Inaugural Canadian Green Car Award finalists announced
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Include plug-in hybrid, three conventional hybrids and highly-efficient internal combustion vehicle
TORONTO—The finalists have been announced for the inaugural Canadian Green Car Awards, with Ford claiming two of the five spots.
Nominated by their respective manufacturers and selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), the finalists include the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Mazda3, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid.
“The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving,” AJAC’s Green Car Award steering committee chair Peter Gorrie said in a statement.
Other entrants included the 2013 Ford Edge EcoBoost and Ford Focus Electric, Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel and Chevrolet Volt, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.
The competition placed heavy emphasis on fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle—including the use of recycled or naturally sourced materials—and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations.
Equally important, according to the committee, was assessed market potential—factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.
“After all, a car loaded with ‘green’ features will make a difference only if it sells in large numbers and supplants lesser models,” Gorrie said. “While EVs represent impressive technology, that focus might have prevented the four battery-electric nominees from making the final five.”
The winner will be announced April 12 at the Green Living Show in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
