(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — The Kia Optima and the Ford C-Max Hybrid won Road & Travel Magazine 17th Annual International Car and Truck of the Year Awards (ICOTY), it was announced today.

"Receiving this prestigious award will help carry the Optima's momentum forward into 2013 and further cement its position at the top of its class," said Michael Sprague, VP of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.

About the C-Max, C.J. O'Donnell, group marketing manager for electrification at Ford, said: "Our customers are excited to have a fresh hybrid option that gives them the fuel efficiency they want, without sacrificing the fun-to-drive capability that they desire."

Additionally, the 2013 Dodge Dart earned the 5th annual Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year Award. "We are honored to accept this award that recognizes the Dodge Dart's environmental friendliness and fuel economy of up to 41 miles per gallon," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO – Dodge Brand.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 was named Earth, Wind & Power Truck of the Year. "Mazda's unconventional approach to building cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles by way of SKYACTIV Technology continues to change previously set-in-stone opinions about the internal combustion engine," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North America.