Released: November 18, 2011

LA Auto Show’s ‘Best of Show’ and ‘Worst of Show’

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Los Angeles, CA – In the tradition of dog shows, today the California Clean Cars Campaign and the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy surveyed the field of vehicles at the 2011 LA Auto Show to select the “Best of Show” and “Worst of Show.” After a “ruff” round of judging and only a few light nips, the winners and losers have been chosen – based on the innovative use of technology, vehicle emissions, and fuel efficiency.

“Our ‘Best of Show’ vehicle winners are great examples of where the automotive industry needs to go if it wants to meet consumer needs,” said Ken McEldowney, Co-Chair of the California Clean Cars Campaign and Executive Director of Consumer Action. “Consumers today are devoting a record high portion of their income to pay for gasoline. They want and need cleaner cars that insulate them from rising costs at the pump.”

The Blue Ribbon winners and Runners Up incorporate innovative drivetrain technologies that enable these cars to meet California’s Clean Car Standards. These standards are reducing pollution from passenger vehicles, spurring vehicle technology innovation and driving the creation of needed alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure.

These Best of Show vehicles and technologies are available today or are expected to be on the market in the next two years. “In the Doghouse” vehicles represent a missed opportunity for automotive innovation through poor engineering design decisions.

Best of Show

“Best of Show” (Blue Ribbon & Runners Up) and “In the Doghouse” recipients include:

Working (Truck): The “working” dog breed is powerfully built and performs a variety of tasks as does a pick-up truck.
Blue Ribbon: Ford F-150 with EcoBoostTM
Runner Up: Toyota Tacoma
Doghouse: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Sporting (Sports Car): The “sporting” dog breed is known for its high energy and sleekness, just like a sports car.
Blue Ribbon: Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe
Runner Up: Mazda3 SKYACTIV
Doghouse: Chevy Camaro ZL1

Non-Sporting (Midsize Car): The “non-sporting” dog is sturdy and has different personalities and appearances and is often bred for companionship, similar to the variety and dependability we find in midsize cars.
Blue Ribbon: Chevy Malibu Eco
Runner Up: Toyota Prius Plug-in
Doghouse: Cadillac CTS-V

Herding (SUV or Minivan): The “herding” dog breed moves livestock from one place to another, just as SUVs, crossovers and minivans are known for moving families and goods.
Blue Ribbon: Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
Runner Up: Toyota Prius V
Doghouse: Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Terrier (Compact or Subcompact Car): The “terrier” breed is feisty and energetic, known for its more compact size, determination and spirited attitude.
Blue Ribbon: Hyundai Elantra
Runner Up: BMW i3
Doghouse: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

“I care about clean air and public health, first and foremost, and understand all too well the extent to which Californians rely on cars,” says Jane Warner, fellow Campaign Co-Chair, and President and CEO of American Lung Association in California. “Having more of these Blue Ribbon cars on the road could lead to fewer asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and even premature deaths in California.”

“It’s appropriate that we honor these clean cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show because they mean a healthier environment and more job creation for our city and state,” said Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel, Campaign Co-Chair. “

“California technology development companies need regulatory certainty and strong, market-driving policies that help us compete,” said Bruce Klafter, Campaign Co-Chair and Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Applied Materials. “California’s clean cars program is driving innovation, investment and jobs in an extraordinarily competitive global economy.”

“The small and mainstream business community sees tremendous opportunity in forward-thinking policies like California’s clean car standards because they will lead to more vehicle choices and a reduced dependence on oil,” said Susan Frank, Director of the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy, a strong supporter of the California Clean Cars Campaign. Frank went on to say: "It was disappointing that no hybrid pickup trucks were displayed at the show. For an Auto Show billed as ‘green’ this was surprising."

About the California Clean Cars Campaign

The California Clean Cars Campaign is comprised of public health leaders, consumer groups, businesses, local governments, elected officials, organized labor, faith groups, environmental organizations, and other diverse constituencies that support the strongest possible standards for California’s groundbreaking Clean Cars Program. Bringing the next generation of advanced, clean cars into the driveways of California families will help to reduce our dependence on oil, save consumers money, reduce air pollution, and support new jobs and investment in the state’s clean energy economy. Visit the Campaign at www.calcleancars.org.

For a list of the Clean Cars Campaign Advisory Committee visit http://www.calcleancars.org/docs/Co-Chairs_AdvComm.pdf.

For a complete list of supporters of the California Clean Cars Campaign visit http://www.calcleancars.org/supporters.html.

About the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy

The California Business Alliance for a Green Economy is a network of 1,200 businesses and business associations around the state who believe that a healthy and prosperous future for California depends on a clean, green and efficient economy. Visit the Alliance at www.ca-greenbusinessalliance.com.

Note: Judging decisions included both subjective and empirical assessments. Technical data and analysis provided by Jim Kliesch, Union of Concerned Scientists and Roland Hwang and Simon Mui, Natural Resources Defense Council.

For a description of why each vehicle was chosen please visit http://www.calcleancars.org/docs/BOS-TechnicalJustification.pdf.