Hyundai Ioniq 5 scoops world titles
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been crowned the 2022 World Car of the Year after collecting a hat-trick of gongs when the World Car Awards winners were announced at the New York International Auto Show.
The model, pictured, also scooped the World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year titles following judging by a jury of 102 international automotive journalists from 33 countries.
Other winners announced on April 14 (NZ time) were Mercedes-Benz EQS taking out the luxury car category, the Audi E-Tron GT collected the performance car prize and the Toyota Yaris Cross was named World Urban Car.
To be eligible for the World Car of the Year honour, vehicles had to produce at least 10,000 units per year, be priced below the luxury level in their primary markets, and on sale in at least two major markets on at least two continents between the start of 2021 and the end of March 2022.
An initial list of 28 models were in contention for the top prize before the judges whittled them down to a shortlist of three under a secret ballot, with the Ioniq 5 pitted up against the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.
Jaehoon Chang, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor Company, says the trio of awards handed out on April 14 (NZ time) recognise the talent and hard work of its staff and business partners.
“Ioniq 5 represents a pivotal achievement for us as we pioneer a new generation of smart mobility solutions with its innovative E-GMP platform technologies, exceptional performance, and disruptive approach to design and space,” he adds.
Hyundai had extra reason to celebrate this year after Luc Doncerwolke, its executive vice-president for design and chief creative officer, was named the 2022 World Car Person of the Year at the end of February.
2022 World Car Awards winners
World Car of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5
World Electric Vehicle of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5
World Luxury Car – Mercedes-Benz EQS
World Performance Car – Audi E-Tron GT
World Urban Car – Toyota Yaris Cross
World Car Design of the Year – Hyundai Ioniq 5
