AA Crossover, Performance & Journalism Awards

Media Release: 3 March 2006
Embargoed until 9.30PM

AA Announces Motoring Excellence Awards for Crossover and Performance / Sports Cars and Motoring Journalism

The winners of another round of 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards have just been announced in Auckland tonight:

BP Oil New Zealand Ltd Crossover Car Class Award
Castrol New Zealand Performance / Sports Car Class Award
Deloitte Motoring Journalism Award

Stella Stocks, General Manager of AA Technical Services, says the AA Motoring Excellence Awards aim to identify and reward excellence amongst new vehicles and in areas of concern to motorists. The Awards are being announced at a prestigious black tie dinner in Auckland tonight.

The BP Oil New Zealand Ltd Crossover Car Class Award went to Ford SY Territory 4 litre.

Ms Stocks said entrants in this category were variations on the four-wheel-drive theme, but the Ford SY Territory 4 litre stood out for the second year in a row.

“The judges said this car was not only best in class, but the truest to its designer's intentions. The Ford SY Territory 4 litre provides the perfect vehicle for the go-anywhere family. Its ride on-road was better than that of many of the conventional cars, and its stability and turning ability in slippery or low-grip situations as superior to anything in its class.”

The Castrol New Zealand Performance / Sports Car Class Award went to the Porsche Cayman S.

Ms Stocks said this category included everything from classic replicas to hot hatches and pared-down sportsters.

“The judges called the Porsche Cayman S the best example of the breed. Beautifully designed and engineered, it even comes with a reasonably-sized boot for a sports car, which makes it almost practical. It proved a delight during track testing, even in the wet. The car is staggeringly capable, non-threatening at speed, ever-entertaining and endlessly desirable. Performance motoring at its very best.”

The Deloitte Motoring Journalism Award went to Mr Dave Moore.

Ms Stocks said multiple-award winning motoring writer Dave Moore, from The Christchurch Press and Wellington’s Dominion Post, was judged by the Motor Industry Association as New Zealand’s best for the second year in a row.

“This year voting was opened to include all motoring journalists including print media, radio and television. Manufacturers then nominated the journalist whom best represented overall excellence in motoring journalism.”

Mr Moore was also one of the seven judges who joined the AA for this year’s car awards programme.

The AA will announce the remaining three 2006 Motoring Excellence Awards, and the AA Supreme Award for Motoring Excellence, later this evening.

ends

© Scoop Media