The winner of the 2009 Green Car of the Year(R) (GCOY) award will be announced Nov. 20, 2008 during the Los Angeles Auto Show's Press Days. Green Car Journal, the leading automotive environmental magazine, initiated this annual award in 2005 and it has continued to grow in significance as consumer demand for more fuel efficient and environmentally positive vehicles has increased exponentially.

"Each year we choose the LA Auto Show to make this important announcement because California -- and especially the greater Los Angeles region -- has historically been the epicenter for both automotive and environmental innovation, and that's what this award is all about," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com.

The Green Car of the Year(R) award is designed to recognize environmental achievement in the automotive industry. After considering scores of new vehicle models that raise the bar in environmental performance, five automobile nominees will be identified in advance of the press conference.

Last year, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was named Green Car Journal's 2008 Green Car of the Year(R), with jurors noting that a Hybrid SUV achieving a city mpg rating on par with today's mid-size cars ends the argument that efficiency and vehicle choice are incompatible. The previous year's winner was the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the inaugural 2006 Green Car of the Year distinction was awarded to the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

GCOY Selection Process
Green Car Journal staff narrow down all of the eligible vehicles to the five finalists based upon research and the driving experience. The winning vehicle must be in production by Jan. 1, 2009.

"In judging the Green Car of the Year(R), emphasis is placed on vehicles that advance overall efficiency and functionality while decreasing its environmental footprint," said Cogan. "All current models are eligible for consideration and although 'newness' is a factor, it's the impact that a vehicle and its environmentally positive technologies are likely to have in the marketplace that win the award."

The winning vehicle is then chosen by a select jury of highly knowledgeable experts drawn from relevant fields such as transportation technology, automotive design, environmental protection and others. Notable past jurors have included leaders of the nation's most recognized environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, Ocean Futures Society, and World Resources Institute as well as automotive icons such as Carroll Shelby and "Tonight Show" host, Jay Leno.

About Green Car of the Year(R)
The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year(R) is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show
For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. The show opens for media only Nov. 19 and 20. Media registration opens September 8. Public days run from Nov. 21-30. For general information visit http://www.laautoshow.com/.