WATCH LIVE - 2013 Car Of The Year in Geneva Today at 9AM EST +VIDEO

Watch the ceremony live right here on The Auto Channel

GENEVA - March 4, 2013: One of the world's most prestigious automobile awards will be bestowed today at 9AM east coast time, 6AM west coast, during the first Press Day of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The award was initiated in 1964 by several European magazines. Today the organization consists of seven magazines, including Italy (Auto), France (L'Automobile), Spain (Autopista), Great Britain (Autocar), Holland (Autovisie), Sweden (Vi Bilägare) and Germany (Stern). The Car of the Year jury is made up of 58 journalists from 22 European countries. As the only European prize in the segment Car of the Year is awarded by recognized automotive journalists exclusively.

The eight prestigious candidates for the award "Car of the Year 2013” are Ford B-Max, Hyundai i30, Mercedes A-Class, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86, Volkswagen Golf, Volvo V40. The finalists selected from a total of 32 novelties were nominated by the jury today.

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Strong compact cars, sportiness, technique and safety on a high level – this characterises the choice of this year. "The decision will be exciting this year”, says Frank Janssen, editor for automotive topics at stern and Secretary General of the international jury. "There is an upcoming trend in 2013: The return to compact models. Driving pleasure is guaranteed by sportiness and high quality standards.”