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 March 2.
A jury of 59 international automotive journalists has selected the top 10 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, South America, as well as other parts of the world.
The international accounting firm KPMG then tabulated the jurors' ballots and announced the top 10 finalists in both categories today.
The 2010 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top 10 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 10 finalists: 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 Porsche Boxster/Cayman.
The jurors' next step is to re-evaluate these cars in both classes, in preparation for a final round of voting later this month. They will rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.
KPMG will again tabulate the vote results.
The winners last year (2009 ) were: World Car of the Year, Volkswagen Golf VI; World Performance Car, Nissan GT-R; World Green Car, Honda FCX Clarity; World Car Design of the Year, Fiat 500.
