DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to gas price fluctuations
and growing concern for global warming, the International Car of the Year
Awards (ICOTY) recently polled automakers about the strides they were
making on environmental initiatives and global warming.

    Based on a review of their answers by the ICOTY Award's jury, General
Motors Corporation was awarded the inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award as the most
environmentally-friendly automaker.

    On January 12, 2008, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, ICOTY Founder and
Producer Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith
presented the award to General Motors at the 12th Annual ICOTY Awards in
Detroit.

    "Automakers are too often criticized for environmental insensitivity
when the reality is that they're making enormous strides on a global level
to improve the earth's environment," said Caldwell. "Our goal is to shed
light on these many positive accomplishments, especially those not known to
the general public or media."

    In 2007, General Motors reduced energy and water consumption at
manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company also succeeded in cutting
its CO2 emissions by more than 16 percent since 2002. Additionally, GM led
the way in solar energy, unveiling the largest corporate-based solar power
warehouse in September at its Service and Parts Operations facility in
Fontana, Calif.

    All automakers were invited to enter the inaugural competition by
answering a six-part questionnaire related to environmental initiatives.
Respondents included BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, GM, Honda,
Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota.

    Factors considered in the judging process included present and future
environmental initiatives sponsored or supported by the automaker; current
hybrid electric, diesel and flex-fuel vehicles available to the public; and
the automaker's position and mission on global warming. Sponsored by
Bridgestone, the EARTH ANGEL Award was just one of the many highlights at
the 12th annual ICOTY Awards. To review the responses from all
participating automakers visit EARTH ANGEL Award.

    About the ICOTY AWARDS:

    Launched in 1996, the ICOTY Awards unique theme honors automakers in 10
categories for products in the new model year based on the emotional
connection between car and consumer. Courtney Caldwell, creator of the
ICOTY Awards, is ICOTY's executive producer and primary host. She is also
founder and editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine, the first
publication for women's automotive issues.

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