SEAMO Announces 2002 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Winners

ATLANTA, April 24 -- The South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) today announced the winners of its 2002 Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards during a ceremony held at the Atlanta International Auto Show. A jury of 12 automotive journalists selected the winners from 33 concept vehicles that made a world debut at a U.S. venue during the 2002 Auto Show season.

Receiving top honors as 2002 Most Significant Concept of the Year and 2002 Specialty Concept of the Year was the General Motors AUTOnomy concept, first introduced in January 2002 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. According to jury member Bob Kroupa, ``This vehicle takes high-tech to the next level.''

``This concept provides a vision of the coming hydrogen economy in which vehicles are propelled by renewable energy sources, thus largely removing the automobile from the environmental equation,'' said GM's CEO Rick Wagoner when he first introduced the vehicle in Detroit. ``AUTOnomy showcases the range of design and functional possibilities that fuel cells and by-wire technology when they replace today's conventional engines and mechanical linkages and systems.''

The award for 2002 Concept Car of the Year went to the Pontiac Solstice, also introduced during the 2002 NAIAS event. ``Performance and style at an economical price make the Solstice a realistic muscle-car for the new millennium,'' said jury member Tom Kelley. According to GM Chairman Bob Lutz, ``The North American market is ripe for an affordable, pure roadster executed to top global standards on perceived quality, both inside and out.''

In the Truck & SUV category, the 2002 Concept Truck of the Year award was claimed by the Dodge M80. ``The M80 is just too cool,'' said jury member Michael Cohn. ``Borrowing styling cues from the old Power Wagons and bringing the look up to date with a sporty package is a perfect blend of old and new. I want one. This one wins my vote on pure gut and emotion alone.''

Recalling his youth in California, M80 designer John Opfer noted, ``We were always looking for stylish, low-cost four-wheel-drive vehicles to accommodate our ever-changing activities. That is exactly what I had in mind while sketching the Dodge M80, geared toward today's active youngsters.''

Additional information regarding the nominees, the selection process and the award winners can be found by visiting SEAMO at http://www.southeastautomedia.org on the web.