The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only U.S. model among the 10 World Car of the Year finalists.
European automakers overwhelmed their North American and Asian competition, placing eight of the 10 products to make the cut as finalists in the World Car of the Year balloting.
Audi, with the new A1 and A8 models, and BMW, with the redesigned X3 and 5-Series, have the strongest presence on the list, which also includes, among Europeans:
- Jaguar XJ;
- Mercedes-Benz SLS;
- Porsche Cayenne; and
- Volvo S60/V60.
In an unexpected slight, only Nissan, with the all-new battery-electric Leaf, and Jeep, and the newly redesigned Grand Cherokee, managed to find a spot alongside the Continental offerings.
Notably absent were the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, which has won an armful of awards, including North American Car of the Year, and the Ford Explorer, named last month North American Truck of the Year. Leaf came in just behind Volt in the North American balloting, while Grand Cherokee lost out to the Explorer.
As with the NACTOY balloting, the World Car of the Year is designed to reflect a variety of factors, not only emphasizing the latest technology and the fastest engine but value for the dollar. Unlike the North American award, the jury of 66 World Car of the Year jurors award trophies in a variety of categories beyond best car (or truck), including Green Car of the Year.
Now in its eighth year, the World Car of the Year has often found in favor of European offerings, but has honored the Mazda2 and Lexus LS460, as well.
Final results will be announced during the New York Auto Show, on April 20th.