Hyundai Genesis Takes Prestigious '2009 Car Of The Year' Award !

DETROIT :: The 13th Annual International Car of the Year Award's (ICOTY) jury announced today the winners of the 2009 International Car and Truck of the Year Awards. The event was held at the MGM Grand Detroit, the black-tie event hosted more than 500 industry leaders, VIPs, and media on the eve of press week of the North American International Auto Show. Apart from Industry & Business representatives; this year's event also witnessed among others' by host of political elite including in attendance was U.S. Senator Debbie StabenowDebbie Stabenow, who provided opening remarks for the ceremony.

The jury declared Korean luxury brand 'Hyundai Genesis' to be the Car of the Year 2009 and the redesigned Ford F-150 was declared the the 'Truck of the Year 2009' at the start of media preview days for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

In order to be eligible for the top prize, a vehicle had to be all-new, completely redesigned or "substantially changed," and available to customers during calendar year 2008.

From among those vehicles, a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada narrowed the list down to three cars and three trucks that were eligible for the final award.

The three finalists for Car of the Year this year were the Genesis, Ford Flex, and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta is powered by a diesel engine.

The Korean luxury brand 'Hyundai Genesis' represents a big leap for Korea-based Hyundai. With prices starting at about $32,000 for V6-powered versions, the Genesis looks and drives much like a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus. While it has the size of one of those brands' top-of-the-line cars, though, it's similar to one of their smaller entry-level models.