In 2024, the Toyota Prius stunned the automotive world by winning the prestigious World Car Design Award. The Prius, a global hybrid icon, was celebrated for its exceptional design, beating out 70 other entries, including the Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue. This marked a significant achievement for Toyota as they have always been known for their innovative designs in the automotive industry.
In addition to this award, the Hyundai Group also had a strong presence in the electric vehicle category. The EV9 won multiple World Car of the Year (VCOTI) awards in 2024, including the overall title and World Electric Vehicle. The EV9 beat out competitors such as the BID Seal and Volvo EKS30 to win these titles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also emerged victorious in the performance car category, winning among 16 cars and beating out rivals such as the M2 and XM to claim the title of World Performance Car. Meanwhile, Kia made a strong comeback with their new EV9 which won World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle in 2024.
Overall, it was a year filled with surprises and triumphs in the world of automobiles. A panel of one hundred automotive journalists from 29 countries tested over 38 vehicles to determine these winners based on eligibility criteria that included an annual production of more than 10,000 units, availability in at least two major global markets and pricing lower than luxury options in their region.