South East Automotive Media Organization Announces 2008 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Semi-Finalists

ATLANTA, April 18 -- The semi-finalists in the seventh annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced today during a ceremony at the Atlanta International Auto Show. Professional automotive journalists from throughout North America, representing dozens of outlets in virtually every media segment, serve as volunteer jurors to select the award winners. The jury panel is assembled by peer selection, and the jurors do not pay or get paid to participate.

Originated in 2002 by SEAMO, the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those concept vehicles that have made the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. The awards are given to the best Production Preview Vehicle, Concept Car, Concept Truck/SUV, Specialty Concept, and Most Significant Concept Vehicle of each auto show season. To be eligible for the awards, a concept vehicle must make its North American debut during the current model year's auto show season.

The awards for the four category finalists, and the overall award for the 2008 Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year, will be presented on June 24th 2008, at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

From a total field of 40 Concept Vehicles and 12 Production Preview Vehicles, the 16 semi-finalists are as follows:

  Concept Car
    Audi R8 V12 TDI
    Cadillac CTS Coupe
    Cadillac Provoq
    Lexus LF-A Roadster

  Concept Truck
    Ford Explorer America
    GMC Denali XT Hybrid
    Land Rover LRX
    Nissan Forum

  Specialty Concept
    Chrysler ecoVoyager
    Nissan Effis
    Saab 9-X BioHybrid
    Volkswagen space up! blue

  Production Preview
    Ford Verve
    Hyundai Genesis Coupe
    Pontiac G8 Sport Truck
    Saab 9-4X BioPower

Additional information and details regarding the nominees and the selection jury can be found by visiting SEAMO on the web.