking: Cars | Brand | Brand Value (US$ M) | Change | Ranking: Overall Top 100 |
| 1 | Toyota | 24,198 | 11% | 27 |
| 2 | BMW | 22,425 | 3% | 30 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | 15,344 | 12% | 50 |
| 4 | Honda | 14,182 | -1% | 56 |
| 5 | Porsche | 12,413 | 3% | 66 |
| 6 | Nissan | 10,072 | 17% | 88 |
| 7 | Volkswagen | 7,408 | 6% | N/A |
| 8 | Ford | 7,394 | 5% | N/A |
| 9 | Audi | 3,808 | 5% | N/A |
| 10 | Lexus | 3,648 | N/A | N/A |
Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.
That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.
|
| Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011 |
Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.
Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.
Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.
| BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking: Cars | Brand | Brand Value (US$ M) | Change | Ranking: Overall Top 100 |
| 1 | Toyota | 24,198 | 11% | 27 |
| 2 | BMW | 22,425 | 3% | 30 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | 15,344 | 12% | 50 |
| 4 | Honda | 14,182 | -1% | 56 |
| 5 | Porsche | 12,413 | 3% | 66 |
| 6 | Nissan | 10,072 | 17% | 88 |
| 7 | Volkswagen | 7,408 | 6% | N/A |
| 8 | Ford | 7,394 | 5% | N/A |
| 9 | Audi | 3,808 | 5% | N/A |
| 10 | Lexus | 3,648 | N/A | N/A |
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Last November it was declared the 2011 European Car of the Year, and now the Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. Occupying the runners-up slots were the two other short-listed models, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.
 |
| Nissan Leaf: 2011 World Car of the Year |
2011 World Performance Car winner was the Ferrari 458 Italia, an unsurprising victory even though it was up against the talented Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.
Another predictable (but deserved) result was that the 2011 World Car Design of the Year title went to the Aston Martin Rapide, which beat the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Nissan Leaf was also a finalist in the 2011 World Green Car category. However, it lost out to the Chevrolet Volt which, with its range-extender technology, is undoubtedly a much more practical proposition for many drivers. Even so, the Leaf’s environmental credentials must have helped it to secure the main prize, so perhaps the outcome seems rather inconsistent? The third finalist for this award was the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.
Related posts:
World Car Awards top three
World Car Awards finalists
Leaf is Car of the Year
Last November it was declared the 2011 European Car of the Year, and now the Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. Occupying the runners-up slots were the two other short-listed models, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.
|
| Nissan Leaf: 2011 World Car of the Year |
2011 World Performance Car winner was the Ferrari 458 Italia, an unsurprising victory even though it was up against the talented Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.
Another predictable (but deserved) result was that the 2011 World Car Design of the Year title went to the Aston Martin Rapide, which beat the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Nissan Leaf was also a finalist in the 2011 World Green Car category. However, it lost out to the Chevrolet Volt which, with its range-extender technology, is undoubtedly a much more practical proposition for many drivers. Even so, the Leaf’s environmental credentials must have helped it to secure the main prize, so perhaps the outcome seems rather inconsistent? The third finalist for this award was the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.
Related posts:
World Car Awards top three
World Car Awards finalists
Leaf is Car of the Year
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hertz has started to offer the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its customers in the UK. For now, two of the all-electric cars are available to members of the ‘Connect by Hertz’ car sharing club in London, but the plan is to add more of the Mitsubishis to rental fleets across the country.
To support the initiative, Hertz has set up charging stations at Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, Marble Arch, Old Kent Road, Russell Square and Uxbridge. Drivers will also be able to use the Source London network of public charging points, which is currently being established across London.
President of Hertz International, Michel Taride, said: “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to provide i-MiEV cars to our Connect by Hertz members and Hertz customers in the UK is a vital part of our global Electric Vehicle and sustainability initiatives. We are excited that from today, our customers can experience the joy of 100% electric driving with the i-MiEVs, which offer surprising power and a smooth, quiet ride.”
The i-MiEV features a 66 bhp (49 kW / 66 PS) motor that’s powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range is 93 miles (150 km), which should be plenty for predominantly city centre journeys.
Related posts:
Nine electric cars get grant
Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs
UK i-MiEV prices slashed
Hertz has started to offer the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its customers in the UK. For now, two of the all-electric cars are available to members of the ‘Connect by Hertz’ car sharing club in London, but the plan is to add more of the Mitsubishis to rental fleets across the country.
