Kia EV9 named World Car of the Year at New York Auto Show

Industry

Published: 28 Mar. 2024, 17:10

Kia EV9 named World Car of the Year at New York Auto Show

From left, Kia Executive Vice President Karim Habib, Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke Luc Donckerwolke, Kia North America CEO Yoon Seung-kyu, Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon, Hyundai Motor Global Chief Operating Officer Jose Munoz, Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center Head Lee Sang-yup, Hyundai Motor Vice President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Till Wartenberg and World Car Awards Chair Siddharth Vinayak Patankar pose for a photo with their trophies at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq 5 sedan and Kia’s EV9 took three of the six World Car Awards at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday. Kia's EV9 took home the World Car of the Year prize, beating the BMW i5 and Volvo EX30.

World Car of the Year, created in 2004, is considered one of the three most prestigious automobile titles alongside the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards — also known as the Nactoy — and European Car of the Year. Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 was last year’s winner.

The EV9 was also named World Electric Vehicle of the Year while Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was designated World Performance Car.

“We are hugely honored that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle,” said Kia CEO Song Ho-sung in a statement. “This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence. The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world.”

Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon believes the award to be a testament to “Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric performance and innovation.”

This year’s victory underscores Hyundai’s growing global influence in the EV market. The brand’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 each grabbed three titles in 2022 and 2023 in the categories of World Car, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design.

The Kia EV6 was named World Performance Car in 2023, and the Kia Telluride won World Car of the Year in 2020. Kia's Soul EV was also crowned World Urban Car that year.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]