Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt named car of the year

Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt named car of the year

Sales of both the Vauxhall Ampera and the Chevrolet Volt could soon rise after the duo were awarded one of the motor industry's most-coveted honours.

Earlier this week the models were handed the Car of the Year (COTY) Award, after obtaining the highest score of 47 points from the panel's judges.

According to the panel, which was made up of 59 leading automotive journalists from some 23 European nations, the win demonstrates General Motors' "innovative foresight" with regard to electric vehicles.

Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, welcomed the news, saying: "It is a proud moment for us and an honour to receive this award from Europe’s leading jury of automotive journalists.

"Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owners' lifestyle."

These sentiments were echoed by Opel/Vauxhall chief executive officer Karl-Friedrich Stracke who said the tough field of competitors made the win all the more satisfying.

Posted by Louise Clark