World Car Awards: Amidst the gleaming showcases of automotive innovation at the New York Motor Show, the spotlight has fallen squarely on the Kia EV9 in the 2024 World Car Awards. Not only did the EV9 claim the prestigious title of World Car of the Year, but it also secured the title of World Electric Vehicle of the Year, further solidifying its status as an emblem of electric mobility.
Having made its global debut in March 2023, the Kia EV9 has rapidly garnered attention for its design and forward-thinking features. Set to grace Indian roads later this year, the EV9 has already captured hearts and minds worldwide, earning recognition as the 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year.
The journey to this dual triumph was rigorous, with the EV9 vying against a formidable lineup of contenders from across the globe. Emerging victorious from an initial roster of 38 vehicles, the EV9 faced off against the BYD Seal and the Volvo EX30 in the final showdown. Ultimately, it was the EV9’s design, spacious seven-seat interior, and competitive pricing that earned it the coveted titles.
This momentous achievement marks Kia’s fourth and fifth victories at the esteemed World Car Awards, adding to its illustrious track record. Previous triumphs include the World Car of the Year award for the Telluride in 2020 and the World Urban Car of the Year award for the Soul EV in the same year. The Kia EV6 GT also claimed the title of World Performance Car of the Year in 2023, further underscoring Kia’s commitment to excellence across diverse automotive segments.
In addition to the EV9’s triumph, other notable winners at the World Car Awards include the BMW i5 / 5-Series, crowned as the World Luxury Car of the Year, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which secured the Performance Car of the Year award. The Volvo EX30 was honoured as the World Urban Car of the Year, while the new Toyota Prius received recognition as the World Car Design of the Year.
The selection process for the World Car of the Year title is a rigorous one, overseen by a distinguished jury comprising 100 automotive journalists from 29 countries. Eligible vehicles must meet stringent criteria, including production volumes of at least 10,000 units per year, pricing below the luxury-car threshold in primary markets, and availability in multiple major markets across different continents.
