A jury comprised of fifty-nine international automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world chose this year’s World Car of the Year, which was announced at a news conference during the New York International Auto Show.

“It is a tremendous honour for Volkswagen to have its global best selling model, the Golf, named the 2009 World Car of the Year,” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

The Golf, a perennial favourite in the Volkswagen line-up, has sold more than 26 million units in 120 countries, making it one of the top selling vehicles of all-time. The sixth generation Golf first debuted at the Paris Motor show last September, and made its Australian debut at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show.

The Golf has been designed to be quieter, sportier, more fuel efficient and present a clean, distinctive appearance.

The Golf is a phenomenon, regardless of its particular generation. This style icon defies all automotive and social class distinctions and has come to represent the benchmark in its segment.