Kia EV9 electric SUV awarded 2024 World Car of the Year

The Kia EV9 electric SUV has won the 2024 World Car of the Year title, as well as the 2024 World Electric Vehicle award.

Three finalists were shortlisted from an initial entry list of 38 vehicles from around the world in the World Car of the Year category: BYD Seal, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30.

The BMW i5, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30 were the World Electric Vehicle finalists from an initial entry list of 32 vehicles.

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“We are hugely honoured that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence”, said Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world."

Hyundai and Toyota were also winners.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named World Performance Car, beating the BMW M2 and XM, while the Toyota Prius won the World Car Design award ahead of the Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue.

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To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, a vehicle must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year, priced below the luxury-car level in its primary markets, and “on sale” in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America or USA) on at least two separate continents between January 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024.

For the World Electric Vehicle award, a vehicle must be powered solely by one or more electric motors and produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units/year.

The World Car Awards, which have been running since 2004, are decided by a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists from 29 countries. They are selected by a secret ballot based on the judges’ evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their ongoing professional work.