And Now There Is One. . . The "Road to the World Car" Journey Has Ended Mercedes-Benz C Class - 2015 World Car of the Year

NEW YORK -- April 2, 2015: The journey on The Road to the World Car has ended with the declaration of the MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS as the 2015 World Car of the Year. The winner was announced during a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum.

Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to the World Car Awards program – now in its 11th year. Mercedes-Benz previously won the inaugural 2014 World Luxury Car award for the S-Class. The company has also won two World Green Car awards: one for the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in 2012 and for the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec in 2007.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of twelve, then three finalists: the Ford Mustang, the Volkswagen Passat, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said, "The C-Class is a best seller that has always been a trendsetter in the premium medium-size category. This is true for the new C-Class as well. It comes to the starting line with qualities usually reserved for higher-class automobiles – ecologically, technically and also with regard to comfort and driving pleasure. It embodies what we understand modern automotive luxury made by Mercedes-Benz to be and has all the prerequisites to be a huge success. Accordingly we are extremely delighted of winning the honour of WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR."

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, "Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class."

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2015.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 75 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions world-wide. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors' ballots.

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Audi A3 (2014), the Volkswagen Golf (2013), the Volkswagen Up! (2012), the Nissan Leaf (2011), the Volkswagen Polo (2010, the Volkswagen Golf (2009), the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio (2008), the Lexus LS460 (2007), the BMW 3-Series (2006), and the Audi A6 (2005).

The Road to the World Car began in Paris on October 2, followed by a stop in Los Angeles for a test-drive of the North American contenders in November, and the announcement of the "Top Three in the World" finalists at the Geneva International Auto Show in March. The journey has now ended today with the winners' declaration at the New York International Auto Show.

The Global Trends Report, co-presented by Prime Research and Autoneum, was presented just before the winners' press conference. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said, "Smart efficiency is the most important trend in the automobile industry. With Autoneum's lightweight and multifunctional products for acoustic and heat management in vehicles, smart innovations are making an important contribution to the future of the automobile."

About World Car Awards

The World Car Awards (WCA) are more than just an awards program. The WCA's judging panel is made up of 75 prominent automotive journalists from around the world that form a global community of experts. The jurors ensure the integrity and credibility of the awards but also serve as an important resource for the industry with a focus on excellence and innovation on a global scale.