Presented
with the flair of the Academy Awards, ROAD & TRAVEL magazine presents its
annual ICOTY awards to honor 10 new vehicles in 10 categories in the new model
year. Nominees
include American-sold vehicles manufactured by American, British, German, Japanese,
Korean and Swedish automakers. Categories awarded are: Car
of the Year
Truck of the Year Luxury
Most Respected Sedan
Most Dependable Entry Level
Most Spirited Sports Car
Most Sex Appeal Pickup Truck
Most Athletic SUV
Most Resourceful Minivan/Life Stage
Most Compatible Crossover/Sport Wagon
Most Versatile The
RTM awards, launched in 1997, became the first awards to honor new vehicles from
a theme that reflected lifestyle, and the emotionally compelling experience consumers
have during car buying and ownership. The ICOTY categories reflect a particular
stage or mindset in one's life, representing how cars make us feel. "It's
not about camshafts and chrome, or zero to sixty," says RTM editor-in-chief
Courtney Caldwell. "It's about the emotional connection and relationships
people have with their cars. It's about lifestyle and life stages." In
order to achieve an outcome of a balanced perspective on voting that reflects
all consumers, not just one gender, RTM engages a diverse group of 12 men and
women renowned automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada in the voting process.
This jury of respected writers represents such publications
as the Robb Report, Detroit Free Press, Automotive News, The Washington Post,
MSN Autos, Auto Week, and Autoline Detroit. The
ICOTY awards, televised by CBS Detroit as a one hour special, and VIP reception
attracts more than 600 industry executives, political figures, community leaders,
and media, garnering significant press coverage as
the kickoff event of press week on the eve prior to the NAIAS. Criteria:
Each car must be a brand new model entry, or if an existing model, have significant
changes in design and/or technology. Winners
are selected by RTM judges by meeting at least 7 of 12 criteria including: appealing
to women & men, head turning ability, ergonomically friendly, style, affordability,
performance, practical, grocery getting potential, safe & dependable, proud
to be seen in, fun factor, and very cool. After
reviewing all contenders RTM's reputable jury then votes for their favorites based
on the criteria. The top three finalists in each category receive honorable
mention during the presentation but the award goes to the one in each category
which receives the majority of votes. Votes are officially tabulated
by J.D. Power and Associates to ensure the utmost credibility and validity of
each win. The
RTM awards continue to expand in recognition as one of the most prestigious events
produced by a magazine in the automotive industry. The awards are highly regarded
and used by automakers in newspaper and magazine ads, outdoor billboards and television
infomercials. RTM awards have received mention by winners in People, Forbes, US
News, Home and Garden, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Newsweek, to name
a few. For
2005 sponsorship information please click
here. |