RTM Celebrates 20th Anniversary of ‘International Car of the Year Awards’
Top 5 International Car & Truck/Utility
of the Year Finalists Named for 2016
Los Angeles, CA – October 12, 2015 - Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) is proud to announce the 20th anniversary of its International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY). Launched in January 1996 in Detroit, MI, ICOTY became the first auto awards to shed light on the emotional connection between car and consumer, thus honoring automakers that designed and marketed vehicles aimed at consumer lifestyles.
"The ICOTY Awards focus on how cars reflect lifestyles, personalities and self-image; that emotional connection people experience during ownership,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY founder. “How consumers ‘feel’ about cars adds fuel to their final buying decision. It also contributes to RTM’s final decision for winners. ICOTY represents a reflection of human sensory response, adding a ‘people’s choice’ element to each award, which distinguishes it from other car awards today.”
The top 5 finalists for the 2016 International Car of the Year include: Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Prius. The top 5 finalists for ICOTY’s 2016 Truck/Utility segment are: Ford Edge, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-3, and Volvo XC90.
2016 ICOTY Award winners will be announced in November at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, and honored throughout Road & Travel Magazine.
About ICOTY - Founded in 1996, the ICOTY Awards pioneered the 'emotional connection' (theme) as it related to cars and consumers to help raise awareness with automakers that car buyers have a deep connection with their vehicles during the purchasing process and ownership. People purchase a vehicle based on how it reflects their lifestyle, personality and financial status. As a result, most automakers today create marketing and ad campaigns that target consumer lifestyles, which contribute to brand loyalty.
About Road & Travel Magazine – Founded in 1989 as a print publication, RTM transitioned to a digital format in 2000. 2019 will be RTM’s 30th Anniversary. RTM’s automotive, travel and safety content addresses the everyday consumer in a language they understand and can relate to. Its lifestyle format was created to reach out to readers on a more conversational and personal level, which ultimately led to the similarly themed International Car of the Year Awards in 1996.
Media contact: Dante Davenport - 310.322.8000 PDT |
