Russian buys Think Global

After filing for bankruptcy for the fourth time in its history last month, electric car manufacturer Think Global AS has been bought by Russian investor Boris Zingarevich.



Think North America and Think UK, which remained solvent throughout, have also been acquired as part of the transaction.



The new Norwegian-registered company has been named Electric Mobility Solutions AS, although vehicles will continue to be marketed under the Think brand. Production is scheduled to restart during the first quarter of 2012, and a new sales and service network is due to be announced soon.



And sorting out the distribution channels is important, because previously the vehicles were only available in Norway, the United States, Austria and the Netherlands. Undoubtedly having such a limited market presence contributed to a measly and financially unsustainable 1,043 unit sales in 2010.

The Think City N van was launched in January 2011.

Importantly, the deal includes a memorandum of understanding with key suppliers Valmet Automotive and lithium-ion battery maker Ener1 regarding their co-operation on the re-launch of Think. Both firms, which were creditors of the firm at the time of the last bankruptcy, are also negotiating equity stakes in the new operation.



Commenting on the purchase, Boris Zingarevich said: “Having achieved the position of one of the world’s most highly regarded electric vehicle products, the Think brand is a valuable asset that deserves to continue its key role in the global shift to electrification. With the potential of working with the leading American automotive lithium-ion battery maker and Europe’s top automobile engineering and manufacturing company, I believe we could have exactly the right combination and value chain to ensure that the brand will be increasingly competitive in the worldwide electric vehicle market.”



Indeed, that is the nub of the issue: Can a comparatively tiny concern like Think compete on price, range and performance in an increasingly crowded electric vehicle marketplace, especially one that’s now starting to attract mainstream manufacturers?



Related post:

Think launches City van

Russian buys Think Global

After filing for bankruptcy for the fourth time in its history last month, electric car manufacturer Think Global AS has been bought by Russian investor Boris Zingarevich.



Think North America and Think UK, which remained solvent throughout, have also been acquired as part of the transaction.



The new Norwegian-registered company has been named Electric Mobility Solutions AS, although vehicles will continue to be marketed under the Think brand. Production is scheduled to restart during the first quarter of 2012, and a new sales and service network is due to be announced soon.



And sorting out the distribution channels is important, because previously the vehicles were only available in Norway, the United States, Austria and the Netherlands. Undoubtedly having such a limited market presence contributed to a measly and financially unsustainable 1,043 unit sales in 2010.

The Think City N van was launched in January 2011.

Importantly, the deal includes a memorandum of understanding with key suppliers Valmet Automotive and lithium-ion battery maker Ener1 regarding their co-operation on the re-launch of Think. Both firms, which were creditors of the firm at the time of the last bankruptcy, are also negotiating equity stakes in the new operation.



Commenting on the purchase, Boris Zingarevich said: “Having achieved the position of one of the world’s most highly regarded electric vehicle products, the Think brand is a valuable asset that deserves to continue its key role in the global shift to electrification. With the potential of working with the leading American automotive lithium-ion battery maker and Europe’s top automobile engineering and manufacturing company, I believe we could have exactly the right combination and value chain to ensure that the brand will be increasingly competitive in the worldwide electric vehicle market.”



Indeed, that is the nub of the issue: Can a comparatively tiny concern like Think compete on price, range and performance in an increasingly crowded electric vehicle marketplace, especially one that’s now starting to attract mainstream manufacturers?



Related post:

Think launches City van

Top 10: Car sales Q2 2011

Figures just published by the SMMT show that 1,029,638 cars were sold in the UK to the end of Q2 2011, a reduction of 7.1% compared to the same period last year.



Despite the overall drop, the fleet sector remains fairly buoyant, with registrations up by 3.4% versus 2010. Combined fleet and business sales now account for just over 57% of the market.



As a result of that mix, almost half of all cars sold so far this year have been diesels. In turn, the shift away from petrol power will have undoubtedly contributed to average new car CO2 emissions falling to 138.9 g/km during Q2 2011. That’s the first time ever that a figure of less than 140 g/km has been achieved.



The ten most popular cars haven’t changed much since Q1, with the league table once again headed by the Ford Fiesta and Focus. Whether it’s a situation that will continue in the longer term remains to be seen though, as reports suggest Ford is prepared to sacrifice its top seller position in order to be more profitable.

Ford Fiesta: Still the UK's most popular car.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q2 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	51,643
2	Ford	Focus	43,825
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	38,597
4	Volkswagen	Golf	33,118
5	Vauxhall	Astra	32,883
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	25,950
7	Volkswagen	Polo	22,897
8	BMW	3 Series	21,866
9	Nissan	Qashqai	19,992
10	Mini	Mini	18,619

Related posts:

Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

Top 10: Car sales Q2 2011

Figures just published by the SMMT show that 1,029,638 cars were sold in the UK to the end of Q2 2011, a reduction of 7.1% compared to the same period last year.



Despite the overall drop, the fleet sector remains fairly buoyant, with registrations up by 3.4% versus 2010. Combined fleet and business sales now account for just over 57% of the market.



