VW wins World Car of the Year title
The Volkswagen ID.4 has been crowned the 2021 World Car of the Year.
It was chosen for the honour ahead of two other finalists – the Honda e and the Toyota Yaris – by a panel of 93 journalists from 28 countries.
The announcement of the World Car Awards winners was made during a special online presentation because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is Volkswagen’s fifth car of the year title after similar success with the Golf VI in 2009, the Polo in 2010, the up! In 2012 and the Golf in 2013.
Ralf Brandstatter, chief executive of Volkswagen Cars, says the company is pleased with its latest gong that honours “a great idea and a great team”.
“The first ID. model for the key markets of Europe, China and the US carries our electric offensive around the world,” he says.
This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles before a shortlist of three finalists was announced at the end of March.
Vehicles eligible for the World Car of the Year title must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units per year, be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets, and be sold in at least two major markets, on at least two continents.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won the world luxury car category, Porsche’s 911 took out the performance section, the Honda e triumphed in the urban car class, and the Land Rover Defender scooped the design of the year crown.
Cars in all categories are scored by the jury panel on eight factors including performance, value, safety, emotional appeal and innovation.
For more details about the awards, visit worldcarawards.com.
World Car Awards winners
World Car of the Year – Volkswagen ID.4
World Luxury Car – Mercedes-Benz S-Class
World Performance Car – Porsche 911
World Urban Car – Honda e
World Car Design of the Year – Land Rover Defender
