The Chevrolet Volt was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from all over the world, beating finalists including the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the Nissan LEAF, which went on to take the World Car of the Year title.

Due to the complexity of some of the technologies being judged, three green experts were appointed by the World Car Awards Steering Committee and were unanimous in choosing the Volt as a top three finalist. 

They commented 'The Chevrolet Volt is the first mass-produced series hybrid/extended range electric vehicle. GM developed it from a concept in a remarkably short period of time and brought it to market on schedule and largely meeting its original performance targets.'

'The selection of the Volt as the World Green Car is a further proof point of the fuel efficient technologies that are now being offered by the Chevrolet brand around the world,' said Rick Schiedt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. 'This award, and the others that have preceded it, validate the efforts of the development team to build a truly remarkable vehicle with the potential to transform transportation around the globe.'