Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Names Chrysler Crossfire “Best New Design” for 2004

The Chrysler Crossfire was declared the winner of the “Best New Design” award for 2004 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The award was announced today during the opening ceremonies for the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.
Jim Kenzie, President of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards explained that, “The design award is the result of a collective decision by the members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). The intent of the design award is to identify and reward the vehicle that we collectively judge to exhibit the most aesthetically pleasing combination of appearance and function.
The Best New Design award is part of AJAC’s Canadian Car of the Year awards program beginning in late October when about 50 AJAC automotive journalists from across Canada take part in a four-day back-to-back evaluation process at Shannonville Motorsports Park, near Belleville, Ontario.
Affectionately known as “TestFest”, the journalists form test teams to compare every vehicle in a class, back-to-back, on the same surfaces, under the same conditions, on the same day to ensure valid, objective comparisons. The testing program includes driving on a test track as well as using “real world” public roads where consumers drive.
Ballots are then tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG, which keeps the results confidential until the award press conference.
Vote results, as well as the comparative performance data produced during the annual Test Fest, are available on AJAC’s web site at www.AJAC.ca.