TORONTO, April 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ford Fusion hybrid today won the first annual Canadian Green Car Award.
The award, selected by a panel of expert members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, was announced at the Green Living Show, in Toronto.
The competition aims to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.
"We are extremely proud that the 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid has been honoured by our country's top automotive journalists as the recipient of the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award," said Steve Ross, Ford of Canada's product marketing manager, sustainability and electrification. "The Fusion hybrid is an important vehicle in the Ford line-up, delivering leading fuel-economy, innovative technologies and a sleek, desirable design for eco-conscious consumers."
The Fusion hybrid was among five finalists for the award from 15 environmentally advanced vehicles nominated by their manufacturers. This group also included the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Mazda's Mazda3 highly efficient internal-combustion compact and Volkswagen's turbocharged clean diesel Jetta.
The competition not only emphasized fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle - for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials - and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations. Equally important, it assessed market potential - factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.
"The competition has made it clear that driving a green vehicle isn't a dull, obligation. On the contrary - they can be great fun," said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC's Green Car Award steering committee, who presented the trophy. "We're just at the beginning of a green revolution in cars. We want this award to help everyone understand and appreciate it, and make the best possible choice for themselves and the environment."
"Green Living is pleased to support and host the award, which fits our focus of helping consumers to make environmentally sound choices," said Laurie Simmonds, president and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, the show's operator. "We congratulate Ford and all the manufacturers that nominated such impressive vehicles in the competition, and look forward to many more years of jointly promoting the most innovative green cars on the market."
"AJAC believes that green technologies mean the evolution of the automobile, not its demise," said president Charles Renny. "The fact that automobiles can adapt and thrive speaks volumes about those who love cars and are passionate about preserving our planet. The Canadian Green Car Award is the first step down the path of embracing that future."
Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.
About AJAC - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is an association of professional journalists, writers and photographers whose focus is the automobile and the automotive industry. An integral part of the association is the annual Car of the Year Awards program. Its primary purpose is to provide consumers with sound, objective, comparative data on which to base their new vehicle buying decisions. Visit http:/www.ajac.ca for more information.
About Green Living Enterprises / The Green Living Show - Green Living Enterprises is a pioneer and leader in developing social and environmental marketing programs that keep consumers and clients at the forefront of the green agenda. Green Living Enterprises is a full-service, one- stop solution for green marketing, product and program development, custom publishing, and event management. Green Living Enterprises, an authentically green company, also includes Greenlivingonline.com and The Green Living Show, Canada's largest green consumer show, dedicated to easy and workable solutions for leading a sustainable lifestyle. For more information, visit http://www.greenlivingonline.com/torontoshow/.
SOURCE: Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
Susan Elliott
416-726-2403 [email protected]
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Peter Gorrie
416-535-8701 [email protected]
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