NEW YORK, March 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Road to World Car journey concluded today at the New York International Auto Show with the declaration of the Audi A8 as the 2018 World Luxury Car.
2018 marks the 9th time that AUDI AG has won a World Car award in our 14 year history. The company previously won World Car of the Year in 2014 (Audi A3) and the very first World Car of the Year award in 2005 (Audi A6).
Audi has also won four World Performance Car titles: 2016 (Audi R8 Coupé), 2010 (Audi R8 V10), 2008 (Audi R8) and 2007 (Audi RS 4). The company also captured the World Car Design of the Year award in 2007 and 2008.
"This award is a special honor for us and our flagship model," Peter Mertens, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, explains. "The Audi A8 is an innovation driver for our entire industry. With its innovative touch control system, consistent broad-based electrification and the technical prerequisites for highly automated driving, the A8 sets new standards in automotive engineering."
This year's winner was chosen from an initial entry list of five prestigious cars from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced in Geneva earlier this month: the Audi A8, the Porsche Cayenne and the Porsche Panamera.
Previous World Luxury Car winners were the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2017), the BMW 7 Series (2016), the Mercedes-Benz S Coupé (2015) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2014). The award was first created in 2014 to acknowledge higher-priced premium models selling in more limited numbers worldwide.
Vehicles in all award categories are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 82 top-level automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions world-wide. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors' ballots.
The Road to the World Car began in Frankfurt on September 19, 2017 and was followed by our first-ever Tokyo Test Drive conducted at the BMW Tokyo Bay facility in October giving jurors yet another opportunity to evaluate contenders that might not be available in their home markets. Then, the fourth annual "L.A. Test Drives" took place across a six day period in November with a record number of 35 jurors participating. The "Top Three In The World" finalists were announced earlier this month at the Geneva motor show. The Road to World Car journey ended today at the New York International Auto Show with the declaration of the winners in all categories.
2018 marks the 12th year of World Car's partnership with the New York show, and the fifth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. "The New York International Auto Show is proud of the tradition it has built with the World Car Awards to recognize the 'best of the best' in the auto industry", said John LaSorsa, chairman of the New York International Auto Show. "Over the past 12 years this awards program has grown to become one of the most coveted honors for the world's automakers."
The Global Trends Report, co-presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, will also be announced during the New York show press conference and media breakfast. The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said, "Trends such as electromobility or autonomous driving shape the automobile future and offer great opportunities for Autoneum. As global market and technology leader in acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is developing and manufacturing innovative products and technologies for the mobility of tomorrow. For example, our multifunctional, lightweight components are particularly suited for use in electric vehicles, as they help to reduce the vehicle's weight which is significantly increased by the battery. Thanks to our innovation leadership and advanced production processes, Autoneum is well-prepared for the automobile future."
2018 marks the 10th anniversary of World Car's relationship with Bridgestone. "At Bridgestone, we are focused on delivering sustainable mobility through innovative tire technologies and solutions that address global trends in transportation," said Shannon Quinn, president, original equipment tire sales, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "We are proud to join the World Car of the Year organization again this year in celebrating the very best in automotive excellence."
As electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity and A.I. continue to enhance the industry, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Bridgestone, Autoneum, KPMG and Newspress – our official media partner.
THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR
BEGAN IN FRANKFURT SEPT. 12, 2017. ENDED TODAY IN NEW YORK MARCH 28, 2018.
FOLLOW OUR 80+ INTERNATIONAL JURORS : wcoty.com #wcoty
Media release distributed by NEWSPRESS – World Car's Official Media Partner
BACKGROUND
World Car Awards
Now entering their 14th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one awards program in the world for the fifth consecutive year based on Prime Research's 2017 media report. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.
The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (chair – Japan), Jens Meiners (vice-chair – Germany), Mike Rutherford (vice-chair – UK), Tim Stevens (director – USA), Siddarth Patankar (director – India) and Gerry Malloy (director – Canada and president, WCOTY Association).
New York International Auto Show
Owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the New York Auto Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.
Important 2018 Auto Show Dates
Automotive Forum: March 27
Press Preview: March 28 & 29 (credentials required)
Public Sneak Preview, Friday, March 30
Public Show Dates, Friday, March 30 – Sunday, April 8
SOURCE New York International Auto Show