International Car of the Year

For the last several years, the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards has been the kick-off event of the Detroit Auto Show press week. Produced by Road and Travel magazine, the ICOTY awards show has been designed to bring a bit of Hollywood style to the Motor City. Complete with witty presentations and live music provided by the Jerry Ross Band, ICOTY has often been billed as the "Academy Awards of Cars."

At this year's event at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit, the top winners were the Honda Accord sedan as International Car of the Year, while the Truck of the Year kudos went to the Chrysler Town & Country. Both these vehicles have recently been redesigned and are among the top sellers in their respective markets.

"The ICOTY Award's unique theme focuses on the emotional connection between car and consumer; how vehicles reflect our lifestyles and self image, an attitude the average consumer can identify with," said ICOTY creator and RTM Editor in Chief Courtney Caldwell. "It's about how we feel about our cars how our cars make us feel."

To be eligible for the ICOTY, a car must be a brand new model, or have significant changes in design and/or technology for the new model year. Attributes considered during the voting process include: appealing to men and women, head-turning ability, ergonomically friendly, style, affordability, performance, practical, grocery-getting potential, safety & dependability, proud to be seen in, fun factor and coolness.

A jury of 12 auto journalists from a variety of publications chooses the winners - MSN Autos Editor Perry Stern is a member of the jury.

In addition to the top awards, a winning vehicle is chosen in a number of other categories. The winners of the 2008 ICOTY awards were:

• Pickup Truck of the Year: "Most Athletic" - GMC Sierra Denali
• Sports Car of the Year: "Most Sex Appeal" - Audi R8
• Sedan of the Year: "Most Dependable" - Honda Accord sedan
• Luxury Car of the Year: "Most Respected" - Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
• Minivan of the Year: "Most Compatible" - Chrysler Town & Country
• Entry-Level Car of the Year: "Most Spirited" - Volvo C30
• Crossover of the Year: "Most Versatile" - Buick Enclave
• SUV of the Year: "Most Resourceful" - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

In addition to the vehicle awards, the first "Earth Angel" award was given to the car company deemed most environmentally friendly. Manufacturers were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their company's dedication to the environment, and then the answers were judged by the ICOTY jury. U.S. Senator Carl Levin from Michigan presented the award to this year's winner, General Motors.

Also presented at this event is the annual "Heart String" award, which goes to the most emotionally charged automotive commercial. The commercial for the Dodge Grand Caravan called "Rooms" was this year's winner.

Lastly, Road and Travel magazine chooses a lifetime achievement recipient and presents the award at the ICOTY event. This year, automotive journalist Thomas L. Bryant, vice president and editor in chief of Road & Track magazine, received this coveted award. Bryant is the fifth individual to earn this recognition.