Thirty-six outstanding vehicle interiors representing 13 manufacturers will compete for top honors in the 9th annual “Ward’s Interior of the Year” awards. Sponsored by Ward’s AutoWorld magazine, the prestigious competition is part of annual Auto Interiors Show scheduled for June 4-5 at Detroit’s Cobo Center.

With automotive interiors taking a leading role in brand differentiation and in winning over the hearts and minds of consumers, the Interior of the Year awards continues to grow in popularity and prestige among the automakers. Many manufacturers showcase their awards in vehicle brochures and in national advertising.

This year’s roster of nominees includes the following categories and vehicles:

Economy-Priced Cars (Under $16,999)
Ford Focus
Chevy Aveo
Scion xD
Suzuki SX4 Sport

Popular-Priced Cars ($17,000 - $29,999)
Chevy Malibu
Mazda 5
Hyundai Sonata
Nissan Altima Coupe
Toyota Corolla
Saturn Astra
Honda Accord

Premium-Priced Cars (over $30,000)
Volvo C30
Cadillac CTS
Acura TSX
Mercedes C300
Audi A5
Jaguar XF

Sports Cars (over $30,000)
Subaru WRX STI
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR
Audi TT Coupe
BMW 135i
Pontiac G8

Popular-Priced Trucks (under $34,999)
Nissan Murano
Saturn Vue
Ford Escape
Subaru Forester
Dodge Jouney
Scion xB
Toyota Highlander

Premium-Priced Trucks (over $35,000)
Infiniti EX35
Buick Enclave
VW Touareg
Subaru Tribeca
Lexus LX570
Chrysler Town & Country
Mazda CX-9

Changes this year include creation of a new category — Sports Cars over $30,000 — because of the growing number of these vehicles being offered by automakers. Likewise, the CUV category has been consolidated into the overall Trucks category along with pickups, SUVs and minivans, reflecting the decrease in the number of new models in these categories.

“In the years since we’ve been holding this competition, we’ve seen marked improvements in the overall design and quality of all automotive interiors, even in the economy segment. With great new features, materials and styling in all segments across the board, consumers now have a fairly level playing field in vehicle interiors, whether they select imports, new domestics or vehicles from U.S. automakers,” said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of Ward’s AutoWorld magazine.

“It’s no longer acceptable to have a cheap looking interior, even in economy-priced vehicles. This is great for consumers, but it makes our job a lot more challenging.”

Over the next four weeks, members of the editorial staff of Ward’s will be living with each vehicle to evaluate its interior. A special voting procedure has been adopted by Ward’s editors to ensure the integrity, transparency and objectivity of the competition.

Ward’s editors evaluate vehicle interiors on eight specific categories. These include material selection; ergonomics; driver information; safety; overall value; comfort; fit and finish; and aesthetics and design harmony. Within each of these categories are 4-6 specific criteria the editors must rate. Winners are decided by overall points earned. To be eligible for the competition, the vehicle or its interior had to be new in 2008.

A special awards ceremony for the Ward’s Interior of the Year awards is set for June 4 at 1:15 p.m., on the show floor at Cobo Center and will be attended by news media and OEM and supplier design, sales and marketing executives. All of the nominated vehicles are expected to be on display at the show.

To register to attend the Auto Interiors Show, go to:
http://www.autointeriors.com
For media registration, send an email to:
mhedge@hedgeco.com or phone 248-789-8976.

About the Auto Interiors Show
Now in its 15th year, The Ward’s Auto Interiors Show is presented by Ward’s Automotive Group and is the industry’s only trade show and conference focused specifically on vehicle interiors. It spotlights the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design to help suppliers respond to increasing OEM demands and changing consumer preferences. It features exhibits of leading suppliers who showcase trendsetting products and materials with a view to the future of vehicle interiors. For complete information on the 15th annual Ward’s Auto Interiors Show, go to:
http://www.autointeriors.com