Every industry has an awards show. There’s the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Golden Globe, heck, there’s even the Teen’s Choice Awards, right? For the automotive industry, one of the most anticipated awards is the 2009 European Car of the Year award. While it’s only one category, it’s still one of the awards that’s most sought after by car manufacturers.

So why bring up the 2009 European Car of the Year award when 2008 hasn’t even finished yet? Well that’s because the candidates for the award have already been announced. And based on the list given, they all seem to have a fighting chance in getting the prize. So to stop you from biting your nails in anticipation, here are the candidates:

• Audi A4 
• Audi Q5 
• BMW X6 
• Chevrolet HHR 
• Chrysler Grand Voyager 
• Citroen Berlingo/Peuget Partner 
• Citroen C5 
• Dacia Sandero 
• Dodge Journey 
• Ford Kuga 
• Honda Accord 
• Hyundai H1/i800 
• Hyundai i10 
• Jaguar XF 
• Jeep Cherokee 
• Lancia Delta 
• Mazda6 
• Mercedes GLK 
• Mitsubishi Lancer 
• Opel/Vauxhall Agila/Suzuki Splash 
• Renault Kangoo 
• Renault Koleos 
• Seat Ibiza 
• Skoda Superb 
• Subaru Forester 
• Toyota Land Cruiser 200 
• Volkswagen Golf 
• Volkswagen Scirocco 
• Volvo XC60

The vehicles listed here so far are the ones who’ve, how do we say it, filed for their candidacy. They were able to qualify since they’re new models that can be found in five European countries (at the time of voting) and they’ve netted a sale of 5,000 units per year. However, there’s still a potential for the list to increase. The winner of the award will be announced on November 17, 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. So, better start placing your bets as to who’ll be next year’s top dog in Europe.

Source: TopSpeed