General Motors Receives the Inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award
at 2008 International Car of the Year Awards

In response to the fluctuation of gas prices and growing concern for global warming, the International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) recently polled automakers about the strides they were making in addressing environmental issues and global warming.

Based on a review of the automakers' answers by the ICOTY Awards jury, General Motors Corporation was awarded the inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award for being the most environmentally-friendly automaker.

U.S. Senator Carl Levin presented the award to Beth Lowery, vice president of Environment, Engery and Safety Policy for GM at the 12th annual ICOTY Awards diner in Detroit on Jan. 12. ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine Editor in Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith, both judges on the ICOTY jury, co-presented the award, sponsored by Bridgestone.

Eight major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota particpated in the competition. Factors considered were established present and future environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid electric, diesel and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and the automaker’s company position and mission on global warming.

"Automakers are too often criticized for environmental insensitivity when the reality is that they're making enormous strides on a global level to help improve the earth's environment," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY producer and creator. "Our goal is to shed light on these many positive accomplishments, especially those not known to the general public or media, therby inviting a more balanced distribution of recognition and responsibility."

Throughout the past year, General Motors has worked to reduce its energy and water consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent in the last five years as well. Additionally, GM has led the way in solar power energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, Calif.

Recognized for its multiple environmental partnership programs, GM will continue work in 2008 by launching Project Driveway, the largest test fleet of fuel cell vehicles to hit the worldwide market. Project Driveway will offer drivers in multiple cities across America the opportunity to become more familiar with earth-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Equinox.

View EARTH ANGEL responses from all participating automakers.

Learn more about the 2008 ICOTY Awards.