NADAguides has officially picked its Car of the Year for 2011, and the choice may surprise you. While the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Ford Fiesta have been big media mongers this year, NADAguides shunned those stars in favor of the 2011 Buick Regal. According to GM, the newest Tri-Shield beat out 10 other would-be winners on the basis of fuel economy, price and performance, among other attributes. This isn’t the first time that the 2011 Regal has gotten a nod from NADAguides, though. The sedan also won a Car of the Month award from the organization back in September.
General Motors has been raking in the trophies this year, with the Chevrolet Volt picking up Car of the Year wins from both Automobile Magazine and Motor Trend, as well as being named Green Car of the Year today at the 2010 LA Auto Show. The good press is likely music to the company’s ears as its stock is now being publicly traded. Hit the jump for the full press blast.
[Source: General Motors]
Recognized for Performance, Styling, Fuel Efficiency, Price Point and Cost of Ownership
2010-11-17
LOS ANGELES – The 2011 Buick Regal won the Car of the Year Award from NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday.
The Buick Regal beat 10 other contenders based upon a combination of factors, including performance, styling, design, fuel economy, safety features, cost of ownership and price point.
“The Buick Regal has had a revolutionizing effect on Buick,” said Troy Snyder, director of product development for NADAguides. “The brand is definitely on the right road and it’s clear that the Regal is just the beginning of Buick great vehicles to come.”
In September, when NADAguides honored Regal with its Car of the Month Award, the publication praised the sedan’s fuel-efficient 182 HP direct-injection 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine and Four-Link Independent Rear Suspension for providing a smooth ride “fit for a king.”
NADAguides also noted Regal’s use of Bluetooth® connectivity, OnStar, USB port for MP3 devices, and voice-activated navigation as clear indications that “Buick knows all about modern advanced technology.”
“The NADAguides Car of the Year award confirms the growing momentum building around Buick,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size sport car segment. Moreover, this smart, sleek, top-safety-rated car is helping to attract new customers to the Buick brand.”
Based in part on customer demand for the new Regal, Buick’s retail sales have grown 50 percent in 2010 as of October, with 39 percent of Regal customers coming out of a non-General Motors’ make.
Regal also is a semifinalist for the 2011 North American Car of the Year awards, as voted by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The sporty sedan has award-winning DNA, being based on the Opel Insignia – recipient of 31 prestigious awards, including the 2009 European Car of the Year.
