The Korean Automotive Journalists Association has selected the Volvo EX30 as the Car of the Month for December 2023.
The association’s Car of the Year Selection Committee evaluates new cars and partial change models released during the previous month, announcing this month’s car.
Assessments are based on five criteria: ▲ interior/exterior design and emotional quality ▲ safety and convenience features ▲ performance ▲ energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions ▲ product quality and purchase intention.
Among the new vehicles introduced last month, the Kia The New Carnival, The New K5, Lincoln All-New Nautilus, Mercedes-Benz The New GLS, and Volvo EX30 (in alphabetical order) were nominated for the December Car. After fierce competition, the Volvo EX30 emerged victorious with a score of 31.3 out of 50.
The Volvo EX30 earned 7 points (out of 10) in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, and in product quality and purchase intention, while scoring 6 points in both interior/exterior design and emotional quality, as well as safety and convenience features.
Lee Jeong-yeon, the Chair of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, stated, “The Volvo EX30 offers great value starting at 40 million won, with a maximum range of 475 km (based on European standards) on a single charge, making it an excellent SUV. It incorporates aerodynamic design reflecting Scandinavian design philosophy, ample storage space, environmentally friendly interior materials, driver monitoring alerts, and cutting-edge equipment including TMAP’s next-generation infotainment system.”
The Korean Automotive Journalists Association has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month since 2019, with last month’s honor going to the BMW New 5 Series.
The association publishes the results of the Car of the Month selection on its website (www.kaja.org). Vehicles selected as Car of the Month automatically advance to the final round of the Car of the Year selection without participating in the preliminary evaluations for the first half and second half of the year.
Meanwhile, the Korean Automotive Journalists Association comprises 55 member media outlets, including major daily newspapers, broadcasters, telecommunications companies, online media, and automotive magazines, with over 200 journalists actively participating.
The association was established in August 2010 to contribute to the development of the automotive industry, promote a proper automotive culture, enhance the professionalism of automotive journalists, and encourage mutual exchange among members.
Every year, the association selects and announces the ‘Car of the Year’ for South Korea’s best automobiles and organizes various events including symposiums, seminars, tech tours, and automotive networking evenings to discuss and seek solutions for pressing automotive issues.
Written by Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr