Toronto (Ontario) – During an early morning press conference at the opening of the 2007 edition of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) awardred Car of the Year honours to…
The Toyota Camry Hybrid beat nine other “best new” category winners, announced November 21st, to win the top prize. This is the first time in the awards history that a hybrid has won an overall “Car of the Year” title.
2007 CCOTY chair, Paul Williams, commented: “With manufacturers introducing an increasing number of new vehicles each year, consumers may find it harder to keep track of what’s available in the marketplace, and how one vehicle differs from another. The AJAC Canadian Car of the Year program identifies and categorizes all the new vehicles each year, then subjects them to detailed testing in real-world situations. It’s not a popularity contest; it’s a thorough, objective and trustworthy process to help consumers make informed purchase decisions.”
“We are thrilled that AJAC’s members have endorsed the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid with this important award, and would like to thank the membership for their support,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director for Toyota in Canada. “As you know, the Toyota Camry is the best selling car in North America. With the launch of the Camry Hybrid, we have brought hybrid technology into the mainstream.”
At that same early morning press conference, the Acura RDX was declared the 2007 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
The Acura RDX was chosen the overall winner from amongst 25 eligible vehicles in the Sport Utility and Pick-up categories.
On our 20th anniversary, Acura is proud to celebrate that award-winning news travels fast — Acura RDX turbo fast,” said Jim Miller, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. “This award highlights the advanced technology in the new RDX, including variable-flow turbocharging and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive.”
The Car and CUV of the Year vote results are posted to the AJAC web site for use by consumers as a resource buying guide The results show comparisons between all 13 category winners as announced on November 21, 2006.
In addition, consumers will also find comparative test data – acceleration, braking, manoeuvrability, cargo capacity – on over 180 new vehicles representing the 65 entries in the 2007 Canadian Car of the Year Awards. The data derives from the journalists’ annual “TestFest.” It’s a rigorous three-day team testing program that includes “real world” driving on public roads — where consumers drive.
Dennis DesRosiers of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants said recently: “As car awards go I personally believe that the Automobile Journalists of Canada (AJAC) serve our industry very well… their choices are almost always right on the mark.”
Still looking to buy a 2006 car? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its web site.
For more information on the Canadian Car of the Year Awards, visit www.ajac.ca, call the AJAC office at 1-800-361-1516, or send an email to beth[a]ajac.ca