The Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) has named the loveable little Mitsubishi "i" its 2007 Car of the Year. The quirky and compelling "i" kei car has been quite a sensation, with its unique appearance and rear-midship engine layout, garnering plenty of attention in Japan from journalists and the general public. Mitsubishi, obviously aware of the hit it has on its hands, has kept interest in the "i" at high levels through clever marketing stunts like the one-off Hello Kitty edition and by giving it a prominent role in the company's research on future electric vehicle technology.
The RJC Car of the Year award is not the first accolade the "i" has won this year. Last month, it was awarded the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization's Good Design Grand Prize -- a first for a kei car.
(Press release after the jump)
[Source: Mitsubishi]
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