Genesis G70 Named Car of the Year by U.S. Auto Magazine
04 December, 2018
Hyundai's Genesis G70 luxury sedan has been named the Car of the Year for 2019 by U.S. auto magazine Motor Trend. It is the first Korean car to receive the honor since the magazine began bestowing it in 1948.
The Motor Trend Car of the Year -- the oldest award of its kind -- tends to focus on technological features, while the North American Car of the Year, known as the Oscar of the auto industry, assesses comprehensive aspects including driver satisfaction and value.
The G70 is also included in the three finalists for the North American Car of the Year, which is chosen by a jury of automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Winners will be announced next month.
Announcing the winner in an article titled "A Star Is Born: Korea's upstart luxury brand boldly takes center stage," Motor Trend said that "Americans couldn't pronounce the name of the brand" when Hyundai launched the Excel for just US$4,995 in the U.S. three decades ago, but that it has "built a better BMW 3 Series fighter."
The magazine's international bureau chief Angus MacKenzie said, "What's remarkable about the Genesis is the Koreans have done what Toyota, Nissan, Honda and GM have all failed to do: build a legitimate BMW 3 Series competitor."
"It hits all the right notes: punchy powertrains and an agile chassis that's a ton of fun, sporty exterior styling with strong graphics, and a well-appointed interior," he added.
Manfred Fitzgerald, global head of Genesis, said the award will enhance the brand's image and that there is much, much more for it to show.