Sportwagon Wins International Design Award
GM Holden's popular Sportwagon won two awards at the prestigious Australian International Design Awards (AIDA) last night.
Sportwagon was presented with the top automotive honour - the Wheels Automotive Design Award - and a 2009 Australian International Design Award in the Automotive and Transport category.
Sportwagon beat a long list of competitors including the British Airways New Club World sleeper seat, Hyundai i30 CW, FG Falcon G-Series and Audi A4.
The award was judged by a panel of top local and international design experts on a strict set of criteria including innovation, functionality, quality, environment and emotional appeal.
The panel complimented the Sportwagon for its innovative and fresh design.
"The family wagon stereotype in completely reconsidered with its superior packaging and finishes," said the AIDA judging panel.
"An innovative tailgate and solid rear tray offer excellent access and other improvements are subtle yet intelligent."
GM Holden Design Director, Tony Stolfo said the awards were a reflection of the creative strength and capability of the Holden Design team.
"To have the Sportwagon recognised by Australian and International top designers is a great achievement and one that everyone who worked on the car should be very proud of," Mr Stolfo said.
"Equally gratifying is the amazing public response to this vehicle.
"By putting the excitement back into practicality we have proved that clever design can challenge popular perception."
Sportwagon was launched in July 2008 offering motorists all the ride and handling benefits of a sedan in a desireable and practical body style.
With over 12,000 Sportwagons sold since launch it has made a significant contribution to the success of the VE range ensuring Commodore remained Australia's best selling passenger car in 2008 for the 13th consecutive year.
Sportwagon Omega was the first locally manufactured wagon to reveive a maximum five star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
AIDA was founded in 1958 with a mission to be one of the world's foremost design assessment and promotion bodies through which Australia may become globally competitive.
