It seems like ever since launching its range of EV models, the Hyundai Motor Group – composed of Hyundai Motor, Kia and also Genesis – has been winning major awards non-stop over the past few years.
Now, another title can be added to their collection – 2024 World Car of the Year – which has been won by the Kia EV9. The SUV also was also chosen for the World Electric Vehicle award. This double win brings the total number of awards won by Kia to five in the World Car Awards’ 20-year history.
The Kia SUV beat 37 other contenders for this year’s title, and scored the higher numbers of votes from a jury of 100 automotive journalists from 29 countries. Vehicles eligible for World Car of the Year must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year; must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets; and must be ‘on sale’ in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents at some time within the period January 1, 2023 and March 30, 2024.
“We are hugely honoured that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. 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,” said Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia.
The winners of the other categories are:
WORLD LUXURY CAR – BMW 5-Series/i5
Other finalists: Mercedes-Benz E-Class and EQE SUV
WORLD PERFORMANCE CAR –
Other finalists: BMW M2 and BMW XM
WORLD URBAN CAR – Volvo EX30
Other finalists: BYD Dolphin and Lexus LBX
WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR – Toyota Prius
Other finalists: Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue
WORLD CAR PERSON OF THE YEAR – Adrian Newey (Red Bull Racing)
Kia EV9 is overall winner of 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards