Chevrolet Colorado, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Ford Police Responder Hybrid Win 2018 Green Car Awards at San Antonio Auto & Truck Show

SAN ANTONIO/PRNewswire/ -- Green Car Journal has recognized the Chevrolet Colorado as the magazine's 2018 Green Truck of the Year and the Ford Police Responder Hybrid as its 2018 Commercial Green Car of the Year at a San Antonio Auto & Truck Show press conference today. Earning recognition as the magazine's first-ever 2018 Performance Green Car of the Year was Mazda's MX-5 Miata. These prestigious awards honor environmental leadership in the automotive field by identifying the best-of-the-best 'green' models in the pickup, light commercial vehicle, and performance car fields.

"Highlighting environmental achievement by commercial vehicles, trucks, and performance cars – vehicles that have rarely been 'green' by nature – is increasingly important and we're pleased to be honoring these at the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. "For years, automakers have focused on designing and building mainstream sedans, hatchbacks, and even crossover vehicles offering greater efficiency and improved environmental performance. An expanding focus on workhorses like pickups and light commercial vehicles, and now even performance cars, means buyers in these segments also have an opportunity to drive 'green'."

Chevrolet's Colorado mid-size pickup offers nearly the same capacity, functionality, and features as this automaker's full-size pickup, but with a more compact form and shorter turning radius that makes it easier to maneuver and park in tight city environs. Along with being a workhorse, it's also civilized with its handsome design, array of advanced on-board electronics, and optional seating that accommodates up to five. Importantly, with its available Duramax Turbodiesel the Colorado delivers up to 30 highway mpg, the best in the segment.

As the first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, Ford's Police Responder Hybrid promises to bring significantly greater fuel efficiency and environmental performance to police department fleets across the nation.  Based on the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Police Responder Hybrid is expected to deliver 38 combined mpg and a few miles of 'stealth' driving on batteries. When parked, the battery pack allows the engine to shut off for brief periods while keeping the car's electronics running, saving fuel and decreasing emissions.

Mazda's extensively-redesigned, fourth-generation MX-5 Miata offers a sporty and fun driving experience in roadster and new RF retractable fastback form. This lightweight two-seat sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Sport automatic, delivering 155 horsepower and achieving up to 35 highway mpg. Long a favorite of sports car enthusiasts, the Miata has also been popular in amateur spec racing.

Along with the Colorado, 2018 Green Truck of the Year™ finalists included the Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma. Considered with the Ford Police Responder Hybrid for 2018 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ were finalists Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and RAM ProMaster City. Vying for 2018 Performance Green Car of the Year™ along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata were the Acura NSX, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Honda Civic Type R.

"This year's winners truly define what the Green Journal Awards are all about as the trend of efficiency and environmental performance continues to be enhanced in the automotive industry," said SADA president Pam Crail. "Raising awareness of this particular category of cars and trucks is paramount in assuring that the automotive industry will continue to produce great green vehicles."

To learn more about the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, visit www.saautoshow.com.