The 2020 World Car of the Year Awards were scheduled to be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April, however the Javits Center venue in Manhattan is currently being converted into a mass intensive care unit to handle up to 3,000 COVID-19 patients.
Related: Winners of the 2019 World Car of the Year Awards
So this year’s winners were announced on the internet via YouTube, whereas the formal award ceremony will be held at the rescheduled 2020 New York Auto Show, which is expected to take place in late August.
The year 2020 saw the new Kia Telluride SUV winning the World Car of the Year award. Kia’s impressive three-row crossover was named the overall World Car of the Year, as voted by a panel of 86 jurors from around the globe.
Another big win went to the Porsche Taycan EV, which took home two of the World Car Awards. Porsche’s new electric car was named Performance Car of the Year as well as Luxury Car of the Year title.
The South Korean automaker grabbed its second title with the Urban Car of the Year award won by 2020 Kia Soul EV. And finally, the 2020 Mazda3 was named World Car Design of the Year adding yet another feather to the latest Mazda3’s cap.
Now in its 15th year, the World Car of the Year awards were first inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing automotive industry. The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of an awards management and advisory group of prominent automotive journalists from around the world including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Related: Toyota RAV4 Wins Japan Car of the Year Award 2019-20
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 then tabulates the jurors’ ballots.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
