Judges for 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards

Judges Announced for 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards

The judging panel for the 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards have been announced with some familiar faces returning to the fold and some new blood added to the mix of motoring expertise.

81 vehicles have been nominated as part of this years awards, and they will be put to the test by a panel of expert judges to determine the various category winners.

Returning as judges for the AA Motoring Excellence Awards this year are leading motoring journalists Brian Cowan, Jacqui Madelin, David Linklater, Rob Maetzig, as well as Rally Driver Emma Gilmour, and TV Presenter Mark Leishman.

Dave Moore, the winner of the Motoring Journalism Award from the 2005 AA Motoring Excellence Awards, will also be joining the ranks and adding his expertise to the judging panel this year. Dave Moore is currently the Motoring Editor for the Christchurch Press and Wellington’s Dominion Post.

“I’m delighted we have such a medley of automotive skills and knowledge amongst the judging panel,” says Stella Stocks, AA’s General Manager of Technical Services.

Judging of the nominated vehicles will take place in Taupo the week commencing February 6.

Ms Stocks says that judging criteria will take into account a range of factors.

“We will evaluate specific aspects of each vehicle within its category, and compare it to similar such vehicles. Judgement will be based on ‘real world’ factors such as intended overall purpose and the customer base for that specific car,” she says.

A special media briefing day will also be held in Taupo on the 9th of February during the track testing section of the judging.

The 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Award Categories are: Environment, Safety, Motoring Journalism, Luxury Vehicle, Executive Vehicle, Medium / Large Car, Crossover Vehicle, Performance Car, Medium 4 Cylinder Car, Compact Car, Small Car, and Customer Satisfaction.

Award winners will be announced at a prestigious black tie dinner at the Auckland Sky City Convention Centre on Friday March 3rd. Partners for the 2006 AA Motoring Excellence Awards include Vodafone, GE Money, Vero, The National Bank and Castrol.

© Scoop Media