The winner of the 2010 Green Car of the Year award will be announced Dec. 3, 2009 during the Los Angeles Auto Show’s Press Days.

Green Car Journal, the leading automotive environmental magazine, initiated this annual award in 2005 and each year it has continued to grow in significance as consumer demand for more fuel efficient and environmentally positive vehicles has increased exponentially.

“The LA Auto Show is an ideal venue for making this important announcement,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “California has historically led the nation in automotive trends and environmental innovation, with the greater Los Angeles region often at the heart of this activity. It seems natural that the most environmentally important vehicle of the year should be honored here.”

The Green Car of the Year award program is designed to recognize environmental achievement in the automotive industry. After carefully considering dozens of new vehicle models and analyzing their important environmental accomplishments, five automobile nominees will be identified in advance of the press conference.

Last year, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel was named Green Car Journal’s 2009 Green Car of the Year, with jurors noting that it significantly raised the bar in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and extremely low tailpipe emissions.

Previous years’ winners include the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the inaugural 2006 Green Car of the Year distinction was awarded to the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

GCOY Selection Process

Green Car Journal staff selects five finalists based upon research and the driving experience. All current models running on conventional and alternative fuels are eligible for consideration of the award. ‘Newness’ is a factor, as well as a vehicle’s market significance. Finalist vehicles must be readily available to consumers during the award year. Concept, prototype and fleet-only vehicles are not considered.

“Narrowing down the field has become increasingly challenging since so many environmental advancements have been made in recent years,” said Cogan. “That’s a very positive sign, signaling that auto manufacturers truly understand the changing dynamics that have found greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions and improved environmental impact increasingly important at new car showrooms.”

The winning vehicle is chosen by a select jury of highly knowledgeable experts drawn from relevant fields such as transportation technology, automotive design and environmental protection among others. Notable past jurors have included leaders of the nation’s most recognized environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, Ocean Futures Society and Natural Resources Defense Council as well as automotive icons such as Carroll Shelby and TV personality Jay Leno.

About Green Car of the Year(R)

The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal’s mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year(R) is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

For the fourth year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. The show opens for media only Dec. 2 and 3, with public days running from Dec. 4-13. Media registration opens Sept. 14.