DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to gas price fluctuations and growing concern for global warming, the International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) recently polled automakers about the strides they were making on environmental initiatives and global warming.
Based on a review of their answers by the ICOTY Award's jury, General Motors Corporation was awarded the inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award as the most environmentally-friendly automaker.
On January 12, 2008, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, ICOTY Founder and Producer Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith presented the award to General Motors at the 12th Annual ICOTY Awards in Detroit.
"Automakers are too often criticized for environmental insensitivity when the reality is that they're making enormous strides on a global level to improve the earth's environment," said Caldwell. "Our goal is to shed light on these many positive accomplishments, especially those not known to the general public or media."
In 2007, General Motors reduced energy and water consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company also succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent since 2002. Additionally, GM led the way in solar energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations facility in Fontana, Calif.
All automakers were invited to enter the inaugural competition by answering a six-part questionnaire related to environmental initiatives. Respondents included BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota.
Factors considered in the judging process included present and future environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid electric, diesel and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and the automaker's position and mission on global warming. Sponsored by Bridgestone, the EARTH ANGEL Award was just one of the many highlights at the 12th annual ICOTY Awards. To review the responses from all participating automakers visit EARTH ANGEL Award.
About the ICOTY AWARDS:
Launched in 1996, the ICOTY Awards unique theme honors automakers in 10 categories for products in the new model year based on the emotional connection between car and consumer. Courtney Caldwell, creator of the ICOTY Awards, is ICOTY's executive producer and primary host. She is also founder and editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine, the first publication for women's automotive issues.