The Korean Automobile Journalists Association announced on the 7th that the Mercedes-Benz All-New CLE Coupe has been selected as the Car of the Month for March 2024.
The Car of the Year Selection Committee evaluates new models and significant facelifts released during the month from the 1st to the end of the previous month to announce the Car of the Month.
The evaluation criteria consist of five categories: ▲ Interior and exterior design and emotional quality ▲ Safety and convenience features ▲ Power performance ▲ Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions ▲ Marketability and purchase intent.
Among the new cars showcased last month, the Mercedes-Benz All-New CLE Coupe and the Ford All-New Mustang (listed in alphabetical order) were nominated as contenders for the Car of the Month, with the Mercedes-Benz All-New CLE Coupe winning after a competitive evaluation, earning a score of 31.3 points out of a possible 50.
The Mercedes-Benz All-New CLE Coupe received 7.7 points (out of 10) for both interior and exterior design and emotional quality, as well as safety and convenience features, while scoring 6 points in the power performance category.
Jeong Gi-yeon, the chair of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, stated, “The Mercedes-Benz All-New CLE Coupe is a two-door model that combines the concepts and technological innovations of the existing C-Class and E-Class, featuring elegant and dynamic design, spirited driving capabilities, and state-of-the-art digital equipment.”
The Korean Automobile Journalists Association has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month since 2019, and last month, the Mercedes-Benz The New E-Class received this honor.
The association announces its Car of the Month selections on its website (www.kaja.org). Vehicles selected as Car of the Month receive a special privilege of a free pass to the Final Assessment Round, bypassing the preliminary evaluations for both the first and second halves of the Car of the Year award.
Meanwhile, the Korean Automobile Journalists Association includes 58 member media outlets such as major daily newspapers, broadcasting stations, news agencies, online platforms, and automotive magazines, with over 200 journalists affiliated with them.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr