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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Car Journal has announced the winners of its prestigious 2016 Green Car Awards at a press conference held today during the Washington Auto Show's Public Policy Day in Washington DC. Distinguished as 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ is Volvo's new XC90 T8. The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid tops the field as 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ and Honda's HR-V earns Green Car Journal's 2016 Green SUV of the Year™.

"These are stand-out vehicles in an increasingly sophisticated and appealing field of 'green' cars," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. "To make the cut as a finalist is a real achievement in itself considering the considerable competition in the market today. Rising to the top as award winners means these three exceptional vehicles set a benchmark in the auto industry's effort to create vehicles that are desirable and efficient, while also achieving environmental milestones so important for our driving future."

The Green Car Awards are a key feature of The Washington Auto Show, the "public policy show" on the auto show circuit and one that puts a priority on safety and sustainability. "We are extremely proud of our partnership with Ron Cogan, whose eagerly anticipated suite of awards help shape the national conversation on the innovations that will drive our industry and country forward," said Geoff Pohanka, chairman of The Washington Auto Show.

Volvo's all-new XC90 T8, the industry's first seven passenger plug-in hybrid SUV, uses a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine with a rear axle electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. This enables 17 miles of electric driving with additional range on hybrid power. Finalists for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ also included the BMW X5 xDrive40e, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes-Benz C350e, and Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

"It is an honor to receive this award from Green Car Journal for the XC90 T8," said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. "Volvo is committed to a vehicle electrification strategy that will make powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid powertrains available in more models, such as the S90 luxury sedan that goes on sale this year."

Winning the 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ is the stylish and efficient Honda HR-V compact crossover, which blends the functionality of an SUV with the sporty styling of a coupe. It achieves up to 35 highway mpg with its 141 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. Honda's fold-flat, second row 'Magic Seat' provides versatility and interior volume that rivals that of some midsize SUVs. Along with the HR-V, 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ finalists included the BMW X1 xDrive 28i, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

"The Honda HR-V is a truly unique new subcompact crossover, delivering the space, utility, comfort, and feature content of a larger vehicle, with the sporty driving dynamics and class-leading fuel economy ratings on par with a small car," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Auto Sales for American Honda. "All of us at Honda truly appreciate Green Car Journal for recognizing the HR-V as Green SUV of the Year and as the latest in a growing lineup of products with class-leading efficiency and low emissions."

Chevrolet's all-new Malibu Hybrid, winner of the 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ award, features an efficient hybrid powertrain derived from the latest generation Chevy Volt that delivers an estimated 47 combined mpg. It's packed with technology like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning/lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and a safety-focused Teen Driver feature. Vying for 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ were finalists Audi A3 e-tron, BMW 330e, Toyota Prius, and Volvo XC90 T8.

"When you put the customer at the center of everything you do, you provide vehicles that enable the things customers are most looking for today, which is efficiency, connectivity, and more," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director. "And we're proud of what the all-new 2016 Malibu Hybrid delivers and equally proud of our second recognition from Green Car Journal this year."

Along with focusing on exceptional 'green' credentials, the 2016 Green Car Awards jury weighs traditional touchstones like safety, quality, functionality, performance, and value. Also considered are availability and, when appropriate, affordability to ensure that models are accessible to a wide range of buyers, thus allowing meaningful emissions reduction and decreased environmental impact. New models and those in the earlier stages of their model lifecycle are emphasized to encourage continuing environmental improvement.

About Green Car Journal
The award-winning Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment since its launch in 1992. As part of its mission, the magazine hosts events, produces ride-and-drives of advanced and clean fuel vehicles, and conducts various outreach efforts to educate consumers on better and more environmentally positive vehicle choices. The magazine's content is featured online at www.CarsOfChange.com.

About WANADA and the Washington Auto Show
Produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), The Washington Auto Show provides an opportunity to explore the latest cars, technologies, and innovations in safety and sustainability. For more information on the 2016 Washington Auto Show see www.washingtonautoshow.com.

SOURCE The Washington Auto Show