Giugiaro is the “DesignBest of 2006”
A brand new award “TechnoBest” is going to Honda
(October 7-th, 2006)
Fiat Grande Punto, the Hyundai Accent, the new Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207 and Skoda Roomster are the five finalists for Autobest 2007 competition. “It is a very strong conquest this year. All the candidates are very good in all respects and filling very well the 13 criteria’s of Autobest Jury. No one can be considered as a favored“, declared Dan Vardie, Chairman of Autobest Jury. Last year, KIA Rio won the laurels.
The Russian motoring magazine “Auto review” was granted “MEDIABEST 2006” award. Our colleagues from Moscow developed their own program for crash-tests. They buy from the market the best sold models and perform crashes in order to offer their readership an in -depth knowledge of the cars tested. “It’s a unique program in the region and totally deserve our appreciation.”, Dan Vardie said.
This year, the “DESIGNBEST 2006” award is granted to Giugiaro Design, namely to Fabrizio Giugiaro for his outstanding work in the design house founded by his worldwide famous father. “Fabrizio is a very rare combination of talent in design and management skills. He is one of the extremely few examples when the son is following the steps of the father with outstanding results. Fiat Grande Punto is nimble example.” Dan Vardie stated.
“SAFETYBEST 2006” award goes to Jaguar for the pop- up hood of the new XK model. The British manufacturer is the very first worldwide manufacturer to introduce an effective protection for the pedestrians in a series production model. The system is looking to reduce drastically the head injuries in case of a frontal impact.
Toyota Motor Company is awarded “ECOBEST 2006” for its commitment for hybrids. Prius is already a big success in some markets and Lexus hybrids performance cars are dynamic been environmentally friendly.
Robert Kubica, the Polish Formula 1 driver is „SPORTBEST 2006” for his incredible performance in the most famous of all motor sports on the planet. Kubica is the very first native from the Autobest region to walk on the Top 3 podium in a F1 race.
For the first time, Autobest Jury decided to give an award for the outstanding achievements in technique and technology. Honda is the first winner of “TECHNOBEST” award for its remarkable new AWD system introduced this year on the new Legend model.
This year’s COMPANYBEST and MANBEST awards will be announced at the begging of December in conjunction with AUTOBEST 2007 winner announcement.
AUTOBEST organization is the only international independent jury focusing on the emerging markets countries. To become an AUTOBEST winner, a car must be the best offer for the average customer in the region. Price, service network, spare parts distribution and versatility are the most important criteria in the voting process. Design and new high-tech gadgets are coming on a second place as importance. AUTOBEST is using a complex matrix of 13 criteria in deciding the winner.
The AUTOBEST Jury is also paying attention to the efforts that automotive industry is making. Investments, new work opportunities for the population, spending funds for ecological initiatives, the support for the emerging regions of Europe are carefully checked and appreciated by the Jury.
For this year, AUTOBEST members of the Jury are coming from 13 countries in the region and represent a virtual market with more than 300 million people. Each member of the Jury is an outstanding motoring journalist, a respected voice in his country. AUTOBEST is the second largest independent motoring Jury of Europe.
