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German, Japanese carmakers lead nominations for 2016’s first Green awards
The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is a Green SUV finalists. – AFP/RelaxNews pic, January 3, 2016. At the 2016 Washington Auto Show (January 22-31) The Green Car Journalwill announce the winners of its annual awards for Green SUV and Green Luxury Car of the year and, for the first time, the Greenest Connected Car.
The publication, considered the most influential in the United States for helping to shape government attitudes towards responsible transport policy and for helping consumers make more informed, more responsible personal mobility choices, won't be crowning the overall Green Car of 2016 until October.
However, the journey towards the ultimate prize will start on January 21 during the first Public Policy Day of the Washington Auto Show where the initial three-category winners will be named.
In the SUV category, the new BMW X1 XDrive 28i, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Toyota Rav4 Hybrid will do battle.
Surprisingly, the Rav4 is the only nominee to be powered by anything other than a traditional petrol engine. But, efficiency isn't simply about using hybrid powertrains.
"Green SUV finalists illustrate that advanced internal combustion will continue to play a major role in new models," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal.
“After years of focus on building more efficient and environmentally positive sedans and hatchbacks, a growing emphasis is now being placed on SUVs and crossover vehicles, one of the hottest segments in the auto market.”
In the luxury car category, BMW is again a nominee and again for a crossover, this time, its plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive40e.
It will hope to stand out against three other hybrid SUVs: the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Lexus RX 450h, plus one cutting-edge hybrid luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C350e.
Meanwhile, for the first time, five cars will be competing for the title of Connected Green Car of the Year, which recognises the use of connected technologies in order to improve efficiency and safety.
They are the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid, BMW 330e, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV.
"The field includes green luxury and connected models that all feature hybrid or plug-in hybrid power," said Cogan.
"Efficiency-enhancing electrification plays a significant role in this year's Green Car Awards." – AFP/RelaxNews, January 3, 2016.
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