2009 LA Auto Show: Diesel Trumps Hybrid in Annual Green Car Contest
By John O'Dell December 3, 2009
In what Audi and its parent, Volkswagen AG, hope will provide a much-needed pubic image boost for their favorite fuel efficiency technology, the Audi 3 TDI hatchback was named 2010 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show this morning.
It marked the second consecutive win for a diesel as the VW Jetta TDI won the title last year.
The diesel-burner triumphed over a trio of hybrid nominees - the redesigned Toyota Prius, the Mercury Milan hybrid and the Honda Insight - as well as the diesel Volkswagen Golf TDI. All are 2010 models.
A panel of automotive journalists selected the Audi for the combination of its fuel efficiency, low emissions, and sporty driving characteristics.
Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, told Green Car Advisor that the award will help the company spread is message that diesels are "a fuel efficient and cost effective alternative to hybrids."
In addition to the A3 TDI, Audi sells a large diesel SUV, the Q7 TDI, and de Nysschen said that the automaker expects in coming years "to fill in the white spaces" with diesel versions of many of its other models.
Audi also is developing electric powertrains and used the Los Angeles Auto Show to stage the North American unveiling of the E-Tron electric sports car concept (below) that debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany earlier this year.
The annual Green Car of the Year award is given by Green Car Journal magazine.
John O'Dell, Senior Editor
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