FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 9, 2014 – Today, at the Automotive Press Association Luncheon in Detroit, Genesis was named one of the top three finalists for the 2015 North American Car of the Year. The Ford Mustang and Volkswagen GTI join Genesis as the other two finalists.
“We are thrilled that the Genesis has been listed as a finalist among an amazing cast of contenders and we anxiously await the jury’s final vote in January,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “In 2009 we made history as Genesis became our first North American Car of the Year win. Since then Genesis has helped guide product development and continues to be a game changing model that challenges convention and redefines the luxury market.”
This year the jurors considered 28 cars from its long list before selecting the top three cars. Twenty-nine trucks and sport utility vehicles were considered in the Truck/Utility category with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-150 and Lincoln MKC making the final list. The North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year award is decided by a jury of 59 independent, full-time automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. This is the 22nd year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European “Car of the Year” awards. The U.S. program is administered by an organizing committee and is funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors evaluate the cars on a number of factors, including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
“Prior to 2009, Hyundai had no presence in the world of luxury automobiles. Then the Genesis sedan rolled onto the scene and won the North American Car of the Year award, proving that luxury is a word that doesn’t require a German accent or a princely price tag,” said Tony Swan, North American Car of the Year juror. “Now the second generation Genesis, improved in every detail, is a finalist for the award yet again. This is the 22nd year of the North American Car of the Year award. In the last six years, Hyundai has won the award twice (Elantra won in 2012), had another car (Sonata) among the finalists in 2011, and placed two cars (Genesis and Sonata) in the semifinals for 2015. Not only is that track record enviable, it’s unique among contemporary carmakers.”
The winner will be named at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12, 2015.