Automotive News and Delphi Announce 'Concept Car of the Year' Awards
29 September 2000
Automotive News International and Delphi Automotive Systems Announce Winners for the Second Annual 'Concept Car of the Year' AwardsAutomotive News International and Delphi recognize new innovations During awards ceremony PARIS, Sept. 28 Global automotive executives gathered tonight with representatives from Automotive News International and Delphi Automotive Systems to celebrate this year's most innovative concept cars. In an event hosted at the Union Centrale des Arts Decoratifs, Palais du Louvre in Paris, winners were announced for six distinct concept car categories including: Environmental Concept, Interior Concept, Exterior Concept, Concept Car of the Year, USA Today's Consumers' Choice Award and the Best of the Paris Motor Show. Automotive News International Publisher Keith Crain was present at the ceremony and recognized the incredible talent that went into the cars. "The vehicles featured here -- both the finalists and those that won -- are truly the wave of the future," said Crain. "I am amazed by the talent and dedication of the teams who developed these concept cars." "Tonight's winning vehicles display a phenomenal level of innovation," said J.T. Battenberg III, chairman, CEO and president, Delphi Automotive Systems. "All of the finalists were remarkable and represent the incredible talent we have in our global industry." Winners for the six categories include: * Concept Car of the Year - Pininfarina Rossa * Second place - Mazda RX-Evolv * Third place - SEAT Salsa * Best of Paris Motor Show * Porsche Carrera GT * Environmental Concept - Fiat Ecobasic * Second place - Honda FCX * Third place - GM Precept * Interior Concept - Renault Koleos * Second place - Fiat Ecobasic * Third place - Cadillac Imaj * Exterior Concept - SEAT Salsa * Second place - Pininfarina Rossa * Third place - Mazda RX-Evolv * USA Today Consumers' Choice Award - Cadillac Imaj * Second place - Buick LaCrosse Judges selected the winners based on the cars' innovation, production feasibility, production cost and consumer value. Last year, six concept cars won the first Automotive News International Concept Car of Year Awards held in Tokyo. New to the event this year is an award sponsored by USA Today, the Consumers' Choice Award. The winner was selected by an on-line survey at usatoday.com that allowed consumers to logon and place a vote for their favorite concept car. More than 10,000 votes were cast. Automotive News International and Delphi Automotive Systems co-sponsored the event. Additional sponsors include: Deloitte & Touche, Deloitte Consulting, the City of Sunderland in northern England and USA Today.