South East Automotive Media Organization Announces 2008 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Winners

DETROIT, June 24 -- The seventh annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced this evening during a ceremony at the Automotive Hall of Fame. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization, the awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry.

A jury of 29 automotive journalists from throughout North America selected the winners from 40 Concept Vehicles and 12 Production Preview Vehicles that made a North American debut during the 2008 Auto Show season.

Breaking new ground, Hyundai made its debut at the awards program to take the honor of 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year with its Genesis Coupe Concept. According to juror Arv Voss, "The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a stunning rear-wheel drive performance coupe with a pleasingly slippery shape."

The Concept Car category was contested by a total of 21 nominees. Responding to the "boomer" generation's growing demand for luxury coupe designs, Cadillac's CTS Coupe Concept is the winner of the 2008 Concept Car of the Year award.

"The unique roofline and aggressive stance make the CTS coupe stand out from the crowd and the rest of the Cadillac lineup," said jury member Kevin Kelly.

The Truck & SUV category continues to showcase the evolving definition of personal-use trucks. Marking the brand's first trip to the podium, Land Rover's LRX Concept takes the 2008 award for Concept Truck of the Year. According to juror Thom Cannell, "Land Rover's LRX proves lust can have a practical side."

Bringing GM's Advanced Powertrain Studio its fourth win in this category, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was named the 2008 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year.

Emphasizing this concept's focus on a "green" future, jury member Jim Jackson said, "The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept not only faces the future with forward design, but addresses the need for cleaner fuel alternatives for tomorrow's generation of drivers."

From amongst these four category winners, the Cadillac CTS Coupe was top-scoring vehicle by a wide margin, earning the top spot as "Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2008."