The list of candidates for the 2024 World Car of the Year award is now out. From what we can see, Chinese cars are taking over the list, accounting for almost half of the entries.
GWM Haval H6
The Chinese-branded cars on the list include the BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, Dorcen E20, GWM Haval H6, GWM Ora 07, Maxus Mifa 9, MG One, Nio ET5, Omoda 5, Seres 5, WEY Coffee 02, Xpeng G9, XPeng P7, Zeekr 001, and Zeekr X. Some of which are now made available in the Philippine market.
Meanwhile, the other candidates for the prestigious accolade are the Abarth 500e, Chevrolet Trax, Citroen C3 Aircross, Fisker Ocean, Ford Bronco, Honda e:Ny1/e:NS1/e:NP1, Hyundai Kona, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
The list goes on as it also has the following candidates: KG Mobility Torres, Kia EV9, Lexus LBX, Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-90, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 408, Subaru Crosstrek, Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen ID.7, and Volvo EX30.
BYD Dolphin
Based on the cars listed, 16 out of the 36 candidates are Chinese-made, which shows that cars coming from China are gaining an international presence.
To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, an entry must produce at least 10,000 units per year and must be priced below the luxury car market. It must also be “on sale” in at least two major markets on at least two separate continents between January 1, 2022, and March 30, 2023.
Candidates for the World Car of the Year award are automatically eligible for World Car Design of the Year.
Zeekr 001
The title is currently held by the Hyundai Ioniq 6. In the same year, the Korean electric vehicle (EV) also won the World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year. The previous year saw the Hyundai Ioniq 5 winning the three aforementioned awards as well.
Can Hyundai repeat for another year with either the Kona or Santa Fe? Or maybe a Chinese car model will rise to the occasion? We’ll find out once the World Car of the Year announces the winners on March 27 next year at the New York International Auto Show.
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