(autoinsidernews) - The all-new Ford S-MAX has been awarded the prestigious title of Car of the Year 2007″ by a panel of 58 automotive journalists from 22 European countries. The Ford S-MAX was declared the winner following a closely fought competition in which 41 contenders for the award were reduced to a shortlist of just eight the CitroГ"n C4 Picasso, Fiat Grande Punto, Ford S-MAX, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30, reports Trend.
We are absolutely delighted that this all-new model in the Ford range has secured the ultimate accolade as Car of the Year, especially against such worthy competitors and in a year that has seen a record number of eligible contenders, said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. Since we launched S-MAX earlier this year, we have been amazed at the reaction to the car, both from the opinion forming media as well as our customers.
This award confirms what we dared to believe that Ford S-MAX is different, and creates a new vehicle segment in which elements of a sports car and a multi-activity vehicle combine together to deliver a dynamic and stylish family vehicle that you really want to own, he added.
Hopefully, Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally's plan to merge the automaker's regional divisions and brands into a single global operation will bring some of the superior European Fords, including the S-MAX, to the States.