The countdown has begun to the announcement of the 2013 World Car Awards winners at the New York International Auto Show at the end of March.
The 2013 World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year winners will all be announced after the top three in each category are revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 5.
The 2013 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top 10 cars listed in alphabetical order: Audi A3; Range Rover; Mazda6; Mazda CX-5; Mercedes-Benz A-Class; Peugeot 208; Porsche Boxster / Cayman; Subaru BRZ/ Toyota GT 86; Volkswagen Golf; and Volvo V40
The 2013 World Performance Car will be chosen from one of these top 10 finalists: Aston Martin Vanquish; Audi RS 5; BMW M6 coupe/convertible; BMW M 135i; Ferrari F12 Berlinetta; Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG; Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster; Porsche Boxster/Cayman; Renault Clio Sport; and Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86.
A jury of 66 international automotive journalists selected the 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 and Britain, North America, Russia, as well as other parts of the world.
The jurors’ next step is to re-evaluate the 10 cars in both classes in preparation for a final round of voting in February. They will specifically rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Up in 2012; Nissan Leaf in 2011; Volkswagen Polo in 2010; Volkswagen Golf in 2009; Mazda2 in 2008; Lexus LS460 in 2007; BMW 3-Series in 2006; and Audi A6 in 2005.
Previous World Performance Car winners were the Porsche 911 in 2012; Ferrari 458 Italia in 2011; Audi R8 V10 in 2010; Nissan GT-R in 2009; Audi R8 in 2008; Audi RS4 in 2007; and Porsche Cayman S in 2006.
The 2013 World Green Car category is handled differently. Five experts in “green” technology were appointed by the World Car Awards steering committee to review all documentation and specs associated with each candidate on the list of nominees. The experts then create a short-list of finalists for review by the 66 jurors in their second round of voting in February.
The finalists for 2013 are: Renault Zoe; Smart Electric Drive; Tesla Model S; Volkswagen Jetta hybrid; andVolvo V60 plug-in hybrid diesel.
Cars eligible for the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates or they may be included as a stand-alone entry provided the vehicle is introduced and available for sale in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2012 and ending May 30, 2013.
Again, a design panel consisting of five highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. The finalists are: Aston Martin Vanquish; Renault Clio; Jaguar F-Type; Range Rover; Mazda 6; and Volkswagen Golf.
