News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2015 -- Green Car Journal has announced finalists for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ awards that will be presented at the 2016 Washington Auto Show on January 21. Focused on aspirational vehicles with exceptional green credentials, nominees for 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ include the BMW X5 xDrive40e, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes-Benz C350e, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV. Vying for the all-new 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™ award are the Audi A3 e-tron, BMW 330e, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV.

Finalists previously announced for the 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ award that will also be presented at The Washington Auto Show® are the BMW X1 xDrive 28i, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

“Efficiency-enhancing electrification plays a significant role in this year’s Green Car Awards,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “The field includes green luxury and connected models that all feature hybrid or plug-in hybrid power. Green SUV finalists illustrate that advanced internal combustion will continue to play a major role in new models, with one nominee featuring hybrid power while the rest are powered by efficient internal combustion engines.”

The 2016 Green Car Awards recognize vehicles that exhibit laudable environmental achievement. Along with improved environmental performance, traditional buyer touchstones like functionality, safety, quality, value, and performance are also considered. Affordability and availability are important to ensure honored models are accessible to a wide range of buyers. Honoring continual environmental improvement places emphasis on new vehicles and those in the very early stages of their model lifecycle. The Connected Green Car of the Year™ award considers these elements plus the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, and the driving experience.

“We are pleased to be able to showcase the outstanding green cars that are available to consumers.  Ron Cogan and his publication do a great service in nominating these cars of excellence,” says Geoff Pohanka, 2016 Washington Auto Show Chairman.

Green Car Journal will announce the winners of these three Green Car Awards on January 21 during The Washington Auto Show’s Public Policy Days at the Washington Convention Center. A special Green Car Awards exhibit will showcase finalists during the run of the show.

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.

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