The Audi A8, BMW 5 Series and Nissan Leaf are finalists for World Car of the Year.
Two German luxury sedans will face off against the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle for World Car of the Year honors. The winner will be announced April 21, prior to the opening of the New York International Auto Show.
The Germans are the Audi A8 and BMW 5 Series and the EV is, of course, the Nissan Leaf.
The already well-decorated Chevrolet Volt was not eligible for the award because it is not for sale on two continents, as the award requires. Currently available in select U.S. markets, the Volt hits European showrooms in November.
The awards are administered by a nonprofit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (Japan) and Matt Davis (Italy) are the co-chairs; John McCormick (USA), Jens Meiners (Germany) and Gerry Malloy (Canada) are the directors.
The New York show is open to the public April 22 – May 1. Click here to visit the show’s website.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, the Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.