The Chevrolet Cruze has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious World Car of the Year Award, and the Chevrolet Camaro as a finalist for the World Car Design of the Year award.

The winners will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.

The Cruze is one of 10 finalists in the World Car of the Year award, as selected by a jury of 59 international automotive journalists, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work.

The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world.

“Being a finalist for the World Car of the Year confirms the momentum behind Cruze,” says Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “More than 125,000 customers in Asia and Europe have already chosen the all-new Cruze. That strong acceptance on the world stage makes us confident that Cruze will be successful here in the US as well when it goes on sale in the third quarter of this year.”

The Chevrolet Camaro, meanwhile, is one of four finalists for the World Car Design of the Year, as selected by a jury of five design experts from around the world. The 59 World Car Awards jurors will now vote on the expert’s design recommendations.

“It’s rather humbling to be nominated for the best new design in the world,” says Tom Peters, design director GM performance cars. “The nomination is a tribute to the passion of many individuals who worked so hard to make the vision of the new Camaro come to life.”

According to Yahoo!, Camaro was the most-searched vehicle in 2009. Camaro has also received the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award, and was named an All-Star by Automobile Magazine. Since its introduction in 2009, Camaro has outsold Mustang for seven straight months.

For more information about the World Car of the Year award jurors and process, visit www.wcoty.com.