ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine Announces 2005 International Car of the Year Awards Winners

DETROIT, Jan. 8 -- ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM), a rapidly growing online publication specializing in automotive and travel topics, announced its 9th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) winners at a black tie awards ceremony today. The ceremony, held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel, hosted more than 700 auto industry leaders and media on the eve of the official opening of the North American International Auto Show.

A jury of 12 nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the Top 10 automobiles with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates.

  And the winners are:

  * Car of the Year:                                 Chrysler 300C
  * Truck of the Year:                               HUMMER H2 SUT
  * Pick Up Truck of the Year:   "Most Athletic"     Ford F-250 Super Duty
  * Sports Car of the Year:      "Most Sex Appeal"   Chevrolet Corvette
  * Sedan of the Year:           "Most Dependable"   Subaru Legacy 2.5i
  * Luxury Car of the Year:      "Most Respected"    Jaguar XJ LWB
  * Minivan of the Year:         "Most Compatible"   Chrysler Town & Country
  * Entry Level Car of the Year: "Most Spirited"     MINI Cooper Convertible
  * Crossover/Sport Wagon:       "Most Versatile"    Dodge Magnum
  * SUV of the Year:             "Most Resourceful"  Land Rover LR3

"The ICOTY awards focus on the emotional connection owners have with their vehicles and how cars and trucks reflect our lifestyles and self-image, an attitude the average consumer can identify with," says RTM Editor-In-Chief Courtney Caldwell.

During the program, RTM recognized veteran automotive journalist Jerry Flint with the second annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Flint has spent over 30 years covering the auto industry, most recently as automotive editor and columnist for Forbes magazine. RTM also presented the inaugural HEART STRING Award for the most emotionally compelling car commercial in 2004 to Ford Motor Company and J. Walter Thompson for the Ford Mustang "Steve McQueen" spot.

Sponsors included Shell Oil Products US, Bridgestone/Firestone Tires, Dolby Laboratories, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Detroit Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Hyundai Motor Company, GM's OnStar, American Honda, Bose Corporation, BMW NA, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, GMAC Financial Services, Nissan NA, Subaru of America, U-Haul Corporation, Google, Tower Automotive and ArvinMeritor.

About ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine, established in 1989, is a comprehensive online magazine specializing in travel, automotive and personal safety topics. RTM provides content and resources from which consumers can make informed and intelligent decisions regarding their automotive, travel and personal safety needs. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.roadandtravel.com/ .