Volt and Ampere "Car of the Year 2012"
Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera were named "Cars of the Year 2012". This prestigious award, presented by a jury of 59 automotive journalists from 23 European countries, confirms General Motors' long-term commitment to the development of innovative technologies. Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt were clear winners with 330 points. The following places were taken by: VW Up (281 points) and Ford Focus (256 points).
First ever COTY Awards, final selection of winner 
was made at the Geneva Motor Show. Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Managing Director of Opel/Vauxhall, and Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe, jointly accepted the award from Hakan Matson, Chairman of the COTY Jury.
The Ampera and Volt models jointly won the final stage of the competition, in which seven candidates competed. In total, 2012 new products of the automotive market took part in the struggle for the title of "Car of the Year 35". The selection criteria used by the jury were based on attributes such as design, comfort, performance, innovative technology and efficiency - the Ampera and Volt models in all of these categories.
“We are proud of this unique award, presented by a jury of distinguished European automotive journalists,” said Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. “We have proven that electric vehicles are fun to drive, reliable and ideal for the lifestyle of the modern user.”
“We are delighted that our revolutionary electric vehicle won against such strong competitors. We are proud of this award,” said Carl-Friedrich Stracke, Managing Director of Opel/Vauxhall. "This award encourages us to continue our pioneering work in the field of electric mobility."
The Volt and Ampera have received numerous international awards, including 
2011 World Green Car of the Year and 2011 North American Car of the Year titles. On the other hand, in Europe, the cars were distinguished by a high level of safety, which gave them, among other things, the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.
The Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt are the first extended range electric vehicles on the market. Power supply for 111 kW/150 hp electric motor. is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 16 kWh. Depending on driving style and road conditions, cars can travel between 40 and 80 kilometers in emission-free driving mode. Car wheels are always powered by electricity. In advanced drive mode, activated when the battery reaches the minimum charge level, the internal combustion engine starts and drives the generator that powers the electric drive. In this mode, the range of vehicles is increased to 500 kilometers.