To support the initiative, Hertz has set up charging stations at Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, Marble Arch, Old Kent Road, Russell Square and Uxbridge. Drivers will also be able to use the Source London network of public charging points, which is currently being established across London.
President of Hertz International, Michel Taride, said: “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to provide i-MiEV cars to our Connect by Hertz members and Hertz customers in the UK is a vital part of our global Electric Vehicle and sustainability initiatives. We are excited that from today, our customers can experience the joy of 100% electric driving with the i-MiEVs, which offer surprising power and a smooth, quiet ride.”
The i-MiEV features a 66 bhp (49 kW / 66 PS) motor that’s powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range is 93 miles (150 km), which should be plenty for predominantly city centre journeys.
Related posts:
Nine electric cars get grant
Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs
UK i-MiEV prices slashed
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.
However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.
 |
| The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL |
Related post:
SLS AMG E-CELL is go
Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.
However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.
|
| The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL |
Related post:
SLS AMG E-CELL is go
Thursday, April 7, 2011
UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.
With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.
Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.
The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.
| Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Manufacturer | Model | Registrations |
| 1 | Ford | Fiesta | 27,924 |
| 2 | Ford | Focus | 24,435 |
| 3 | Vauxhall | Corsa | 20,536 |
| 4 | Vauxhall | Astra | 17,250 |
| 5 | Volkswagen | Golf | 17,101 |
| 6 | Volkswagen | Polo | 12,214 |
| 7 | Vauxhall | Insignia | 11,904 |
| 8 | Peugeot | 207 | 10,335 |
| 9 | BMW | 3 Series | 10,141 |
| 10 | Nissan | Qashqai | 9,253 |
Related post:
Top 10: UK car sales 2010
UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.
With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.
Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.
The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.
| Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Manufacturer | Model | Registrations |
| 1 | Ford | Fiesta | 27,924 |
| 2 | Ford | Focus | 24,435 |
| 3 | Vauxhall | Corsa | 20,536 |
| 4 | Vauxhall | Astra | 17,250 |
| 5 | Volkswagen | Golf | 17,101 |
| 6 | Volkswagen | Polo | 12,214 |
| 7 | Vauxhall | Insignia | 11,904 |
| 8 | Peugeot | 207 | 10,335 |
| 9 | BMW | 3 Series | 10,141 |
| 10 | Nissan | Qashqai | 9,253 |
Related post:
Top 10: UK car sales 2010
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Following a strong showing at the Business Car Awards in January, BMW has been similarly rewarded by the 2011 Fleet News Awards. As well as being voted manufacturer of the year, it also secured four individual vehicle accolades.
There’s no doubt that the combination of badge appeal, driving dynamics and strong residuals make the honours deserved, but surely such ever increasing popularity amongst fleet users risks eroding the exclusivity of the brand?
However, BMW didn’t get everything its own way. The new Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max scooped the company car and people carrier prizes, the former being voted for by Fleet News readers.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group secured wins for its Polo, Golf and Superb, while the Kia Sportage was declared the best crossover.
2011 Fleet News Awards winners
Voted for by Fleet News readers
New company car of the year: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max
Fleet manufacturer of the year: BMW
Fleet News Hall of Fame: Phil Redman
 |
| New company car of the year and best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max |
Voted for by Fleet News jurors
Manufacturer Awards
Best small car: Volkswagen Polo
Best lower-medium car: Volkswagen Golf
Best upper-medium car: Skoda Superb
Best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max
Best estate car: BMW 5 Series Touring
Best SUV: BMW X3
Best premium car: BMW 3 Series
Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series
Best crossover: Kia Sportage
Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year: Renault
Green fleet manufacturer of the year: Peugeot
 |
| Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series |
Supplier Awards
Environment: The Miles Consultancy
Customer service: Leaseplan
New product / service: Arval
Safety award: Peak Performance
Short-term rental company of the year: Hertz
Leasing company of the year: Arval
Fleet supplier of the year: The AA
Fleet manager of the year: Val South, Xerox
Fleet Awards
Fleet initiative of the year: Balfour Beatty
Fleet of the year (under 250 vehicles): The Independent Group
Fleet of the year (251-500 vehicles): Iron Mountain
Fleet of the year (501-1,000 vehicles): Kelly Communications
Fleet of the year (>1,000 vehicles): Johnson & Johnson
Related posts:
2011-12 company car tax
Business Car of the Year
Following a strong showing at the Business Car Awards in January, BMW has been similarly rewarded by the 2011 Fleet News Awards. As well as being voted manufacturer of the year, it also secured four individual vehicle accolades.
