The nominees for the world car awards

The top three finalists for the World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year were announced at a press conference hosted by the Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The top three contenders for the World Car of the Year title, shortlisted from an initial list of 34 vehicles, are the BMW 3-series, the Porsche 911 and the Volkswagen Up. To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must be available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending  May 30, 2012.

The contenders for the World Performance Car award are the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, the McLaren MP4-12C and the Porsche 911.

The top three cars that made the cut for the World Green Car award are the Ford Focus Electric, the Mercedes-Benz 250 CDI BlueEfficiency and the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid. And the nominees for the World Car Design of the Year are the Citroen DS5, the Range Rover Evoque and the Volkswagen Up.

The finalists are selected by a panel comprised of 66 top-level automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world, appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence.

The overall winners in all categories will be declared at the New York International Auto Show on April 5, 2012.