Motor Trend names GM's Chevrolet Volt 2011 Car of the Year

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Motor Trend, the world’s automotive authority on cars, trucks and SUVs, announced today the Chevrolet Volt has been named winner of the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year Award.

The award, announced live this morning via streaming video on Motortrend.com from within the GM wind tunnel in Warren, Mich., is one of the world’s most prestigious automotive accolades.

Described as a breakthrough, game-changing car of the future, the Volt is one of the most significant vehicles to be named Car of the Year in the 61-year history of the award.

“The Volt absolutely delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine,” said Angus MacKenzie, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. “It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs.”