Financial Times is the “MediaBest of 2005”
Volvo Car Corporation is awarded with “SafetyBest 2005”
(November 21-th, 2005)
Following the previous announcement of the 5 finalists for AUTOBEST 2006 award, the International Jury is announcing today the other award winners of the year. Mr. Alfredo Altavilla was elected “MANBEST of 2005” for his continuous and sustained endeavor in developing the Fiat Auto company in the region. Being part of the new managers’ generation, he gave a fresh and energetic touch to the business, making it more professional and profitable.
Financial Times was granted “MEDIABEST 2005” award. In the past years, one of the most famous newspapers in the world began to pay an increased and constant attention to the automotive field development in the region. AUTOBEST Jury would like to thank all of those who brought their contribution throughout the years to the report about emerging markets: Dr. Haig Simonian, Tim Burt, Jim MacIntosh and, more recently, Christopher Condon.
This year, the “DESIGNBEST 2005” award is granted to Peugeot Automobiles, for the initiative of organizing a design contest that encourages young talents in providing the most interesting and spectacular design projects.
“SAFETYBEST 2005” award goes to Volvo Car Corporation for its fundamental contribution in matters of safety, by inventing the safety belt. This item remains, after so many years, the most important feature in passenger’s safety. Michelin Challenge Bibendum is awarded “ECOBEST 2005” for being the first and the most important global event that aims promoting technologies of alternative propulsion with reduced fuel consumption, other energy sources with a minimum impact on the environment.
This year’s COMPANYBEST goes to the Ukrainian Automobile Corporation, UkrAVTO Corp., one of the most influential companies within the automotive market of Ukraine. The award is granted for proving to be one of the companies belonging to the emergent countries region, that became very active, investing constantly in the automotive industry, not only in Ukraine but also abroad.
This year, AUTOBEST Jury decided not to grant “SPORTBEST” award.
Chevrolet Matiz / Spark, Suzuki Swift, Ford Focus II, Kia Rio and Renault Clio III have been nominated for the final list of AUTOBEST 2006 competition. The Jury members, coming from 12 emerging countries of Europe, proposed 16 car models, out of which five were chosen for the final vote. Last year, 4 cars were nominated in the final, marking a premiere in AUTOBEST history. The AUTOBEST 2005 was Dacia Logan.
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 12 countries in the region and represent a virtual market with more than 200 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.