After the International Motor Show that will be held early March, the New York Auto Show will come. You probably knew it but what you didn’t knew is that the organization planning the “World Car of the Year” awards have decided it’s top three finalists in each of the four categories. 47 automotive journalists helped for the list to be built.

So here are the “nominees”:

2008 World Car of the Year Finalists
Ford Mondeo
Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2008 World Design of the Year
Audi R8
Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
Volvo C30

2008 World Performance Car
Audi R8
Audi S5 Coupé
BMW M3

2008 World Green Car
BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics
SmartForTwo cdi
Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI

Past year’s winners included Audi A6 in 2005, BMW 3 Series in 2006 and Lexus LS460 in 2007. Place your bets people.

WCOTY