Mazda is the “ECOBEST of 2007”
With Greek representative new membership, Autobest cover the most dynamic 15 countries in Europe
(September 19-th, 2007)
Fiat Linaea, KIA C’eed, the new Mazda 2, the second generation Skoda Fabia and Toyota Auris are the five finalists for Autobest 2008 competition. “We are very satisfied with the all 5 finalists this year. All of them are extremely good contenders for Autobest concept, 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, the new Opel Corsa won the laurels.
Mazda Company is awarded “ECOBEST 2007” for its “gram strategy” brilliantly put into force on the new Mazda 2 but also on the new Mazda 6. “It is the first time when a car manufacturer is going against the trends. To reduce with 100 kg the weight of a small hatch is a fantastic performance. That’s also mean less consumption and finally less pollution, notably CO2 emissions. Mazda example is almost unique in the industry, showing a different path for protecting environment!”, Dan Vardie comments.
“SAFETYBEST 2007” award goes to Mercedes Pre Safe system. Is the first time when a system is working combined with passive and active safety, anticipating the worse case scenario. Though Pre Safe is only available for premium cars, is showing how much can be done for improving the safety on board and the day to go main stream should not be so far.
After introducing last year “TECHNOBEST” award, won by Honda for its remarkable new AWD system introduced on the new Legend model, this year “TECHNOBEST 2007” is going to VW for its new TSI family engines. It is the first time when the compressor is combined with the turbine for making an excellent performance no matter the rpm.
This year’s COMPANYBEST, DESIGNBEST and MANBEST awards will be announced at the begging of December in conjunction with AUTOBEST 2008 winner announcement.
“We are very proud to officially announce our new member of Autobest Jury. Ioannis- John Stavropoulos, a well known motoring writer from Greece, with a racing pedigree and an outstanding career in journalism. With him, Autobest Jury comes to the end of the first stage of development. With the 15 countries we have on board today, Autobest is covering the most exciting part of Europe, the territory where the car business is developing rapidly, where the industry is going to establish new plants and experience records is sales. After more than 8 years from the foundation of the Autobest Among the Merging Markets Association, we see that our approach of the car business is fair for the industry and extremely useful for car customers.” Dan Vardie said with occasion of introducing the latest Autobest membership. A detailed biography of John Stavropoulos is attached to this press release or can be seen on the official site www.autobest.org
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 15 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.
