There is nothing quite like seeing a great idea come to fruition.
Such is the case, as on Friday, April 12th at the Green Living Show in Toronto, the 1st Annual Canadian Green Car Award was presented with the inaugural winner being the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
The idea for this award was initially conceived by myself and fellow green auto journalist Peter Gorrie of the Toronto Star while attending the Los Angeles Auto Show. As we both sat one morning watching a similar award being presented, we wondered aloud why the same couldn’t happen here. Well in 4-1/2 very short months, that simple conversation turned into the launch of what we hope will become one of the most prestigious automotive awards in the country.
The award, selected by a panel of expert members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, was announced on opening day of the Green Living Show in Toronto, which to us was a fitting venue.
The competition aims to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.
“We are extremely proud that the 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid has been honoured by our country’s top automotive journalists as the recipient of the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award,” said Steve Ross, Ford of Canada’s product marketing manager, sustainability and electrification. “The Fusion hybrid is an important vehicle in the Ford line-up, delivering leading fuel-economy, innovative technologies and a sleek, desirable design for eco-conscious consumers.”
Steve Ross, Ford Canada in front of the Ford Fusion Hybrid
The competition not only emphasized fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle – for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials – and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations. Equally important, it assessed market potential – factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.
“The competition has made it clear that driving a green vehicle isn’t a dull, obligation. On the contrary – they can be great fun,” said Peter Gorrie. “We’re just at the beginning of a green revolution in cars. We want this award to help everyone understand and appreciate it, and make the best possible choice for themselves and the environment.”
“Green Living is pleased to support and host the award, which fits our focus of helping consumers to make environmentally sound choices,” said Laurie Simmonds, president and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, the show’s operator. “We congratulate Ford and all the manufacturers that nominated such impressive vehicles in the competition, and look forward to many more years of jointly promoting the most innovative green cars on the market.”
L to R. Peter Gorrie, Steve Ross, Eric Novak
“AJAC believes that green technologies mean the evolution of the automobile, not its demise,” said president Charles Renny. “The fact that automobiles can adapt and thrive speaks volumes about those who love cars and are passionate about preserving our planet. The Canadian Green Car Award is the first step down the path of embracing that future.”
Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.
Going forward we have many solid ideas as to how we can continue to grow the significance, prestige and awareness of this award. Getting the 1st award presented in such a short time was a challenge, but one that was worth the effort. Now with a full year to prepare for the 2014 award, our hope is to develop it properly and to be able to give consumers looking to make a green choice with respect to their next vehicle, a solid and credible platform to help make their decisions.
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