The 2007 Ward's "Interior of the Year" awards are done and over with models from General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Honda sweeping the top honors.

Thirty-four vehicles from 11 manufacturers all competed to bag the prestigious "Interior of the Year" award in the annual competition sponsored by Ward's AutoWorld magazine. The awards program is part of the annual Ward's Auto Interiors Show this week at Detroit's Cobo Center.

Winners were selected in two ways: one, the editorial staff of Ward's conducted a two-month review and analysis of the 34 nominated vehicles and selected the winners based on eight evaluation categories such as comfort, safety and design harmony. And two, members of the auto industry at-large were encouraged to participate in a popular vote online at http://www.autointeriors.com/ to see how they would evaluate the nominees vis-à-vis the Ward's judges. More than 1,400 popular votes were cast.

So who were this year's winners?

Award Category: Economy-Priced Car

Ward's Editors' Choice: Honda Fit
Industry At-Large Vote: Dodge Caliber

Award Category: Popular-Priced Car

Ward's Editors' Choice: Saturn Aura
Industry At-Large Vote: Saturn Aura

Award Category: Premium-Priced Car

Ward's Editors' Choice: Volvo S80
Industry At-Large Vote: Lincoln MKZ

Award Category: Popular-Priced CUV

Ward's Editors' Choice: Honda CRV
Industry At-Large Vote: Saturn Outlook

Award Category: Premium-Priced CUV

Ward's Editors' Choice: Cadillac SRX
Industry At-Large Vote: Cadillac SRX

Award Category: Popular-Priced Truck

Ward's Editors' Choice: Chevy Silverado
Industry At-Large Vote: Chevy Silverado

Award Category: Premium-Priced Truck

Ward's Editors' Choice: Lincoln Navigator
Industry At-Large Vote: Cadillac Escalade

In addition to the vehicle awards recognizing overall interiors, Ward's editors also had Special Achievement Awards which included Best Brand Expression, Best Interior Trim, Best Overall Comfort and even Best Cup Holder.

Winner of the Best Brand Expression award is the Jeep Wrangler; for Best Interior Trim is the Infiniti G35; Best Cup Holder goes to the Chrysler Sebring; and Best Overall Comfort is awarded to the Lexus LS 460L.

The awards mark how consumers are placing huge importance of interiors when purchasing a vehicle. Because of the high value being placed by customers on automotive interiors (and not just engine parts like GM oxygen sensor for example), automakers are now more than ever placing an increased emphasis on their vehicles' interiors. In fact, according to CSM Worldwide, OEM spending on interior materials alone is projected to reach $10 billion by 2009.

A recent J.D. Power study also revealed that interior comfort is the second most important factor in choosing a vehicle, ranking ahead of exterior styling and just behind reliability and durability. This is the reason why automakers are all are too willing and jostle amongst themselves to win recognition such as Ward's Interior of the Year award.

Winning awards such as one from Ward's is being used by automakers to their full advantage. In fact last year, many of the winning manufacturers showcased their awards in new vehicle brochures and in national advertising to help attract consumers to their dealer showrooms.

Because of the growing attention being paid to their Interior of the Year Awards, Ward's decided to make three fundamental changes this year. First, Ward's editors developed a quantitative selection process that evaluated vehicle interiors based on eight criteria to ensure the integrity, transparency and objectivity of the competition. Vehicle interiors were scored on each of the eight criteria which included material selection; ergonomics; driver information; safety; overall value; comfort; fit and finish; and aesthetics and design harmony.

The new category (second) -- Economy-Priced Cars under $17,000, was added in consideration to the rising fuel prices which urged consumers to shift to more economical vehicles.

Third, Ward's instituted a process for recognizing outstanding features and design choices instituted in new vehicles or vehicle interiors. These awards are designated "Special Achievements" and focus on areas deemed worthy of honor by a consensus of the Ward's judges.

About the Auto Interiors Show
Now in its 14th year, The Auto Interiors Show is presented by Ward's Automotive Group and is the industry's leading trade show and conference for vehicle interiors. Focusing on the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design to help suppliers respond to increasing OEM demands and changing consumer preferences, the Show features exhibits of leading suppliers who showcase trend setting products and materials with a view to the future of vehicle interiors. For complete information on the annual Ward's Auto Interiors Show, go to: http://www.autointeriors.com/.