T he 2018 World Car Awards winners' press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation, and Autoneum will kick-start the Show's Press Days on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The breakfast begins at 7:15, while welcoming remarks and the World Car Awards program officially gets underway at 7:45. 

Winners of the 2018 World Car of the Year, World Urban Car, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car, and the World Car Design of the Year will all be declared at this time. This year marks the 12th year of World Car's partnership with the New York Show, and the fifth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained the ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. Below are the finalists in each of the six award categories. 

 
The Top Three in the World finalists are:
 
2018 World Car of the Year:
- Mazda CX-5
- Range Rover Velar
- Volvo XC60
 
2018 World Urban Car:  
- Ford Fiesta
- Suzuki Swift
- Volkswagen Polo
 
2018 World Luxury Car:
- Audi A8
- Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche Panamera
 
2018 World Performance Car:
-BMW M5
- Honda Civic Type R
- Lexus LC 500
 
2018 World Green Car:
- BMW 530e iPerformance
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Nissan LEAF
 
2018 World Car Design of the Year:
- Lexus LC 500
- Range Rover Velar
- Volvo XC60

The Top Three in the World finalists in the six award categories were chosen by a jury of 82 distinguished international automotive journalists from 24 countries. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Awards' Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. 
   
The Global Trends Report, co-presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, will also be announced during the New York show press conference and media breakfast. The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said, "Trends such as electromobility or autonomous driving shape the automobile future and offer great opportunities for Autoneum. As global market and technology leader in acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is developing and manufacturing innovative products and technologies for the mobility of tomorrow. For example, our multifunctional, lightweight components are particularly suited for use in electric vehicles, as they help to reduce the vehicle's weight which is significantly increased by the battery. Thanks to our innovation leadership and advanced production processes, Autoneum is well-prepared for the automobile future."

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of Bridgestone's partnership with World Car.  Miho Nagumo, Manager of Event Marketing, Bridgestone Corporation commented; "Bridgestone continues its  journey of innovation to contribute to sustainable mobility through its innovative technologies, solutions, and corporate activities. Driving innovation is the vision Bridgestone shares with World Car, as we celebrate the best of today and inspire the best of tomorrow."
 
As electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity and A.I. continue to enhance the industry, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Bridgestone, Autoneum, KPMG and Newspress - our official media partner.