Green Car of the Year: The finalists

Published Oct 26, 2012

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Just when Californians though it was safe to go out on the roads again, Green Car Journal has announced the five finalists for it annual Green Car of the Year award.

The winner will be announced at a media conference at the Los Angeles auto show on 29 November.

The finalists are:

Dodge Dart Aero

Ford C-Max

Ford Fusion

Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv

Toyota Prius c.

Green Car Journal publisher Ron Cogan said: “For two decades we've documented the 'greening' of the auto industry, from a time of concepts and demonstration programmes to today's environmentally positive production vehicles, all available to buyers.

Cogan added that the shift toward 'green' vehicles was great for new car buyers who want to drive cleaner and more efficiently, while still experiencing the pleasure of driving.

“What's tougher these days is narrowing down the candidates to a field of five nominees, as we have today,” said Cogan.

MAINSTREAM MODELS

The fuel-efficient Dodge Dart Aero and Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv show that conventionally-powered, internal combustion vehicles can indeed compete with the efficiencies of hybrids, he said, while Toyota's Prius c continues this automaker's tradition of offering new, low-consumption hybrid models under the Prius name.

The Ford C-MAX and Fusion illustrate how mainstream models can offer eco-conscious drivers a choice, with the C-Max offering both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, and the Fusion offering these power options, plus fuel-efficient EcoBoost variants. Importantly, he said, all these cars are mainstream production models.

The winner will be selected by a jury comprising Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune, Ocean Futures Society president Jean-Michel Cousteau, Global Green USA president Matt Petersen, Tonight Show host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno, and Green Car Journal staff.

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