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International Car of the Year Awards

Ford Focus Named
2012 International
Compact Car of the Year
- Most Spirited -

by Road & Travel Magazine

Sponsored by
Bridgestone Tire Sponsors 2011 International Car of the Year Awards

For Immediate Release

DETROIT, January 9, 2012 - The International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) jury announced today the winner of the 2012 International Compact Car of the Year, the all-new 2012 Ford Focus – Most Spirited.

2012 Ford Focus - Read Review
2012 International Compact Car of the Year

- Most Spirited -

See ICOTY Awards Special Issue

The ICOTY jury, made up of nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the 2012 Ford Focus as the most emotionally compelling compact car for the new model year. “The Focus continues to dazzle jurors with its cozy yet comfortable cadence in the compact car category. The ICOTY jury agreed that the new Focus had the most spirit amongst its competitors allowing it to bond effortlessly with consumer lifestyles in both mind and spirit,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY founder and executive producer.

Ford Focus wins 2012 International Compact Car of the Year
Ford Focus wins 2012 International Compact Car of the Year - Most Spirited. Accepting the award (l) are Paul Russell, Ford Focus Marketing Manager; and Ken Czubay, VP US Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford Motor Company. Presenting the trophy (r) are Courtney Caldwell, Editor, Road & Travel Magazine and ICOTY founder; and Mike Martini, president Bridgestone America OE and ICOTY sponsor. (Photo by Jeff Kowalsky)

“Ford is honored to receive the 2012 International Compact Car of the Year Award from Road & Travel Magazine,” said Ken Czubay, Vice President, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service, Ford Motor Company. The award embodies the global nature of the Focus with its fun-to-drive character and smart technology customers are looking for.”

In addition to receiving top honor in the 2012 International Compact Car of the Year category, Ford was also honored with the Earth Angel Award for the Most Earth Friendly Car Company of the year. Ford’s environmental contributions to the planet have created an enormous boost in making the Earth a healthier and safer place to live. [Read Review]

Ford Motor Company Earns 2012 Earth Angel Award for Most Earth Friendly Automaker
Ford Motor Company earns the 5th Annual Earth Angel Award for Most Earth Friendly automaker. Accepting the coveted award (l) is John Viera, Global Director, Sustainability & Vehicle Matters, Ford Motor Company. Presenting the trophy (r) are Courtney Caldwell, Editor, Road & Travel Magazine and Earth Angel Award founder; and Mike Martini, president Bridgestone America OE and ICOTY sponsor. (Photo by Jeff Kowalsky)

“Ford’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond fuel efficiencyand is really integrated in the everyday actions of all our employees worldwide,” said John Viera, Ford’s Global Director, Sustainability and Vehicle Environmental Matters. “Every employee wants to not only make better cars, but help build a better world. The Earth Angel Award for Most Earth Friendly Automaker is a tribute to this hard work and motivation to keep pushing and working harder.”

The 16th annual ICOTY presenters included Courtney Caldwell, Editor-in-Chief, Road & Travel Magazine; Denise McCluggage, famed auto journalist and author; Martha Hindes, auto contributor to Road & Travel Magazine. Bridgestone sponsor and OE president Mike Martini co-presented the award with the jury.

“We are so grateful our sponsor Bridgestone for their continued support of ICOTY. Their belief in ICOTY’s pioneering mission to honor vehicles that connect with consumers on an emotional level has allowed the ICOTY jury to honor dozens of vehicles throughout the years with designs that leave consumers feeling passionate about their vehicles again,” adds Caldwell.

“It’s our honor to sponsor this award recognizing the excellence in innovation by auto manufactures, and we appreciate the longstanding partnerships, both in the showroom and on our highways, we’ve enjoyed with them. We congratulate Ford on their prestigious award and look forward to creating world-class products for OEM’s in the years to come,” said Michael Martini, President Bridgestone’s OE Division, of BATO.

SEE ALL 2012 INTERNATIONAL CAR OF THE YEAR WINNERS

About ICOTY
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. Its unique and pioneering theme was created by Caldwell to recognize automakers that successfully design and market their vehicles to consumer lifestyles eliciting an emotional connection to, and passion for, the cars they own and drive, which translates into consumer loyalty. Today, many automakers use the ‘emotional connection’ theme in their national marketing and advertising campaigns to connect with consumers.

Media Contact: Courtney Caldwell
Phone: 248.561.5660 EST
Email: icotyawards@gmail.com