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Domestic and Foreign Brands Share Top Awards in Ward"s 9th Annual "Interior of the Year" Competition

DETROIT, June 4, 2008 – For the first time in several years,foreign nameplates outshined domestic competitors for top honors in the2008 Ward’s “Interior of the Year” Awards. And unlikeprevious years, no brand won more than a single award.

Chosen by the editors of Ward’s Automotive Group, the prestigiousawards were presented today to executives of the automakers at a specialprogram held on the floor of the Ward’s Auto Interiors Show atDetroit’s Cobo Center.

In all, 36 vehicles from 13 manufacturers were in contention to win an“Interior of the Year” award. The editorial staff ofWard’s conducted a two-month review of the 36 nominated vehicles andselected the winners based on eight evaluation categories includingmaterial selection; ergonomics; driver information; safety; overall value;comfort; fit and finish; and aesthetics and design harmony. Winners weredecided by overall points earned. To be eligible for the competition, thevehicle or its interior had to be new in 2008.

And the “Interior of the Year” winners are….

Car Category

Ward’s editors voted the Suzuki SX4 Sport the best interior inEconomy-Priced Cars (-$16,999). The editors praised the SX4 dashboard as a clean, simplealternative to button-happy center stacks. The attractive faux metallictrim surrounding the audio and climate controls as well as theleather-wrapped steering wheel sealed the deal. They concluded the SX4proves an inexpensive automobile doesn’t have to be a cheap one.

The remodeled Chevy Malibu, winner of the Popular-Priced Cars ($17,000 -$29,999) category, won kudos for its dramatically different, modern andappealing interior. The editors said the harmonious design creates anupscale aura that demonstrates the successful execution of a singulardesign strategy by a team with a united vision. The editors’ generalconsensus was that the Malibu is a great value.

“The Jaguar XF interior has redefined luxury, creating a fantasythat sells the automobile like few other vehicles tested this year,” saysDrew Winter, Ward’s AutoWorld editor-in-chief, describing the winnerof the Premium-Priced Car segment (+$30,000). “The XF’sinterior exudes luxury and personality as if it were creating it byphotosynthesis. Push the pulsating start button and it literally comesalive. The air vent doors open in unison, and the unique circular gearshiftdial emerges from a recess in the center console. It gets your blood movingand makes you feel special from the moment you sit down.”

The editors selected the Audi TT as winner of a new category thisyear—Sports Cars (+$30,000). The TT garnered praise from theWard’s staff for its soft, high-quality materials and preciseswitchgear, as well as its contemporary design. Editors were impressed withthe car’s premium feel, sporty seats and an IP with white-on-blackgauges and brushed-metallic accents.

Truck Category

Ward’s editors were effusive with praise for the affordable6-passenger Mazda5 CUV, winner of the Popular-Priced Truck category(-$34,999). The Mazda5, particularly its interior, could very well redefinetrucks for a new generation of consumers. It offers all the convenience ofa car, truck and minivan, combined, the editors said. One staffer calledit, “one of the most functional vehicles ever.” With a lively,fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine and room for six, the editors said theMazda5 is the kind of vehicle many Americans will crave as gas prices soar.

Despite some very tough competition, the Chrysler Town & Country wasnamed winner of the Premium-Priced Trucks category (+$35,000). The editorscited a feature-laden interior with elegant discreet ambient lighting,richly upholstered seats and Chrysler’s exclusive MyGIG infotainmentsystem as reasons it outscored formidable nominees. Furthermore, theeditors were impressed with Swivel ‘n Go seating that allowssecond-row passengers to face rearward safely and comfortably, anadvancement the editors say “portends true sociopoliticaladvancement.”

Special Achievement Awards

In addition to the vehicle awards recognizing overall interiors, Ward"seditors also singled out four models for special recognition in fourcategories. Winner of the Best Brand Expression award is the Volvo C30; forElectronic Innovation it’s the Infiniti EX35; Best Redesign goes tothe Hyundai Sonata; and Clever Utility is awarded to the Dodge Journey.

The vehicle awards are summarized in this table:

Award Category Winner

Awards Highlight Importance of Interiors to Vehicle Sales

With automotive interiors taking a leading role in brand differentiationand in winning over the hearts and minds of consumers, the Interior of theYear awards continues to grow in popularity and prestige among theautomakers.

A J.D. Power & Associates study showed interior comfort is the secondmost important factor in choosing a vehicle, ranking ahead of exteriorstyling and just behind reliability and durability. Many automakersshowcase their Interior of the Year awards in vehicle brochures andnational advertising.“In the years since we’ve been holding this competition,we’ve seen marked improvements in the overall design and quality ofall automotive interiors, even in the economy segment,” Winter says.

“It’s no longer acceptable to have a cheap looking interior,even in economy-priced vehicles. This is great for consumers, but it makesour job a lot more challenging.”

Changes this year included creation of a new category – SportsCars over $30,000 – because of a bumper crop of these vehicles thismodel year. Likewise, CUVs were consolidated this year into the overallTruck category along with pickups, SUVs and minivans.

About the Auto Interiors Show: Now in its 15th year, The Auto InteriorsShow is presented by Ward’s Automotive Group and is theindustry’s leading trade show and conference for vehicle interiors. It spotlights the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design tohelp suppliers respond to increasing OEM demands and changing consumerpreferences. It features exhibits of leading suppliers who showcasetrendsetting products and materials with a view to the future of vehicleinteriors. For complete information on the annual Ward’s AutoInteriors Show, go to: www.autointeriors.com