Every year numerous journals, magazines, and other auto industry publications award vehicles and their automakers for their innovation, style, and standard and optional features.

Esquire Names “Most Gorgeous Car under $20K”

The 2012 Kia Optima has been named the “Most Gorgeous Car under $20K” by Esquire magazine.  The Optima was one of only nine finalists in “The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards” after editors commended its “clean and inspiring” design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value.

“The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception, and consideration for the Kia brand,” says Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing and communication, Kia Motors America.

2012 Urban Car of the Year

An esteemed panel of independent automotive journalists has selected “The 2012 Urban Car of the Year” for Decisive magazine.  Chosen for its style, practicality, and attainability the 2012 Hyundai Veloster was chosen as the “Urban Car of the Year.”  Runners-up of this award were the Chevrolet Sonic and the MINI Coupe.  The Hyundai Veloster will be honored at the 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards on January 8, 2012.

Two Jeep Vehicles earn Active Lifestyle Awards

A group of automotive journalists and elite athletes from a variety of sports gathered last week to choose the Active Lifestyle Vehicle winners for 2012. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler earned the “Best Value Off-Road” award, while the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned the award in the “Luxury Off-Road” category.

“Jeep vehicles offer the perfect blend of fun, performance, and capability – and are built for any adventure – so Grand Cherokee and Wrangler were right at home in this unique competition,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We are delighted to have earned awards in both the Value and Luxury categories with the two pillars of the Jeep brand.”

Texas Auto Writers Association Awards Ford with Multiple Awards

Ford earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo this year with multiple vehicles earning awards. The 2012 Ford F-150 was named Truck of Texas – the most prestigious award. Ford also swept seven additional categories for its trucks, crossovers, and EcoBoost engine technology.  The 2012 Ford Edge was also awarded the honor of Crossover of Texas and Best Midsize CUV of Texas.

Ford’s lineup of trucks was also named Truck Line of Texas for the 12th consecutive year. “These honors show Ford trucks still reign supreme in Texas, and it is rewarding to see that the truck-savvy Texas auto writers appreciate just how innovative our F-Series pickups are,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.  “These awards validate what our customers have been telling us about our ‘Built Ford Tough’ F-150, and we are honored by their recognition of the strength of our truck lineup as well as our crossover and EcoBoost engines.”