Aussie Importer Celebrates Camaro World's-Best Design Award

MELBOURNE – April 14, 2010: THE highly-acclaimed new Chevrolet Camaro, recently introduced to Australia exclusively by Performax International, has received the ultimate accolade for its heritage-inspired coupe styling by winning the 2010 World Car Design of the Year award.

The World Car Design of the Year award, intended to highlight innovative and stylish new vehicles that push established boundaries, was chosen by 59 journalists from 25 countries and announced at last week's New York International Motor Show.

And complementing the achievement for its exterior styling, the Camaro this week also collected an award for its cabin design.

It won the Wards Automotive Group 2010 Interior of the Year award in the Sports Car category, judged by the editors of the United States industry research and data provider.

The World Car of the Year jurors nominated an initial list of 30 cars, from which an expert panel chose three - the Camaro, Citroen C3 Picasso and Kia Soul - for the final judging.

The design experts said the 2010 Camaro captures its Sixties design heritage in "an artful, modern fashion".

"Although it borrows some of its styling cues from the first-generation Camaro, they all contribute to a simple, pure and modern appearance," they said.

"It is the most dynamic Camaro ever."

The Camaro, much of which was developed for Chevrolet by its sister company Holden, has been a major sales success since its March 2009 introduction, says Chevrolet Design Director and former Holden chief designer Michael Simcoe.

"In re-creating this modern sports car, we have proven that people are just as passionate about Chevy as ever," Mr Simcoe said.

"We have been delighted about the strong reaction to the Camaro. Even in markets that are new to Chevy, it has been creating an emotional appeal for the brand."

Queensland-based Performax International, Australia's leading independent importer of American passenger vehicles, launched the Camaro in world-first right-hand drive configuration in February this year.

Ready for registration and fully-warranted, the top-of-the-range 318 kiloWatt, 2SS variant is priced at $139,000 plus on-road charges.

While the RHD Camaro has already attracted a queue of local buyers, its World Car Design of the Year award is certain to excite further interest among fans of American muscle cars, according to Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper.

"Being able to say they drive the world's best-designed car is a huge plus for current or future owners," Mr Soper said.

"The Interior of the Year award is particularly interesting, as Performax International has achieved a conversion from left-hand to right-hand drive which accurately mirrors the factory-original design, component quality and finish that impressed the Wards Automotive Group judges.

"Outside or inside, the Camaro is a fantastic head-turner whereever it goes - and, happily, it drives every bit as good as it looks."