The fifth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced this afternoon during a ceremony at the Auto Interiors Show. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO), the awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. Winners include the Aston Martin Rapide Concept, Volvo C30 Concept, the Chevy Camaro Concept, Dodge Rampage Concept, and Ford Reflex Concept.

A jury of more than two dozen professional automotive journalists from throughout North America selected the winners from 25 Concept Vehicles and 12 Production Preview Vehicles that made a North American debut during the 2006 Auto Show season. The Concept Award jury panel is assembled by peer selection, and the jurors do not pay or get paid to participate.

The Production Preview category is for those vehicles based on a model that has already been announced or planned for production. Underscoring the importance of concept vehicles as “reality check” between the design and production stages of development, the Production Preview category has grown steadily over the past few years. In a first for the North American Concept Awards, the Aston Martin Rapide and the Volvo C30 will share the honor of 2006 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year Award.

“The Rapide shows that there is still room for the new four-door luxo- coupe market to grow, not just in volume, but also in style,” said juror Dan Carney. Referring to Volvo’s interpretation of the classic two-plus-two configuration, juror Marc Stengel says, “If small is beautiful, the C30 is truly gorgeous.” The Concept Car category continues to be one of the most competitive segments in the program. For 2006, 12 strong nominees sought the top honor in this category. Emphasizing the resurgence of “Muscle Car” popularity, the 2006 Concept Car of the Year award goes to the Chevrolet Camaro. According to jury member Bob Kroupa, “GM’s Design Group ‘rings the bell’ with their 21st Century Camaro. The retro styling cues from the original Camaro makes this concept car a real winner destined for production.”

The Truck & SUV category for 2006 showcased many added convenience options, extending the versatility of these multi-purpose players. Expanding the design vocabulary for pickups with features such as Stow-N-Go seating and a dual-level cargo-bed, the winner of the 2006 Concept Truck of the Year award is the Dodge Rampage.

“Dodge’s Rampage simply blows away preconceptions of what a pickup should be, must be, and establishes a benchmark for every future light duty pickup,” said juror Thom Cannell.

The Specialty Concept category recognizes those vehicles outside the mainstream purpose or definition of a car or truck, as well as those vehicles where the technology, not the package, is the key story. Combining an innovative powertrain with can’t-miss sport coupe styling, the Ford Reflex was chosen as the 2006 Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year.

Commenting on this concept’s wide appeal, jury member Jim Scoutten said, “The Reflex is all that the future requires — small, hybrid, and efficient. But also happens to be gorgeous. Build it and we will buy, no matter what’s under the hood.”

Of these four category winners, the Ford Reflex took top honors as the “2006 Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” with the highest score among the finalists. Representing another first for the North American Concept Vehicle Awards, the Ford Reflex was the first concept vehicle in the five-year history of the program to be unanimously chosen as a top-three pick by every member of the jury.

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