The Korea Automobile Journalists Association has selected the Kia EV9 as the Car of the Month for July 2023.
This monthly award is determined by the Car of the Year Selection Committee of the Association, which evaluates new cars and partially upgraded models that were released from the 1st to the end of the previous month.
The evaluation consists of five criteria: ▲Interior/exterior design and emotional quality ▲Safety and convenience specifications ▲Driving performance ▲Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions ▲Marketability and purchase intention.
Among the new cars revealed last month, the Kia EV9, Lexus The All-New Electric RZ, Lexus New Generation RX, and Toyota Crown (in alphabetical order) were nominated for Car of the Month, with the EV9 ultimately winning the title after a fierce competition, scoring 33.7 out of 50 points.
The EV9 received 7.7 points (out of 10) in safety and convenience, as well as energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. It scored 6.7 points in the categories of interior/exterior design and emotional quality and driving performance.
Jung Ji-yeon, Chairman of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, stated, “The EV9 is the second model from Kia based on the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP, and it is a flagship electrified sports utility vehicle (SUV) that will completely change the concept and method of mobility.” She continued, “With a 99.8kWh large-capacity battery and various efficiency maximization technologies, the EV9 boasts a maximum driving range of 501 km on a single charge under domestic standards and is equipped with new technologies such as wireless (OTA) software updates to easily maintain the vehicle’s various functions in the latest condition.”
The Korea Automobile Journalists Association has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month since 2019, with last month’s honor going to the New Peugeot 408.
The Association announces the Car of the Month results through its official website. Vehicles selected as Car of the Month gain a special privilege of bypassing the first-round evaluation for the Car of the Year assessments held in both the first and second halves of the year.
Meanwhile, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association has 55 member media outlets, including prominent daily newspapers, broadcasting companies, and automotive magazines, and over 200 journalists affiliated with these outlets are active members.
Established in August 2010, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association aims to contribute to the development of the automotive industry, promote the establishment of a proper automotive culture, enhance the qualifications of automotive journalists, and promote mutual exchange among members.
The Association selects and announces the ‘Car of the Year (COTY)’ annually, discussing current automotive issues through various events like symposiums, seminars, and tech tours to seek alternatives.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr