Land Rover LRX, Saab 9-X BioHybrid named concept cars of the year

The major auto shows are a flurry of action during the media preview days. Sometimes, there are just 30 minutes between unveilings and all of the cool concept cars hit the media scene pretty much at once. The South East Automotive Media Organization has taken a leisurely look back at the concepts that were on display this past show season and decided that the Land Rover LRX (pictured) and the Saab 9-X BioHybrid were two ABG faves that deserve to be named at the seventh annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards, announced last night. The LRX earned the Concept Truck of the Year prize and the Saab was crowned the 2008 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year. Other winners include the Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept (2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year) and the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept (2008 Concept Car of the Year).

See more pictures of the winners after the jump.

[Source: South East Automotive Media Organization]


PRESS RELEASE:

South East Automotive Media Organization Announces 2008 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award Winners

DETROIT, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The seventh annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced this evening during a ceremony at the Automotive Hall of Fame. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization, the awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry.

A jury of 29 automotive journalists from throughout North America selected the winners from 40 Concept Vehicles and 12 Production Preview Vehicles that made a North American debut during the 2008 Auto Show season.

Breaking new ground, Hyundai made its debut at the awards program to take the honor of 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year with its Genesis Coupe Concept. According to juror Arv Voss, "The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a stunning rear-wheel drive performance coupe with a pleasingly slippery shape."

The Concept Car category was contested by a total of 21 nominees. Responding to the "boomer" generation's growing demand for luxury coupe designs, Cadillac's CTS Coupe Concept is the winner of the 2008 Concept Car of the Year award.

"The unique roofline and aggressive stance make the CTS coupe stand out from the crowd and the rest of the Cadillac lineup," said jury member Kevin Kelly.

The Truck & SUV category continues to showcase the evolving definition of personal-use trucks. Marking the brand's first trip to the podium, Land Rover's LRX Concept takes the 2008 award for Concept Truck of the Year. According to juror Thom Cannell, "Land Rover's LRX proves lust can have a practical side."

Bringing GM's Advanced Powertrain Studio its fourth win in this category, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was named the 2008 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year.

Emphasizing this concept's focus on a "green" future, jury member Jim Jackson said, "The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept not only faces the future with forward design, but addresses the need for cleaner fuel alternatives for tomorrow's generation of drivers."

From amongst these four category winners, the Cadillac CTS Coupe was top-scoring vehicle by a wide margin, earning the top spot as "Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2008."

Additional information regarding the nominees, jury and award winners can be found at http://www.northamericanconceptawards.org/ on the web.