The Motor Press Guild of Los Angeles , the largest automotive media association in North America, has selected cars from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group as finalist for the first MPG Vehicle of the Year Award.  The finalists for the new honor, which is certain to command broad attention, include the 2012 Audi A7, 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 2012 Fiat 500, 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The Fiat 500 is sold by Chrysler across North America.and built at a Chrysler plant in Mexico.
 The five finalists for the "VOTY" were chosen by a panel of 18 MPG journalist members who drive and review new vehicles on a regular basis. All MPG journalist members will evaluate the final five vehicles and vote on the winner at the organization's annual Track Day event in mid October. The winner of the award will be announced during the LA auto show’s press days.
Eligible vehicles must be all-new or substantially changed for calendar year 2011 and available at dealerships on or before January 1, 2012. In addition, MPG members are encouraged to select vehicles that represent the unique Southern California marketplace. The winner of the 2011 Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year will be announced during the Los Angeles International Auto Show Press Days on Nov. 16-17, 2011.
 "We're proud of the top five cars nominated by our MPG jury," said Laura Burstein, Motor Press Guild President and VOTY panelist. "Not only are these finalists excellent vehicles overall, they represent a variety of segments and price points -- and they show a little So-Cal flair, too. Any of these vehicles would be worthy of the VOTY award," Burstein added. By Joseph Szczesny