Green Car Journal has announced
the finalists for its annual Green Car of the Year award for 2009. The award
recognizes new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers
looking for a personal stake in lessening environmental impact.
The five finalists for Green Car
Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year award are the following: BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn
Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, smart for two
and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. On
Nov. 20, the winner will be unveiled at a press conference at the Los Angeles
Auto Show. The finalists are currently featured on GreenCar.com.
Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and powerplants are
eligible for the Green Car of the Year program. To qualify for consideration as
a nominee, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the
bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award
year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow experiencing driving dynamics
first-hand.
The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be selected by a jury that includes Carl
Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the
Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean
Futures Society; automotive expert and "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno;
and automotive icon Carroll Shelby.
