General Motors' Voltec Propulsion System Wins AJAC's 2012 Best New Technology Award

TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - A black pyramid proclaiming "Best New Technology" of 2012 now sits proudly atop a Chevrolet Volt, within the Eco-Drive Showcase at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto.

General Motors' Voltec Propulsion System, which powers the Volt, was declared the Best New Technology of 2012 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at a press conference held at the auto show's media day on February 16.

"We are very proud to receive AJAC's 2012 Best New Technology award for the Voltec propulsion system," said Kevin Williams, president and managing director at GM of Canada. "The Voltec propulsion system is the heart of the Chevrolet Volt, which combines pure electric drive and an efficient range-extending engine to create the only electric vehicle on the market today that does not require a customer to make compromises on when and where they can travel."

This year's winner was chosen from a short-list of ten entries, judged by a panel of AJAC members with specific technical qualifications, who regularly report on automotive engineering and technical trends. The Voltec system edged out Mazda's Skyactiv G gasoline technology to win the award.

"This was the strongest field of entries ever, in the 16-year history of the award," explained AJAC's technology award chairman, Gerry Malloy. "The Voltec system is a worthy winner, for it is truly a pioneering technology that is certain to be adopted by other vehicles in the future."

The AJAC Best New Technology award, presented by Shell Canada, was established to recognize new and innovative technologies that provide real value to the consumer. Past winners have ranged from run-flat tires through various hybrid, suspension and safety technologies.

The significance of the Best New Technology award has been growing steadily over the past few years as has the degree of rigor to which entries are submitted. It is part of AJAC's annual Canadian Car of the Year awards program, which was created in 1985 with the purpose of providing consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market.

The Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year as well as the Best New Design of 2012 were also announced at the CIAS. Comparative test data derived from the journalists' extensive four day "TestFest" evaluation of 170 new vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in October, are available to consumers on the AJAC website (www.ajac.ca). Shell Canada is the official fuel supplier of the event.

Still looking to buy a 2011, 2010, 2009, or even a 2008 vehicle?  AJAC archives the comparative test data from previous years on its website, www.ajac.ca.

This press release was distributed by the CNW Group:  AJAC's official newswire service.

To arrange an interview with one of the AJAC team members during the auto show, or to learn more about the 2012 Best New Technology award or other Canadian Car of the Year Awards, please call the AJAC office at 1.705.924.3444, or send an email to [email protected].