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Honda Freed Minivan Triumphs As Japan Car Of The Year For 2024-2025
In a competitive event in Yokohama, the Honda Freed minivan triumphed over Mazda's CX-80 SUV to secure the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year award. Meanwhile, the Mini Cooper was honoured with the Japan Import Car of the Year title. The ceremony took place at Bosch's new Japan headquarters in Center Kita, Yokohama City.
The Japan Car of the Year organisation celebrated its 45th anniversary by gathering 59 jurors from 41 leading automotive and lifestyle publications. Numerous car industry executives also attended to witness the vote-counting and prize-giving ceremony. Pre-event discussions highlighted a likely contest between Honda Freed and Mazda CX-80.
When votes were tallied, Honda Freed emerged victorious with 220 votes, surpassing Mazda CX-80's 196 votes. Satoru Azumi, chief engineer of Freed, expressed his thoughts after receiving the trophy: "When designing the Freed, we went back to basics and created a new standard for the family minivan that offers class-leading comfort, usability and packaging with the option of Honda’s unique hybrid system and a very reasonable price tag."
The Mini Cooper secured third place with 172 votes, marking BMW's second consecutive win for Import Car of the Year. The Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck surprised many by winning the Design Award with 11 votes, narrowly beating BYD Seal sedan by one vote.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV was awarded for its hydrogen-powered fuel cell development under the Technology Award category. Additionally, Mazda received a Special Award from Japan COTY steering committee for its e-Skyactiv R-EV rotary technology.
The top ten cars for 2024-2025 were ranked as follows: Honda Freed (220), Mazda CX-80 (196), Mini Cooper (172), Suzuki Front (110), Lexus LBX (70), Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (52), Toyota Land Cruiser (44), BYD Seal (32), Volvo EX30 (30), and Mitsubishi Triton (18).
This year's awards highlighted innovation and design excellence in Japan's automotive industry. The event underscored significant achievements in technology and design among various car models.
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