WWCOTY Awards Celebrate Best Cars Of The Year At Gala Event In Madrid

Published: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 18:50 [IST]

The Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) recently held its International Awards ceremony in Madrid. This event celebrated the top cars introduced to the market in recent months across various categories. Brands like Mini, Kia, Audi, Hyundai, Toyota, Porsche, BYD, and Volvo were among those honoured. The awards highlight the role of women in the automotive industry during uncertain times.

WWCOTY is a unique organisation composed solely of female automotive journalists. It was established by Sandy Myhre from New Zealand in 2009. She serves as Honorary President while Marta García is the Executive President. The group aims to recognise outstanding vehicles and amplify women's voices within the automotive sector.

The jury consists of 82 professional journalists from 55 countries worldwide. They evaluate vehicles based on design, safety, efficiency, and innovation. Marta García emphasised the dedication required for this award: "the challenge of developing this award and the effort of the journalists who are part of the jury. Every one of them drives thousands of kilometres before casting their vote."

Among the winners, Mini Cooper was named Best Urban Car with Carlos Martínez Gil accepting the award for Mini Ibérica. Kia EV3 won Best Compact SUV, collected by Eduardo Divar from Kia Spain. Audi A6 e-tron received top marks as Best Sedan with Ignacio González representing Audi Spain.

Hyundai Santa Fe was awarded Best Large SUV with Leopoldo Satrústegui from Hyundai Motor Spain accepting it. Toyota Land Cruiser took home Best 4x4, received by Rebeca Guillén from Toyota Spain. Porsche Panamera earned Best Sports Car with Beatriz Cobo from Porsche Ibérica collecting it.

The Blade batteries and BYD DM system won Best Technology, accepted by Alberto de Aza for Spain and Portugal. Volvo received the Sandy Myhre Award for its commitment to women in the industry; José María Galofré accepted it on behalf of Volvo Car Spain.

Commitment to Diversity and Equality

Award recipients expressed gratitude for recognising women's contributions to automotive development and manufacturers' dedication to diversity and equality. The Spanish association of official dealers (FACONAUTO) also participated in this significant event.

The WWCOTY awards do not focus on gender-specific cars but rather consider factors like safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits, and environmental impact when voting. Their mission extends beyond selecting top cars; they aim to enhance visibility for women globally in the automotive world.

This initiative underscores that mobility provides women access to numerous personal and professional opportunities worldwide.