The countdown has began for the announcement of the European 'Car of the Year 2009' winner as the organizers released the shortlist with the seven finalists. The cars that made it to the final round of the 2009 COTY are: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroen C5, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Megane, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Golf VI. The COTY jury, which is made up of 59 senior motoring journalists from 23 countries around Europe will reveal the winner on November 19.

The COTY's organizing committee also released a statement in concern of recent news stories that gave the result of a 'European Car of the Year'. According to the committee, this contest was a national one staged by the Italian Motor Journalists Association and had no connection whatsoever with the 'Car of the Year'.

COTY PREVIOUS WINNERS

• 2008 -- FIAT 500
  
• 2007-- FORD S-MAX
  
• 2006 -- RENAULT CLIO
  
• 2005 -- TOYOTA PRIUS
  
• 2004 -- FIAT PANDA
  
• 2003 -- RENAULT MÉGANE
  
• 2002 -- PEUGEOT 307
  
• 2001 -- ALFA ROMEO 147
  
• 2000 -- TOYOTA YARIS
  
• 1999 -- FORD FOCUS
  
• 1998 -- ALFA ROMEO 156
  
• 1997 -- RENAULT MÉGANE SCENIC
  
• 1996 -- FIAT BRAVO / BRAVA
  
• 1995 -- FIAT PUNTO