New York, 22 March 2008: The Mazda2 is the 2008 "World Car of the Year".From an initial entry list of 39 new vehicles from all over the world, the Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) edged out the Ford Mondeo and Mercedes-Benz C-Class to take the overall award.

The all-new Mazda2 reflects the emerging modern attitudes with stylish exterior design complemented by low running costs and excellent fuel economy, achieved by reducing the vehicle's weight by approximately 100 Kg. Soon after commencing sales in Japan in July 2007, the second generation Mazda2 drew wide attention thanks to its fun-to-drive, Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, and the emphasis Mazda placed on the new generation's desire for environmental and safety attributes and great design.

"We are delighted that the 2008 World Car of the Year jury has chosen the all-new Mazda2 as their World Car of the Year," said Mr.Dan Morris, Mazda's Senior Managing Executive Officer in charge of Marketing, Sales & Customer Service. "This is wonderful recognition which Mazda2 car owners and Mazda employees alike can celebrate worldwide", he added.

It was double glory for Audi. The new Audi R8 was adjudged the best in two categories - Performance and Design. The 2008 "World Performance Car" and the "World Car Design of the Year" awards went to the Audi R8. The Audi R8 was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 contenders from across the globe.

Candidates for the World Performance Car award must demonstrate a specific and overt Sports/Performance orientation. They must also satisfy the same availability criteria as for the overall World Car award and may be chosen from that list of eligible vehicles.

Jurors observed that the Audi R8 has solid credentials on paper thanks to its mid-mounted 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine and aluminum construction. But where it really excels is in the exceptional balance, refinement and control that grant the driver the confidence to push to the limit without fear of unintended consequences.

Audi R8 edged out the BMW M3 and the Audi S5 Coupe, in winning the prestigious award.

"Last year, the Audi RS 4 won the World Performance Car award and we are thrilled to have retained the title with the Audi R8," said Mr.Johan De Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi for America.

"This award is recognition for the superb work done by the engineers and designers who worked on the R8. It has immediately taken up a leadership position in the super sports car segment. We are also delighted that the World Car of the Year jurors voted the Audi S5 into the top three", he added.

The BMW 118d, with CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, was declared the 2008 “World Green Car of the Year”.

The award has cemented BMW as the world’s leading producer of environmentally friendly premium cars and comes swiftly after BMW received recognition for EfficientDynamics by winning similar ‘green’ awards in the UK and abroad.

According to Mr.Tom Purves, Chairman & CEO of BMW, North America, “BMW is very excited that the BMW 118d with EfficientDynamics won the World Green Car title. The measures that we have implemented within our EfficientDynamics strategy into every BMW mean that we are able to provide customers with the driving pleasure they expect from a BMW, while still meeting the stringent requirements for fuel-efficiency and low emissions.”

To be eligible for the World Green Car award, a vehicle had to available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007.

BMW 118d was chosen ahead of 10 other environmentally friendly production vehicles for the World Green Car of the Year Award. The Mercedes Benz Smart-fortwo-cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI were the other two top contenders.

The best-car awards were announced at the ongoing 2008 New York Auto Show, which commenced on March 21. All entires were nominated by a World Car Jury that comprised 47 members from 24 countries throughout the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his/her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work.