The countdown has begun in preparation for the announcement of the 2010 World Car of the Year and the 2010 World Performance Car. The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday March 2, 2010.
A jury of 59 distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work.
The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe (including Padraic Deane representing Ireland ), North America, and South America, as well as other parts of the world. All hold significant stature within their own regions and countries.
The international accounting firm KPMG then tabulated the jurors' ballots and announced the top ten finalists in both categories.
The 2010 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top ten cars listed in alphabetical order: the Audi Q5; BMW X1; Chevrolet Cruze; Kia Soul; Mazda3; Mercedes-Benz E-Class; Opel Insignia; Porsche Panamera; Toyota Prius; and the Volkswagen Polo.
The 2010 World Performance Car will be chosen from one of these top ten finalists:
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage; Audi R8 V10; Audi TT RS Coupé / Roadster; BMW Z4; Ferrari California; Jaguar XFR; Lotus Evora; Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG; Nissan 370 Z; Porsche 911 GT3; and the Porsche Boxster/ Cayman.
The jurors' next step is to re-evaluate the "top ten" cars in both classes, in preparation for a final round of voting later this month. They will specifically rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.
International accounting firm KPMG will again tabulate the vote results. The top three finalists in both categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 2 during a press conference co-hosted by the New York International Auto Show, the BASF Group, and Bridgestone Corporation.
The winners last year (2009 ) were: The World Car of the Year - Volkswagen Golf VI. The World Performance Car - Nissan GT-R. The World Green Car - Honda FCX Clarity; and the World Car Design of the Year - the Fiat 500.