As a result of that mix, almost half of all cars sold so far this year have been diesels. In turn, the shift away from petrol power will have undoubtedly contributed to average new car CO2 emissions falling to 138.9 g/km during Q2 2011. That’s the first time ever that a figure of less than 140 g/km has been achieved.



The ten most popular cars haven’t changed much since Q1, with the league table once again headed by the Ford Fiesta and Focus. Whether it’s a situation that will continue in the longer term remains to be seen though, as reports suggest Ford is prepared to sacrifice its top seller position in order to be more profitable.

Ford Fiesta: Still the UK's most popular car.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q2 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	51,643
2	Ford	Focus	43,825
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	38,597
4	Volkswagen	Golf	33,118
5	Vauxhall	Astra	32,883
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	25,950
7	Volkswagen	Polo	22,897
8	BMW	3 Series	21,866
9	Nissan	Qashqai	19,992
10	Mini	Mini	18,619

Related posts:

Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

Toyota is top car brand

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

Toyota is top car brand

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

World Car Awards winners

Last November it was declared the 2011 European Car of the Year, and now the Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. Occupying the runners-up slots were the two other short-listed models, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.

Nissan Leaf: 2011 World Car of the Year

2011 World Performance Car winner was the Ferrari 458 Italia, an unsurprising victory even though it was up against the talented Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.



Another predictable (but deserved) result was that the 2011 World Car Design of the Year title went to the Aston Martin Rapide, which beat the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ferrari 458 Italia.



The Nissan Leaf was also a finalist in the 2011 World Green Car category. However, it lost out to the Chevrolet Volt which, with its range-extender technology, is undoubtedly a much more practical proposition for many drivers. Even so, the Leaf’s environmental credentials must have helped it to secure the main prize, so perhaps the outcome seems rather inconsistent? The third finalist for this award was the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.



Related posts:

World Car Awards top three

World Car Awards finalists

Leaf is Car of the Year

World Car Awards winners

Last November it was declared the 2011 European Car of the Year, and now the Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. Occupying the runners-up slots were the two other short-listed models, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.

Nissan Leaf: 2011 World Car of the Year

2011 World Performance Car winner was the Ferrari 458 Italia, an unsurprising victory even though it was up against the talented Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.



Another predictable (but deserved) result was that the 2011 World Car Design of the Year title went to the Aston Martin Rapide, which beat the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Ferrari 458 Italia.



The Nissan Leaf was also a finalist in the 2011 World Green Car category. However, it lost out to the Chevrolet Volt which, with its range-extender technology, is undoubtedly a much more practical proposition for many drivers. Even so, the Leaf’s environmental credentials must have helped it to secure the main prize, so perhaps the outcome seems rather inconsistent? The third finalist for this award was the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition.



Related posts:

World Car Awards top three

World Car Awards finalists

Leaf is Car of the Year

i-MiEV joins Hertz fleet

Hertz has started to offer the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its customers in the UK. For now, two of the all-electric cars are available to members of the ‘Connect by Hertz’ car sharing club in London, but the plan is to add more of the Mitsubishis to rental fleets across the country.



To support the initiative, Hertz has set up charging stations at Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, Marble Arch, Old Kent Road, Russell Square and Uxbridge. Drivers will also be able to use the Source London network of public charging points, which is currently being established across London.

President of Hertz International, Michel Taride, said: “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to provide i-MiEV cars to our Connect by Hertz members and Hertz customers in the UK is a vital part of our global Electric Vehicle and sustainability initiatives. We are excited that from today, our customers can experience the joy of 100% electric driving with the i-MiEVs, which offer surprising power and a smooth, quiet ride.”



The i-MiEV features a 66 bhp (49 kW / 66 PS) motor that’s powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range is 93 miles (150 km), which should be plenty for predominantly city centre journeys.



Related posts:

Nine electric cars get grant

Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs

UK i-MiEV prices slashed

i-MiEV joins Hertz fleet

Hertz has started to offer the Mitsubishi i-MiEV to its customers in the UK. For now, two of the all-electric cars are available to members of the ‘Connect by Hertz’ car sharing club in London, but the plan is to add more of the Mitsubishis to rental fleets across the country.



To support the initiative, Hertz has set up charging stations at Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, Marble Arch, Old Kent Road, Russell Square and Uxbridge. Drivers will also be able to use the Source London network of public charging points, which is currently being established across London.

President of Hertz International, Michel Taride, said: “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to provide i-MiEV cars to our Connect by Hertz members and Hertz customers in the UK is a vital part of our global Electric Vehicle and sustainability initiatives. We are excited that from today, our customers can experience the joy of 100% electric driving with the i-MiEVs, which offer surprising power and a smooth, quiet ride.”



The i-MiEV features a 66 bhp (49 kW / 66 PS) motor that’s powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range is 93 miles (150 km), which should be plenty for predominantly city centre journeys.



Related posts:

Nine electric cars get grant

Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs

UK i-MiEV prices slashed

Daimler and Bosch EV JV

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.



However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.