There’s no doubt that the combination of badge appeal, driving dynamics and strong residuals make the honours deserved, but surely such ever increasing popularity amongst fleet users risks eroding the exclusivity of the brand?
However, BMW didn’t get everything its own way. The new Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max scooped the company car and people carrier prizes, the former being voted for by Fleet News readers.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group secured wins for its Polo, Golf and Superb, while the Kia Sportage was declared the best crossover.
2011 Fleet News Awards winners
Voted for by Fleet News readers
New company car of the year: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max
Fleet manufacturer of the year: BMW
Fleet News Hall of Fame: Phil Redman
|
| New company car of the year and best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max |
Voted for by Fleet News jurors
Manufacturer Awards
Best small car: Volkswagen Polo
Best lower-medium car: Volkswagen Golf
Best upper-medium car: Skoda Superb
Best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max
Best estate car: BMW 5 Series Touring
Best SUV: BMW X3
Best premium car: BMW 3 Series
Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series
Best crossover: Kia Sportage
Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year: Renault
Green fleet manufacturer of the year: Peugeot
|
| Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series |
Supplier Awards
Environment: The Miles Consultancy
Customer service: Leaseplan
New product / service: Arval
Safety award: Peak Performance
Short-term rental company of the year: Hertz
Leasing company of the year: Arval
Fleet supplier of the year: The AA
Fleet manager of the year: Val South, Xerox
Fleet Awards
Fleet initiative of the year: Balfour Beatty
Fleet of the year (under 250 vehicles): The Independent Group
Fleet of the year (251-500 vehicles): Iron Mountain
Fleet of the year (501-1,000 vehicles): Kelly Communications
Fleet of the year (>1,000 vehicles): Johnson & Johnson
Related posts:
2011-12 company car tax
Business Car of the Year
Friday, March 4, 2011
Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.
There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.
The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
· Audi A8
· BMW 5 Series
· Nissan Leaf
 |
| BMW 5 Series Saloon |
The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.
2011 World Performance Car
· Ferrari 458 Italia
· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
· Porsche 911 Turbo
 |
| Ferrari 458 Italia |
It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.
2011 World Car Design of the Year
· Alfa Romeo Giulietta
· Aston Martin Rapide
· Ferrari 458 Italia
 |
| Aston Martin Rapide |
Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?
2011 World Green Car
· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
· Chevrolet Volt
· Nissan Leaf
 |
| Chevrolet Volt |
This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.
Related post:
World Car Awards finalists
Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.
There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.
The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
· Audi A8
· BMW 5 Series
· Nissan Leaf
|
| BMW 5 Series Saloon |
The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.
2011 World Performance Car
· Ferrari 458 Italia
· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
· Porsche 911 Turbo
|
| Ferrari 458 Italia |
It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.
2011 World Car Design of the Year
· Alfa Romeo Giulietta
· Aston Martin Rapide
· Ferrari 458 Italia
|
| Aston Martin Rapide |
Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?
2011 World Green Car
· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
· Chevrolet Volt
· Nissan Leaf
|
| Chevrolet Volt |
This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.
Related post:
World Car Awards finalists
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.
With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
- Audi A1
- Audi A8
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW X3
- Jaguar XJ
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Nissan Leaf
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volvo S60 / V60
Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.
What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.
It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.
Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.
2011 World Performance Car
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi RS 5 Coupe
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
- Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS
- Porsche 911 Turbo
- Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250
2011 World Car Design of the Year
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi A7
- Citroën DS3
- Ferrari 458
- Honda CR-Z
- Kia Sportage
- Nissan Juke
There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.
The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.
2011 World Green Car
- BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
- Chevrolet Volt
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell
- Nissan Leaf
- Smart electric drive
Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.
But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.
The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.
Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.
Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.
Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.
With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
- Audi A1
- Audi A8
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW X3
- Jaguar XJ
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Nissan Leaf
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volvo S60 / V60
Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.
What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.
It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.
Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.
2011 World Performance Car
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi RS 5 Coupe
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
- Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS
- Porsche 911 Turbo
- Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250
2011 World Car Design of the Year
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- Aston Martin Rapide
- Audi A7
- Citroën DS3
- Ferrari 458
- Honda CR-Z
- Kia Sportage
- Nissan Juke
There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.
The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.
2011 World Green Car
- BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
- Chevrolet Volt
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell
- Nissan Leaf
- Smart electric drive
Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.
