Volvo XC60, 2010 International Truck of the Year

The International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury made up its mind yesterday on who will receive the 2010 International Truck of the Year award and, after comparing some 10 new crossovers, SUVs and trucks, decided to hand over the title to the Swedish Volvo XC60. The coronation took place at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where Volvo North America CEO Doug Speck received the prize for Volvo.

"This ties a very pretty bow around what's been a truly amazing year for Volvo," Speck said at the event. "The XC60 has not only been recognized by the media but it's been extremely well received by our customers."

Voting on who to get the prize this year was a jury made up of 19 automotive media from the US and Canada. According to them, the goal was to honor "vehicles that reflect an emotional connection between car and consumer lifestyles."

"The ICOTY awards are not centered on power and performance," Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY creator and executive producer added. "It's about how cars reflect our personalities, lifestyles and self image, an attitude most consumers identify with."

This award is the 20th recognition of the XC60 since its launch in late 2008. The SUV is the first vehicle to offer City Safety as standard equipment, helping stop the car in case it senses a collision and the driver does not apply the brakes.

"This is one of the most prestigious car awards in the world and we feel very proud to receive it for our best-selling XC60," Stephen Odell, Volvo CEO concluded.