International Car of the Year Awards -
Categories & Criteria

The ICOTY Awards are presented with an entirely different theme than traditional automotive awards, which is what makes them stand apart from all others.

The criteria that makes a vehicle eligible for consideration is that it must be a brand new model for the new model year, or if an existing model, must have significant and noticeable changes in design and/or technology.

Winners are selected by panel of respected automotive editors and journalists who represent a variety of renowned automotive publications. Because the awards are based on the emotional connection between car and consumer each judge is required to take into consideration not only the above criteria, but also the factors below. Each vehicle must meet at least seven of the criteria mentioned below.

International Car of the Year Award Categories

The ICOTY Awards, launched in 1997, became the first awards to honor new vehicles from a theme that reflected the emotionally compelling experience consumers have during car buying and ownership. The ICOTY categories reflect a particular stage or mindset in one's life, representing how cars make us feel. "It's not about camshafts and chrome, or zero to sixty," says Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY's executive producer. "It's about the emotional connection and relationships people have with their cars. It's about lifestyle and life stages."

• International Car of the Year  •  
• International Truck of the Year •
Luxury Car of the Year • Most Respected
Sedan of the Year • Most Dependable
Entry Level Car of the Year • Most Spirited
Sports Car of the Year • Most Sex Appeal
Pick-Up Truck of the Year • Most Athletic
SUV Hybrid of the Year • Most Resourceful
Earth Friendly Car of the Year • Most Compatible
Crossover of the Year • Most Versatile

In addition to the Car of the Year Awards presentations, three special tributes are awarded. Since 2004, Road & Travel Magazine has presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to a veteran automotive journalist for outstanding contributions in the auto industry throughout his or her career.

In 2005, RTM introduced the HEART STRING AWARD to honor an automaker for the most emotionally compelling car commercial to run on national television in the previous year. Automakers are invited to send in their favorite commercial, which are then provided to and viewed by the ICOTY jury. Each juror is asked to base their vote on pure and simple emotional reaction. The purpose of this award is honor the automaker that best connected car and consumer on an emotional level.

In 2008, the ICOTY panel introduced the inaugural EARTH ANGEL AWARD, the first of its kind award to honor the most environ-mentally friendly automaker for achievements and successes in fighting global warming on a worldwide level through initiatives, services and products.

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ICOTY AWARDS ARCHIVES