The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL

Related post:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Daimler and Bosch EV JV

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are working on forming a joint venture to make motors for electric vehicles. The plan is for the operation to commence production in 2012, with the motors initially being used in Mercedes-Benz and Smart models.



However, it’s intended that the technology will also be made available to other manufacturers. Any such sales are going to be handled by Bosch.

The electrically-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL

Related post:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.



With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.



Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.



The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.

Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	27,924
2	Ford	Focus	24,435
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	20,536
4	Vauxhall	Astra	17,250
5	Volkswagen	Golf	17,101
6	Volkswagen	Polo	12,214
7	Vauxhall	Insignia	11,904
8	Peugeot	207	10,335
9	BMW	3 Series	10,141
10	Nissan	Qashqai	9,253

Related post:

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.



With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.



Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.



The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.

Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	27,924
2	Ford	Focus	24,435
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	20,536
4	Vauxhall	Astra	17,250
5	Volkswagen	Golf	17,101
6	Volkswagen	Polo	12,214
7	Vauxhall	Insignia	11,904
8	Peugeot	207	10,335
9	BMW	3 Series	10,141
10	Nissan	Qashqai	9,253

Related post:

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

2011 Fleet News Awards

Following a strong showing at the Business Car Awards in January, BMW has been similarly rewarded by the 2011 Fleet News Awards. As well as being voted manufacturer of the year, it also secured four individual vehicle accolades.



There’s no doubt that the combination of badge appeal, driving dynamics and strong residuals make the honours deserved, but surely such ever increasing popularity amongst fleet users risks eroding the exclusivity of the brand?



However, BMW didn’t get everything its own way. The new Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max scooped the company car and people carrier prizes, the former being voted for by Fleet News readers.



Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group secured wins for its Polo, Golf and Superb, while the Kia Sportage was declared the best crossover.



2011 Fleet News Awards winners



Voted for by Fleet News readers



New company car of the year: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Fleet manufacturer of the year: BMW

Fleet News Hall of Fame: Phil Redman

New company car of the year and best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Voted for by Fleet News jurors



Manufacturer Awards



Best small car: Volkswagen Polo

Best lower-medium car: Volkswagen Golf

Best upper-medium car: Skoda Superb

Best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Best estate car: BMW 5 Series Touring

Best SUV: BMW X3

Best premium car: BMW 3 Series

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Best crossover: Kia Sportage

Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year: Renault

Green fleet manufacturer of the year: Peugeot

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Supplier Awards



Environment: The Miles Consultancy

Customer service: Leaseplan

New product / service: Arval

Safety award: Peak Performance

Short-term rental company of the year: Hertz

Leasing company of the year: Arval

Fleet supplier of the year: The AA

Fleet manager of the year: Val South, Xerox



Fleet Awards



Fleet initiative of the year: Balfour Beatty

Fleet of the year (under 250 vehicles): The Independent Group

Fleet of the year (251-500 vehicles): Iron Mountain

Fleet of the year (501-1,000 vehicles): Kelly Communications

Fleet of the year (>1,000 vehicles): Johnson & Johnson



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Business Car of the Year

2011 Fleet News Awards

Following a strong showing at the Business Car Awards in January, BMW has been similarly rewarded by the 2011 Fleet News Awards. As well as being voted manufacturer of the year, it also secured four individual vehicle accolades.



There’s no doubt that the combination of badge appeal, driving dynamics and strong residuals make the honours deserved, but surely such ever increasing popularity amongst fleet users risks eroding the exclusivity of the brand?



However, BMW didn’t get everything its own way. The new Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max scooped the company car and people carrier prizes, the former being voted for by Fleet News readers.



Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group secured wins for its Polo, Golf and Superb, while the Kia Sportage was declared the best crossover.



2011 Fleet News Awards winners



Voted for by Fleet News readers



New company car of the year: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Fleet manufacturer of the year: BMW

Fleet News Hall of Fame: Phil Redman

New company car of the year and best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Voted for by Fleet News jurors



Manufacturer Awards



Best small car: Volkswagen Polo

Best lower-medium car: Volkswagen Golf

Best upper-medium car: Skoda Superb

Best people carrier: Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max

Best estate car: BMW 5 Series Touring

Best SUV: BMW X3

Best premium car: BMW 3 Series

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Best crossover: Kia Sportage

Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year: Renault

Green fleet manufacturer of the year: Peugeot

Best boardroom car: BMW 5 Series

Supplier Awards



Environment: The Miles Consultancy

Customer service: Leaseplan

New product / service: Arval

Safety award: Peak Performance

Short-term rental company of the year: Hertz

Leasing company of the year: Arval

Fleet supplier of the year: The AA

Fleet manager of the year: Val South, Xerox



Fleet Awards



Fleet initiative of the year: Balfour Beatty

Fleet of the year (under 250 vehicles): The Independent Group

Fleet of the year (251-500 vehicles): Iron Mountain

Fleet of the year (501-1,000 vehicles): Kelly Communications

Fleet of the year (>1,000 vehicles): Johnson & Johnson



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Business Car of the Year

World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.