The Auto Writer

Academy Awards of Cars

2010 Ford Taurus ICOTY Winner

Most auto industry awards today are given to vehicles based on engineering, technology, environmental, and design factors, but when it comes to the touchy-feely response many of us have towards our vehicles, only the ICOTY awards gauge that reaction.

In fact, since being launched in 1997 by Road & Travel magazine, the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) award has strived to find cars that American drivers believe reflect their lifestyles. Each year ICOTY car and truck awards are given with the 2010 winners announced on Wednesday at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2010 Volvo XC60 ICOTY Winner

Taurus, XC60 Win

The 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Volvo XC60 are the winners, chosen by 19 nationally honored automotive editors and journalists. Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine, Kevin Smith, editorial director for Edmunds.com, and James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, represented the ICOTY jury and presented winners with their awards.

Caldwell conceived the ICOTY in 1996 as way to recognize companies who help consumers connect emotionally with their vehicles through marketing and advertising campaigns. According to Caldwell, personality and passion trump power and performance with the ICOTY with the operative phrase “lifestyle compatibility” as the measure used to select winners.

The ICOTY is often referred to as the “Academy Awards of cars” as awards are given for a number of different categories including “most respected” and “most dependable” vehicles. Visit the Road and Travel website for more information including past winners.

Change In Venue

Notably, the ICOTY announcement has transitioned from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (held in January) to the December Los Angeles Auto Show after 13 years in the Motor City. The earlier announcement coincides with the traditional beginning of the North American auto show calendar which recognizes Los Angeles as the first of several major car shows for the year.

Source: Road and Travel magazine

Photo Credits: Ford Motor Company