The Korean Automobile Journalists Association announced that it held the ‘2023 Auto Awards’ ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s Nuri Ballroom on the 19th, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made remarkable achievements in the automotive industry and public relations over the past year.
The 2023 Auto Awards consisted of four awards in two categories: ▲ Innovation Award in the Industry Sector ▲ Contribution Award in the Industry Sector ▲ Public Relations Award (In-house) ▲ Public Relations Award (Agency). The final winners were selected through voting by the association’s executive members, board, and advisory committee after receiving nominations from all member companies.
The Innovation Award in the Industry Sector for 2023 was awarded to Lee Yoon-mo, CEO of Volvo Cars Korea, while the Contribution Award was given to Kang Nam-hoon, Chairman of the Korean Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA). In the Public Relations category, Kim Do-hak, Executive Director at Hyundai Motor and Kia, and Han Seung-jo, Head of Kokomo Portonovel, each received the respective honors.
Lee Yoon-mo, who received the Innovation Award, was praised for achieving innovation across sales, product quality, and services based on a human-centered brand philosophy. Notably, the infotainment service developed in collaboration with T-map Mobility, with an investment of 30 billion won, is considered a successful symbol of the evolution towards smart mobility. Through significant investments in services, Volvo has topped consumer satisfaction surveys for four consecutive years as the leading European brand, driving a new shift in the domestic import car market.
Kang Nam-hoon, who received the Contribution Award, made significant contributions since his appointment in October 2022, leading the designation of ‘Future Cars’ as a national advanced strategic technology and actively pushing for the passage of the ‘Future Car Special Act,’ which has laid the foundation for revitalizing domestic investments and building an ecosystem in the automotive industry. He has been recognized for his active engagement with government and National Assembly officials to listen to industry feedback and promote successful transitions to future cars.
Kim Do-hak, who won the Public Relations Award, enhanced journalists’ understanding of corporate strategies and products through professional and passionate communication at various media events including crash safety briefings, brand heritage events, and the groundbreaking ceremony for an electric vehicle-only factory. He has been credited with effectively communicating the various activities and corporate vision of Hyundai and Kia, which are leading innovations in the mobility industry.
Han Seung-jo, who also received a Public Relations Award, has managed public relations for major automotive brands including Volvo, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault Samsung Motors, and currently Mercedes-Benz since 2007. He successfully managed brand reputation by quickly understanding the industry and forming smooth relationships with automotive journalists, particularly contributing to enhancing the brand’s stature by strategically communicating Mercedes-Benz Korea’s business strategies focused on luxury, electrification, and sustainability this year.
Choi Dae-yeol, President of the Korean Automobile Journalists Association, stated, “The Automobile Person Award, established in 2019, is given to celebrate the contributions of over 200 journalists from 55 media outlets who have illuminated the automotive industry over the past year and to encourage continued efforts for the development of the industry in the new year.” He added, “I am pleased that there is an opportunity for exchange among journalists affiliated with the association, automobile companies, and institutional representatives this year, and I offer my congratulations once again to those who received honors.”
Meanwhile, the ‘2023 Auto Awards’ ceremony held on the evening of the 19th at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s Nuri Ballroom was attended by over 200 people, including automotive industry officials, representatives from relevant organizations, executive members of the journalist association, and journalists, and was successfully conducted.
The Korean Automobile Journalists Association comprises 55 media outlets, including prominent daily newspapers, broadcasters, news agencies, online platforms, and automotive specialty publications, with over 200 journalists actively participating. Established in August 2010, the association aims to promote media in support of the automotive industry’s development, foster a proper automotive culture, enhance the qualifications of automotive journalists, and facilitate exchanges among members.
In addition, the association selects and announces the ‘Car of the Year (COTY)’ annually to determine South Korea’s best vehicle and hosts various events such as symposiums and seminars that discuss and seek alternatives for automotive-related issues, tech tours, and nights for automotive professionals.
Jin Sang-eun daedusj@autodiary.kr