NEW YORK - The Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was declared the 2012 World Green Car of the Year at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was chosen from an initial entry list of 23 new vehicles from all over the world. In 2007, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec technology was also named a World Green Car winner.

To be eligible for the 2012 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new, or substantially revised, in production, and introduced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning Jan. 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

Three green experts were appointed by the World Car Awards Steering Committee to extensively review all documentation and specs associated with each vehicle candidate. They were asked to create a short-list of finalists for review by the 64 jurors in their second round of voting in February. Their ballots were then tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG, according to the World Car Awards.

According to the experts, “This is the first 4-cylinder S-Class in the 60-year history of the legendary model. Powered by a 204 hp diesel turbo producing 500Nm, this S-Class develops ample power from the world’s cleanest diesel, while the incorporation of a start-stop system means that this car produces an outstanding 149g/km of CO2.”

The World Car Awards is a program initiated by, organized by, and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world. For more information, visit www.wcoty.com.