For the first time, the nominees include two primarily electric-drive vehicles in addition to two hybrids and a high mile-per-gallon, gasoline internal combustion engine.
The conventionally powered car is the Fiesta, with the hatchback achieving up to 40 mpg (5.88 l/100km) EPA estimated highway fuel economy.
“These five 2011 Green Car of the Year finalists reflect an auto industry in transition,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “It wasn’t long ago when electric drive was a novelty. Now, it’s expected that auto manufacturers will include electric drive in some form among their model offerings.”
Aside from the environmental performance, market significance and “newness” have also played a decisive role in choosing the finalists, as all cars must be on sale by January 1 of the award year.
Jurors include leaders of the nation’s top environmental organizations, including Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club, Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society and Matt Petersen, president of Global Green USA. Also, Jay Leno, host of the “Tonight Show,” as well as automotive icon Carroll Shelby round off the 2011 jury.
autoevolution also had a poll earlier this year involving the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, with the users favoring the first.
The 2010 LA Auto Show will host approximately 50 world and North American debuts.
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