2008 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, Toyota Prius doesn't get a mention

No other auto show is better suited to hosting a green car award than the premier automotive event in the world’s biggest market for eco-friendly cars, the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2008 Green Car of the Year the nominees have been narrowed down to a field of just five finalists and the winner will be announced on the 15th of next month with car nut Jay Leno presiding as one of the judges.

This year’s finalists include the Chevrolet Malibu and Tahoe hybrids, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Saturn Aura Hybrid. Surprisingly, three of the finalists come from one company, GM, and the segment-leading Toyota Prius didn’t make the cut.

Is something afoul?
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Shredmo - 11/1/2007 11:14:48 AM

0 Boost

The Prius was left off because it is not a new model. If it were in the mix, it would win. The 2nd best green vehicle is the Civic, it isn't here either. I'd round it out with the Escape as #3, as it was ground breaking, though I hardly see the point of a 2wd Hybrid SUV. It is like drinking crappy non-alcoholic beer.

EnnNorak - 11/2/2007 10:27:07 AM

+3 Boost

The Prius does not deserve to be mentioned because you can't buy it with leather seats. I like the general shape but the only way I would ever consider buying one is if it were a little bigger with an all-aluminum body and available with a 2.5 litre diesel instead of a hybrid. Also, the CVT must be replaced by a conventional 6- or 7-speed automatic. Some of the things I want done to the Prius cost a bit more but the elimination of the expensive and heavy battery pack and electric motors would mostly offset that extra cost. I'm waiting for Mercedes to start selling the Vision C220 Bluetech in North America -- that will be my contribution to making the planet greener.

enthusiastx11 - 11/1/2007 12:35:37 PM

0 Boost

from the green car of the year site....

"In the Green Car of the Year® program, nominees must stand out as exemplary models that forward environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways. Market significance and "newness" are factors."

prius was big step forward when it went mainstream, but it's not new and hasn't moved forward recently. if they come out with lithium batteries, i'm sure it would be back in the running.

carfan33 - 11/2/2007 12:04:24 AM

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enhanced version of toyota's? what does toyota have to do with it? GM developed this two mode originally for their bus fleet and worked with dcx and bmw to refine it......nothing to do with toyota.

oh wait...that's right...toyota invented fire, the wheel, and started the industrial revolution too....lol...come on man!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/1/2007 5:45:18 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, the Prius isn't new for 2008 so it couldn't be included.

None of those five hybrids even get good mileage. They're all "mild" systems. That doesn't deserve an award. The Camry Hybrid, though new for only '07, still deserves to be on here for its superior mileage.

E320 Bluetec, too... but I'm sure the BMW X5 3.0d, Audi Q7 3.0TDI, Audi A4 3.0TDI and BMW 530d will all be on here next year.

Lexus - 11/1/2007 7:06:05 PM

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S4, well at least I know there are German fanboy who's NOT alway bias toward Toyota and Lexus.

You got my respect bro

Lexus

pitang - 11/1/2007 10:23:28 PM

+1 Boost

The Prius is a very popular hybrid that sells alot and leads in it's category. Some of these newly introduced hybrids need a chance to prove themselves to the consumer and the companies that are building them.It will be great to see more hybrid version cars and trucks on the road.

CLK63BlackSeries - 11/2/2007 1:45:02 AM

0 Boost

hahaha, I get 8 mpg in the city!!! Green is too boring for me guys! =]

2007Tahoe - 11/2/2007 2:06:09 AM

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My Blazer gets 8, but that's because it's broken. (Boy does that thing piss me off)