But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.
The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.
Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.
Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Citroën’s DS4 has been declared Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 at the International Automobile Festival, which is currently taking place at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France.
The decision was based solely on a public internet ballot, with voters allowed to choose from a shortlist of seven different models. None of the candidates could have a retail price tag exceeding €50,000.
Emerging as a clear winner, the DS4 received 45% of all the hundreds of thousands of votes cast.
Of course, beauty and good design are subjective things, but it’s arguable that the opposition wasn’t exactly strong. Indeed, although some of the cars on the shortlist could be described as ‘elegant’, ‘striking’ or even ‘purposeful’, ‘beautiful’ is possibly too strong an adjective for any of them.
| Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Model |
| 1 | Citroën DS4 |
| 2 | BMW 5 Series Saloon |
| 3 | Honda CR-Z Hybrid |
| 4 | Renault Wind |
| U | Mini Countryman |
| U | Infiniti M37 |
| U | Volvo V60 |
| U = Unclassified | |
As well as the Most Beautiful Car award and an exhibition of concept cars, the International Automobile Festival also sees Jury Grand Prizes being given to reward artistic automotive creations:
Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year
Nominees
Kia Pop
Jaguar C-X75
Renault DéZir
Bertone Pandion
Winner
Jaguar C-X75
Most Beautiful Interior of the Year
Nominees
Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Citroën DS4
Mini Countryman
Infiniti M37
Winner
Citroën DS4
Most Beautiful Book of the Year
Nominees
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Joyaux Automobiles des Maharadjahs - E-T-A-I - Gautam Sen
Carrosserie, une histoire de style - La Martiniere - Serge Bellu
60 voitures des années 60 - DUPUIS - Jidéhem
Winner
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Most Beautiful Photo of the Year
Nominees
‘Jump’ - Jari Matti Latvala in a Ford Focus. WRC 2010 Rally New Zealand, 09-05-2010 - François Baudin (Agence DPPI)
‘Etincelles’ - Dario Franchitti (Ganassi). Indycar race at Homestead, Miami, USA, 02-10-2010 - Jean-François Galeron
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Nasser Al Attiyah, Volkswagen race Touareg, Kalmoukie desert, Silk Way Rallye 2010, Dakar series 2010 - Eric Vargiolu (Agence DPPI)
‘La Dolce Vita’ - Jaguar Type C, 1000 Miglia. Tuscany, Italy, 07-05-2010 - Cathy Dubuisson
Winner
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Eric Vargiolu
Most Beautiful Advertising Film of the Year
Nominees
Fiat: ‘Brainstorming’ - Marcel Paris (France)
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’ - Jung von Matt / Alster Hamburg (International)
Citroën: ‘Dog’ - Agence H (France)
Alfa Romeo: ‘Uma Thurman’ - Leo Burnett, USA (International)
Winner
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’
Top Prize for Design
Winner
Bertone
Top Prize for the Environment
Winner
BMW Efficient Dynamics
Top Prize for Art
Winner
BMW M3 GT2 Jeff Koons Artcar
Top Prize of the Festival
Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Jury’s Special Top Prize
Winner
Adrien Maeght
The Palme d’Or
Winner
Red Bull Racing - Dieter Mateschitz / Sebastian Vettel / Adrian Newey
Related post:
Citroën DS4 revealed
Citroën’s DS4 has been declared Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 at the International Automobile Festival, which is currently taking place at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France.
The decision was based solely on a public internet ballot, with voters allowed to choose from a shortlist of seven different models. None of the candidates could have a retail price tag exceeding €50,000.
Emerging as a clear winner, the DS4 received 45% of all the hundreds of thousands of votes cast.
Of course, beauty and good design are subjective things, but it’s arguable that the opposition wasn’t exactly strong. Indeed, although some of the cars on the shortlist could be described as ‘elegant’, ‘striking’ or even ‘purposeful’, ‘beautiful’ is possibly too strong an adjective for any of them.
| Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2011 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Model |
| 1 | Citroën DS4 |
| 2 | BMW 5 Series Saloon |
| 3 | Honda CR-Z Hybrid |
| 4 | Renault Wind |
| U | Mini Countryman |
| U | Infiniti M37 |
| U | Volvo V60 |
| U = Unclassified | |
As well as the Most Beautiful Car award and an exhibition of concept cars, the International Automobile Festival also sees Jury Grand Prizes being given to reward artistic automotive creations:
Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year
Nominees
Kia Pop
Jaguar C-X75
Renault DéZir
Bertone Pandion
Winner
Jaguar C-X75
Most Beautiful Interior of the Year
Nominees
Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Citroën DS4
Mini Countryman
Infiniti M37
Winner
Citroën DS4
Most Beautiful Book of the Year
Nominees
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Joyaux Automobiles des Maharadjahs - E-T-A-I - Gautam Sen
Carrosserie, une histoire de style - La Martiniere - Serge Bellu
60 voitures des années 60 - DUPUIS - Jidéhem
Winner
Gotha de l'Automobile Française - E-T-A-I - Laurent Friry and Claude Rouxel
Most Beautiful Photo of the Year
Nominees
‘Jump’ - Jari Matti Latvala in a Ford Focus. WRC 2010 Rally New Zealand, 09-05-2010 - François Baudin (Agence DPPI)
‘Etincelles’ - Dario Franchitti (Ganassi). Indycar race at Homestead, Miami, USA, 02-10-2010 - Jean-François Galeron
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Nasser Al Attiyah, Volkswagen race Touareg, Kalmoukie desert, Silk Way Rallye 2010, Dakar series 2010 - Eric Vargiolu (Agence DPPI)
‘La Dolce Vita’ - Jaguar Type C, 1000 Miglia. Tuscany, Italy, 07-05-2010 - Cathy Dubuisson
Winner
‘Marchand de Sable’ - Eric Vargiolu
Most Beautiful Advertising Film of the Year
Nominees
Fiat: ‘Brainstorming’ - Marcel Paris (France)
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’ - Jung von Matt / Alster Hamburg (International)
Citroën: ‘Dog’ - Agence H (France)
Alfa Romeo: ‘Uma Thurman’ - Leo Burnett, USA (International)
Winner
Mercedes-Benz: ‘The Best or Nothing’
Top Prize for Design
Winner
Bertone
Top Prize for the Environment
Winner
BMW Efficient Dynamics
Top Prize for Art
Winner
BMW M3 GT2 Jeff Koons Artcar
Top Prize of the Festival
Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Jury’s Special Top Prize
Winner
Adrien Maeght
The Palme d’Or
Winner
Red Bull Racing - Dieter Mateschitz / Sebastian Vettel / Adrian Newey
Related post:
Citroën DS4 revealed
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
UK publication Business Car has announced the winners of its 2011 Awards, which were voted for by readers rather than being decided by a jury.
It was a successful haul for the BMW Group as it took top honours in six out of the thirteen vehicle categories, as well as being declared overall manufacturer of the year. Clearly desirability, solid residuals, decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are all attributes that continue to keep both drivers and fleet managers happy.
Business Car Awards 2011 winners
Vehicle categories
Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
Business Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series
Green Model of the Year: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
City Car: Fiat 500
Supermini: Mini
Lower Medium: Audi A3
Upper Medium: BMW 3 Series
Executive: BMW 5 Series
Luxury: Jaguar XJ
Large 4x4: BMW X5
Small 4x4: Audi Q5
Mini-MPV: Volkswagen Touran
MPV: Ford S-MAX
Sporting Car: Audi R8
Service supplier categories
Service Supplier of the Year: Lex Autolease
Accident Management: The AA
Daily Rental: Enterprise
Fast-Fit: Kwik-Fit Fleet
Insurance: Aviva
Leasing and Fleet Management: Lex Autolease
UK publication Business Car has announced the winners of its 2011 Awards, which were voted for by readers rather than being decided by a jury.
It was a successful haul for the BMW Group as it took top honours in six out of the thirteen vehicle categories, as well as being declared overall manufacturer of the year. Clearly desirability, solid residuals, decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are all attributes that continue to keep both drivers and fleet managers happy.
Business Car Awards 2011 winners
Vehicle categories
Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
Business Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series
Green Model of the Year: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
City Car: Fiat 500
Supermini: Mini
Lower Medium: Audi A3
Upper Medium: BMW 3 Series
Executive: BMW 5 Series
Luxury: Jaguar XJ
Large 4x4: BMW X5
Small 4x4: Audi Q5
Mini-MPV: Volkswagen Touran
MPV: Ford S-MAX
Sporting Car: Audi R8
Service supplier categories
Service Supplier of the Year: Lex Autolease
Accident Management: The AA
Daily Rental: Enterprise
Fast-Fit: Kwik-Fit Fleet
Insurance: Aviva
Leasing and Fleet Management: Lex Autolease
