The Audi A6 has claimed the ‘World Car of the Year’ award at a ceremony held during the media preview for the Canadian International Auto Show.

The purpose of the award is to recognize and reward automotive excellence on a global scale.

A jury of 48 automotive journalists from 21 countries individually reviewed, evaluated, and voted on the 36 vehicles, by secret ballot, in two separate rounds of voting.

To be eligible for consideration for the World Car of the Year award, a vehicle must have been available for purchase in at least five countries on at least two continents, prior to January 1, 2005.

For their final selection, they rated those finalists on five key areas of importance to potential customers: merit, value, safety and environmental responsibility, significance, and ‘wow’ factor.

The Audi A6 edged out the Volvo S40/V50 and Porsche 911 for the overall award.