Source: World Car of the Year The countdown continues in preparation for the 2009 World Car Awards winners' press conference at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Announcing the annual World Car of the Year awards at the New York show is a fitting finale to the international auto show season that begins each fall with either the Paris or Frankfurt motor shows.From an initial entry list of fifty-one (51) new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten finalists, the top three contenders for the overall 2009 World Car title were announced today by the international accounting firm KPMG. They are, in alphabetical order:· Ford Fiesta · Toyota iQ· Volkswagen Golf VI To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the contender had to be in production, and sold, on at least two continents during 2008.Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of fifty-nine (59) top-level automotive journalists from twenty-five (25) countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Three additional winners for the World Performance Car, World Green Car award, and the World Car Design of the Year will also be announced at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 9, 2009.Top three finalists for the 2009 World Performance Car award:· Corvette ZR1 · Nissan GT-R · Porsche 911 Carrera Top three finalists for the 2009 World Green Car award:· Honda FCX Clarity · Mitsubishi iMiEV · Toyota iQTop three design finalists:· Citroen C5 Sedan / C5 Tourer· Fiat 500 · Jaguar XF The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.
2009 World Car Awards : Top Three Finalists Announced