The Korea Automobile Journalists Association recently announced the results of the first round of evaluations for the 2024 Car of the Year, revealing that 13 vehicles from nine brands have made it to the final race.
The association conducted the first round of evaluations from the 16th to the 19th of last month, targeting new models (including facelifts) launched last year that passed the evaluations in both the first and second halves of the year. Out of these, 13 vehicles from nine brands will compete in the second round of final assessments scheduled for February 7 at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automobile Safety Research Institute in Hwaseong.
Every year, the association selects and announces the best vehicles in South Korea through a three-step evaluation process that includes preliminary examinations in the first and second halves, as well as final evaluations. The awards are categorized into eight segments: Car of the Year, Domestic Car of the Year (or Imported Car), SUV of the Year, Utility of the Year, EV of the Year, Design of the Year, Performance of the Year, and Innovation of the Year. Each of the 55 member companies represented by the association has one vote to assess the vehicles.
Examining the brands that passed the first round of evaluation for the 2024 Car of the Year, Kia, BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai each had two vehicles, while Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Genesis, and KG Mobility each had one vehicle.
The following ten vehicles passed the first round evaluation for the Car of the Year category: ▲Kia EV9, All-New Carnival ▲Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV ▲BMW 5 Series ▲Chevrolet Trax Crossover ▲Genesis GV80 Coupe ▲KG Mobility Torres EVX ▲Toyota 5th Generation Prius ▲Hyundai Ioniq 5N, The All-New Santa Fe.
In the SUV category, the following four vehicles confirmed their place in the final evaluations: ▲Kia EV9 ▲Chevrolet Trax Crossover ▲Genesis GV80 Coupe ▲Hyundai The All-New Santa Fe.
For the Utility category, two vehicles passed the first round evaluation: ▲Kia All-New Carnival ▲Toyota Alphard.
In the EV category, two vehicles will battle it out in the second round of evaluations: ▲Kia EV9 ▲Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
For the Design category, eight vehicles made it to the finals: ▲Kia EV9 ▲Land Rover New Defender 130 ▲BMW 5 Series ▲Chevrolet Trax Crossover ▲Genesis GV80 Coupe ▲Toyota 5th Generation Prius ▲Hyundai Ioniq 5N, The All-New Santa Fe.
In the Performance category, four vehicles passed the first round evaluation: ▲Kia EV9 ▲BMW i5 ▲Genesis GV80 Coupe ▲Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
The chairperson of the Car of the Year selection committee, Jeong Gi-yeon, stated, “We conduct evaluations for the Car of the Year among all new vehicles launched in the country each year to foster healthy competition among automotive brands, promote technological development, and provide consumers with accurate product information.” She added, “We plan to conduct rigorous final vehicle evaluations at high-speed circuits, steering performance courses, special durability tracks, and K-CITY, which is a nationally accredited automobile research and comprehensive institution.”
Following the second round evaluations on February 7, the association plans to hold the 2024 Car of the Year awards ceremony on the evening of February 20 at the 2nd floor convention hall of Banpo Sebit Island.
Additionally, on the same day, the association will hold its 2024 regular general meeting at the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automobile Safety Research Institute, where they will report on the business performance and settlement for 2023, major business reports for 2024, and conduct voting for the approval of new member applications.
The Korea Automobile Journalists Association consists of 55 leading media outlets, including major daily newspapers, broadcasting, communication agencies, online platforms, and automotive specialized magazines. Approximately 200 reporters affiliated with member companies actively participate in activities.
The association was established in 2010 to contribute to the development of the automotive industry, encourage the establishment of a correct automotive culture, enhance the quality of automotive journalists, and promote communication among members. The Korea Automobile Journalists Association announces the best automobiles in South Korea every year.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr