1.13.2008 - 09:16am ET

(CSRwire) DETROIT,MI - January 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the fluctuation of gas prices and growing concern for global warming, the International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) recently polled automakers about the strides they were making in addressing environmental issues and global warming.

Based on a review of their answers by the ICOTY Awards jury, a group of respected automotive journalists from a variety of automotive publications, General Motors was awarded the inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award as the most environmentally-friendly automaker.

U.S. Senator Carl Levin presented the award to Elizabeth A. Lowery, Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy for General Motors Corporation at the 12th Annual ICOTY Awards dinner in Detroit on January 12. Road & Travel Magazine Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith, both judges on the ICOTY jury, co-presented the award, which was sponsored by Bridgestone.

"GM is continually working to improve its environmental footprint around the world," said Lowery. "We are proud to have the International Car of the Year jury recognize our efforts and we are extremely honored to be the first recipient of this new EARTH ANGEL Award."

Eight major automakers including BMW, Daimler on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota participated in the competition. Factors considered were present and future environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current hybrid electric, diesel and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and the automaker's position and mission on global warming.

"Automakers are too often criticized for environmental insensitivity when the reality is that they're making enormous strides on a global level to help improve the earth's environment," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY producer and creator. "Our goal is to shed light on these many positive accomplishments, especially those not known to the general public or media, thereby inviting a more balanced distribution of recognition and responsibility."

Throughout the past year, General Motors has worked to reduce its energy and water consumption at manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company has also succeeded in cutting its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent in the last five years. Additionally, GM has led the way in solar power energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations facility in Fontana, Calif.

Recognized for its multiple environmental partnership programs, GM will continue their efforts in 2008 by launching Project Driveway, the largest test fleet of fuel cell vehicles to hit the worldwide market. Project Driveway will offer drivers in multiple cities across America the opportunity to become more familiar with earth-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Equinox.

Opening remarks at the ICOTY event were made by Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan, the "Dean of the House of Representatives," and Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

RTM recognized veteran automotive journalist Thos L. Bryant, editor-in-chief of Road & Track, with its 5th annual Lifetime Achievement Award, which was sponsored by Chrysler LLC. RTM also presented and sponsored the annual HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2007, which was presented to Dodge Caravan's "Rooms." To review EARTH ANGEL responses from participating automakers visit EARTH ANGEL Award.

About ICOTY
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of RTM. Coined the "Academy Awards of Cars," ICOTY has become the largest auto awards show production in the United States. Its unique theme was created to celebrate the emotional connection between car and consumer and recognize the automakers that most successfully accomplish that goal through the design and marketing of their vehicles. Today, many automakers use the 'emotional connection' theme in their marketing and advertising campaigns.

About RTM
Road & Travel Magazine was founded in 1989 by Courtney Caldwell as the pioneering publication to target the women's automotive market. In print for 12 years, RTM shifted to an online magazine in 2000 and today is the largest online magazine to target the women's automotive and travel markets. RTM targets female consumers between 25-54, a body of consumers who purchase more than 50 percent of all new vehicles and influence 85 percent of all other sales.

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