Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 2011 Chevrolet Volt beat back competition from Asian rivals including Nissan and Hyundai to win the Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles auto show on Thursday.
The General Motors-built car pipped the prize from a top five which also included the Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and the Nissan LEAF.
The award to the US carmaker will provide a morale-boosting shot in the arm for the ailing US car industry, still struggling to recover from the near-meltdown amid the 2008 global financial crisis.
"I'm very humbled to stand up here with this car," said GM vice-president Joel Ewanick, receiving the Green Car Journal-judged prize at the LA car show, which opens to the public on Friday.
Paying tribute to his engineers, he added: "They wanted to make a great car, but they also felt that they were doing something for the environment, for the world, to give us energy security going forward."
The Volt can drive for up to 40 miles (65 km) on one charge, but also has a gasoline engine to recharge the battery, extending its range from just commuter driving.
The judging panel which chose the car included US talk show host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno.
US President Barack Obama drove a Volt in July when he toured the Detroit region to tout his economic policies and the revitalized auto industry.
His visit came little over a year after GM and Chrysler emerged from a bankruptcy process designed by Washington, and which supporters say has made the firms leaner and meaner.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments