South East Automotive Media Organization Announces 2006 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Semi-Finalists

ATLANTA, April 28 -- The semi-finalists in the fifth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced this evening during a ceremony at the Atlanta International Auto Show. Professional automotive journalists from throughout North America, representing dozens of outlets in virtually every media segment serve as volunteer jurors to select the award winners. The jury panel is assembled by peer selection, and the jurors do not pay or get paid to participate.

Originated in 2002 by SEAMO, the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those concept vehicles that have made the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. The awards are given to the best Production Preview Vehicle, Concept Car, Concept Truck/SUV, Specialty Concept, and Most Significant Concept Vehicle of each auto show season. To be eligible for the awards, a concept vehicle must make its North American debut during the current model year's auto show season.

The awards for the four category finalists, and the overall award for the 2006 Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year, will be presented during June in Detroit, Michigan.

From a total field of 25 Concept Vehicles and 12 Production Preview Vehicles, the 16 semi-finalists are as follows:

  Concept Car
  Chevrolet Camaro
  Dodge Challenger
  Saab Aero X
  Mazda Kabura

  Concept Truck
  Dodge Rampage
  Ford Super Chief
  Suzuki PX
  Toyota F3R

  Specialty Concept
  Ford Reflex
  Maserati Birdcage
  Volkswagen GX3
  Mitsubishi CT

  Production Preview
  Aston Martin Rapide
  Buick Enclave
  Mini Traveller
  Volvo C30

Additional information and details regarding the nominees and the selection jury can be found by visiting http://www.northamericanconceptawards.org/ on the web.