250 officially imported cars participate in the contest for the National Annual Contest “Car of the year in Moldova 2006” which was launched on Monday, November 6 in Chisinau. For the most active participants who will vote through the inquiry included in “Auto Expert” and “Avto Bazar” magazines, 200 prizes had been prepared. In order to increase the chances to win, participants will also be able to vote on the web page of the contest www.automobilulanului.md, as well as through SMS-voting. The Grand Prix is a “Peugeot SpeedFlight 2” scooter, and 50 participants will be offered half a year subscription for “Auto Expert” magazine”. As well, the organizers will offer t-shirts, caps, but also oils, accumulators, filters, rims, winter tires and other accessories. The chairman of the Auto Press Association from Moldova, Andrei Tabuica declared on Monday at a press conference that the contest aims at determining the best car models officially sold on each market segment. The contest was divided in two parts. The winner of the title “Car of the year” will be awarded by a special jury which will include auto press journalists. The evaluation criteria will include the design, quality, behavior on the road, price-quality balance etc. Ten models which will be admitted in the finals will be tested by the members of the jury. Those 250 cars were divided in 15 classes and the best cars will be determined by the votes of the public. According to Tabuica, all the European commercial brands are present in Moldova. Last year, the Grand Prix was won by BMW 3. Two months later, the “Car of the year” international contest took place and the same model was considered to be the best. “This fact speaks about the professionalism of the car experts from Moldova”, the cited source emphasized. The contest is organized for the second time in Moldova by “Auto Expert” magazine with the support of the Auto Press Association. Until November 30, the votes of all participants will be accepted. The awarding ceremony will take place on December 15.