Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt win at NY auto show

The Nissan Leaf won the 2011 World Car of the Year, besting the Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series.

“It’s a great honor,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America. “The Nissan Leaf truly is a game changer.”

The Nissan Leaf has been appreciated throughout the world for its zero emission and excellent performance. The car was noted by the Jurors of the award for its zero emissions and its generally carlike performance. The award was the latest sign of the ascendancy of fuel-efficient models over high-performance models at this year’s show in New York.

General Motors Co.’s extended range Chevrolet Volt won World Green Car at the New York International Auto Show today, defeating BMW 320d and the Nissan Leaf.

The World Car Design award went to the Aston Martin Rapide, defeating the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The Ferrari 458 Italia was named