2009 ICOTY Awards
The International Car of the Year Awards, (ICOTY) is held each year in Detroit on the evening prior to press days at the North American International Auto Show. Hosted by Courtney Caldwell, Editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine, plus her staff, the black-tie gala is a highlight for all in attendance taking place at the magnificent Detroit MGM Grand.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, Road & Travel Magazine celebrates a 20th Anniversary in 2009. Inside the grand ballroom, excitement was palatable at the 13th annual ICOTY awards banquet as the band sang throughout an events-filled evening and winners were announced in various categories.
For the manufacturers at the NAIAS, winning an ICOTY award is the best way to start the New Year. As a member of the distinguished panel of 16 nationally-renowned automotive journalists for this event, I too was excited to see if my picks had won.
Top billing is reserved for the annual ICOTY Car and Truck of the year award winners. The list of nominees in each category included several of the finest road vehicles available in North America for 2009. Here are the results.
International Car of the Year Award
Votes were tallied and the winner of the 2009 ICOTY Car of the Year award is the breathtaking Nissan GT-R! Considered by many as one of the finest sports cars on the road no matter the price, it has been a long wait for North American drivers who desired to get behind the wheel of this incredible automobile. Winning this award adds the growing list of achievements for the 2009 Nissan GT-R.
International Truck of the Year Award
Competition in the truck market is fierce and the 2009 model year is no exception. With both the new Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram clear favorites in a stacked category, it came as no surprise to me when the winner was announced as the 2009 Dodge Ram. Bigger, stronger, tougher and better equipped than previous generation Dodge Ram trucks, the newest version is a champion at the job sight during the day and out on the town at night.
Earth, Wind and Power Award
Eco-friendly is a term we are all familiar with. Our world’s climate is changing and automakers are challenged with the need to respond in an unprecedented way. Many have risen to the greatest test for our generation, but of particular note were these two winners in the category of Earth, Wind and Power Car and Truck of the Year.
The 2009 Jetta TDI is a true champion at the pump for the very reason it doesn’t need to stop and fill up nearly as often as gasoline powered competitors. Capable of traveling great distances on a single tank of fuel, the Jetta TDI is a shining example of why clean burning diesel engines make so much sense in today’s world.
The winner of the EWP Truck of the Year Award is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. A second generation version of the Escape Hybrid, the newest model is bigger, better equipped and more attractive in every way. Quiet, clean and efficient, it represents the best in hybrid technology while offering an alternative method of transportation without comprise.
EARTH ANGEL Award
The second year for this prestigious award, Honda Motor Company was announced as the winner in a category featuring five distinguished nominees. Bridgestone sponsored the award honoring the automaker who demonstrates the most progress with environmental initiatives and partnerships around the globe. Honda’s reputation for outstanding achievement in this category is undisputable, as they take seriously the need to protect our world for future generations to come.
Lifetime Legend Award
Each year a new member is selected as a lifetime legend for their outstanding career in automotive journalism. This year’s recipient was Warren Brown, auto writer for the Washington Post. Born and raised in the 9th Ward District of New Orleans, Warren has been at the top of his field for decades, garnering the respect of fellow journalists and industry executives as a voice to be reckoned with.
Summary
The 2009 ICOTY Awards kicked off what is arguably one of the most important years in North American automotive history. Several winners were chosen in the grand hall at the Detroit MGM Grand hotel and for them, the year ahead looks a little brighter. Now it is up to the automotive consumer to decide who ultimately wins in 2009.
