For the first time the Car Of the Year will be named at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show. One of the world's top motor shows, 2012's edition will boast 180 World and European Premiers and 260 exhibitors from March 8 – 18 on the banks of Lake Geneva. Latest technology, new models and the perennially popular concept cars will be shown off by leading manufacturers.

The Car of the Year Trophy, which has already been around for over 40 years, will be awarded on March 5 in Geneva, before the opening of the show. A jury of 59 journalists will select the best car from among models with sales of at least 5,000 in a minimum three countries.

This year the finalists are Citroen DS5, Fiat Panda, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus, Opel Ampera, Range Rover Evoque and the Vokswagen Up.

Alex Camburu, alex.camburu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: salon-auto.ch)