And the winner is... World Car of the Year unveiled

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The Volkswagen Polo is the World Car of the Year, coming top in the prestigious international prize handed out Thursday at the New York International Auto Show.

The Volkswagen Polo beat stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Toyota Prius to take the prize, which honors a production model sold on at least two continents during 2009.

It is the second time that Volkswagen has taken the gong in as many years - the Volkswagen Golf won last year.

We're honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. "After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo."

The World Car of the Year is awarded by a panel of 59 automotive journalists from 25 countries and considered the most prestigious prize in the automotive world.

Website: http://www.wcoty.com/