For the first time, consumers will have the opportunity to vote on their choice for Internet Car of the Year and Internet Truck of the Year. It all happens at www.internetcarandtruckoftheyear.com, where the Internet pros and the average Joes pick the car and truck of the year.
A panel of 12 Internet automotive writers has voted on seven semifinalists for Internet Car of the Year and seven semifinalists for Internet Truck of the Year.
This is the only place on the Internet ( where 91% of new car shoppers begin their shopping process ) for consumers to vote on a Car and Truck of the Year at a Web site not dominated by manufacturer advertising. The Web site will not accept any OEM advertising for vehicles eligible for a Car or Truck of the Year award.
Consumers will have until Oct. 16 at noon to register their selections for Internet Car and Truck of the Year. Then, starting Oct. 19 at noon they will select among three vehicles in each category that have been selected as finalists. Voting ends Nov. 13. The awards will be presented during a major auto show in December.
The semifinalists for Car of the Year are:
Chevy Camaro SS
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus SHO
Kia Forte Sedan
Mazda Mazda3
Nissan CUBE
Shelby GT 500
The semifinalists for Truck of the Year are:
Audi Q5
Audi Q7 TDI
Chevy Equinox
Ford Raptor
Ford Transit Connect
Mercedes GLK
Volvo XC60
The Internet Car of the Year was created by Keith Griffin, the Guide to Used Cars for About.com, and the Hartford ( CT ) Auto Examiner for Examiner.com, as well as a print automotive journalist and vice president of the New England Motor Press Association. Marketing for the awards is being handled by Al Vinikour of Vinikour Communications in Trenton, Mich.