This week the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the finalists for its 2018 Canadian Green Car of the Year (CGCOTY) and 2018 Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year (CGUVOTY) awards. Immediately noteworthy about the six models included across the two categories is that they are products from six different manufacturers. This reflects both the fierce competition among all the major automakers in the green-vehicle segment and the progress each has made in moving the automotive industry farther along the road to electric mobility.
Finalists in the Green Car category include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai’s brand-new IONIQ Electric and Volkswagen’s in-demand e-Golf. Those vying for the prize in the Utility category are the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, the new Kia Niro and the Subaru Crosstrek.
Eligible models were tested over several months on different road surfaces and in different weather conditions by a large group of Canadian automotive journalists across the country. Explains Justin Pritchard, co-chair of the Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) organization, “Our experts… score all eligible entries on parameters including recharge time, driving range, vehicle dynamics, market significance, and overall value.... Today, Green vehicles come in many shapes and sizes, and our testing and scoring process takes this fully into consideration.”
Overall winners in each category will be announced at a special event during the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver International Auto Show on March 28.
