Big news for Kia enthusiasts and electric vehicle (EV) fans! The Kia EV9 has emerged as a double champion at the prestigious 2024 World Car Awards, securing both the coveted World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year titles. This impressive feat not only cements Kia’s position as a frontrunner in the EV race but also adds a touch of excitement for Indian car buyers, as the EV9 is slated for launch in the country later this year.
Double Win for Kia’s Flagship EV
The Kia EV9, unveiled globally in March 2023, has been turning heads with its futuristic design, spacious interior, and impressive performance. This recognition by the World Car Awards jury, comprised of 100 distinguished automotive journalists from 29 countries, further validates the EV9’s exceptional qualities. The jury commended the EV9 for its innovative aesthetics, practicality with its seven-seater configuration, and competitive price tag, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of car buyers.
This double win marks a significant milestone for Kia, bringing their total tally at the World Car Awards to a remarkable five titles. Previously, Kia secured the World Car of the Year award in 2020 with the Telluride, the World Urban Car of the Year award in the same year with the Soul EV, and most recently, the EV6 GT bagged the World Performance Car of the Year award in 2023.
A Night of Automotive Excellence
The 2024 World Car Awards saw other notable winners across various categories:
- World Luxury Car of the Year: The new BMW i5/5 Series edged out the Mercedes E-Class and EQE SUV to claim this prestigious title.
- World Performance Car of the Year: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerged victorious, beating out the powerful BMW M2 and XM.
- World Urban Car of the Year: The Volvo EX30, a compact electric car designed for city driving, impressed the jury to win this category.
- World Car Design of the Year: The all-new Toyota Prius, with its sleek and futuristic design, stole the show and bagged this coveted award.
World Car Awards: A Seal of Quality
The World Car Awards hold immense weight in the automotive industry, offering car buyers a reliable benchmark for judging new models. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most deserving vehicles receive these prestigious honors. To be eligible for the World Car of the Year title, vehicles must meet specific criteria. These include:
- Production Volume: The car must be produced in significant quantities, with a minimum annual production of 10,000 units.
- Price Point: The vehicle must be priced competitively, falling below the luxury car segment in its primary markets.
- Global Availability: The car must be available for purchase in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, and the USA) on two separate continents within a specific timeframe.
The 2024 World Car Awards night was a celebration of automotive innovation and excellence. Kia’s double win with the EV9 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating electric vehicles that cater to the evolving needs of modern drivers. With its impending arrival in India, the Kia EV9 is sure to generate a lot of buzz and excitement amongst car enthusiasts seeking a spacious, stylish, and powerful electric SUV.
