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"We appreciate this recognition from such a prestigious group of automotive journalists," said Boniface. "The Volt is an important vehicle for GM and for the world. Whether your concern is energy security, CO2 emissions or reducing our dependence on oil, it all leads to energy diversity. GM wants to be a part of the solution, that's why we designed the Chevrolet Volt concept."

A jury consisting of professional automotive journalists selected the winners from 33 concept vehicles and 11 production preview vehicles that made a North American debut during the 2007 auto show season.

The Chevrolet Volt Concept, revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January, is GM's new electric vehicle concept. The concept car is a battery-powered electric vehicle that uses a gas engine to create additional electricity to extend its range. GM announced a fuel cell variant of the Volt concept at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show in April.

The EFIJY is Holden's wild hot rod concept, first shown in North America in January. EFIJY is a radical custom coupe shape boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden.

GM Holden Chief Designer and EFIJY project leader Richard Ferlazzo said the car existed purely for automotive entertainment.

"It is particularly gratifying for the car to be recognised in this way in the US which is historically the home of flamboyant automotive design," Ferlazzo said.

"It's nice to know that there is still a place in the concept car arena for a purely expressive design."

Other nominees from GM included the Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Groove, Chevrolet T2X, Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet WTCC, Saturn Vue Plug-In Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Photos: General Motors, Holden

(June 21, 2007)