Audi and Ford Nab Eco-Friendly Awards

On the eve of the Los Angeles auto show media preview, the Audi Q7 TDI and Ford Fusion Hybrid earned the second annual Earth, Wind & Power Awards. A panel of 19 nationally recognized automotive journalists — including Cars.com Senior Editor Joe Wiesenfelder — selected the hybrid midsize sedan and clean-diesel SUV as the 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car and Truck of the Year.

The jury seeks to honor new or substantially redesigned cars that help reduce emissions, global warming and dependence on foreign oil. "The competition was strong, including redesigned Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 450h hybrids," Wiesenfelder said, "but ultimately the jury found the 50-state-legal Audi diesel and the comfortable, refined Fusion Hybrid the most progressive entries this year."