The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2012 World Car Awards winners’ press conference co-hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 5, 2012.

The 2012 World Car of the Year and the 2012 World Performance Car will be declared at this time along with World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car.

A jury of sixty-six (66) international automotive journalists selected the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world.

The Finalists are;

World Car Design of the Year

• Citroen DS5
• Range Rover Evoque
• Volkswagen Up!

World Performance Car

• Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
• McLaren MP4-12C
• Porsche 911

World Green Car

• Ford Focus Electric
• Mercedes-Benz 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
• Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4

World Car of the Year

• BMW 3 Series
• Porsche 911
• Volkswagen Up!