It all started back in 2005, when senior and eminent journalists from all the leading automobile magazines in India got together and decided to create and confer the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award.
This award is an expert and independent judgment of the best new car. The highly experienced jury members are responsible for selecting a single decisive winner, and the voting process has been designed to be very fair and tamper-proof. Criteria like price, fuel-efficiency, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technical innovation, value for money, and suitability for Indian driving conditions are particularly important factors while deciding on the winner.
ICOTY is the most credible and coveted Indian automotive award, and is often referred to as the ‘Oscar’ of the Indian automotive industry. JK Tyre has been a proud sponsor of the grand award ceremonies right from the inception of the award.
The Kia Carens was crowned the 2023 Indian Car of the Year. On behalf of the ICOTY 2023 jury, Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, presented the ICOTY 2023 trophy to Kia India senior management. In this year’s ICOTY battle, the Kia Caarens had competition from some very strong contenders, like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Skoda Slavia, Citroen C3, and VW Virtus. These were the 10 finalists shortlisted by the ICOTY jury. In the end, the Kia Carens took home the crown. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara came in second and the Mahindra Scorpio-N rounded off the top three.
For the second time running, Mercedes-Benz took home the Premium Car Award for the new EQS 580. On behalf of the ICOTY jury, Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, presented the award to Sanoths Iyer (MD & CEO – Mercedes-Benz India). The Premium Car Award takes into consideration all premium, performance and luxury cars that sit above the ₹40-lakh mark. These include both, locally produced as well as imported car models. The BMW i4 and the BMW iX were runners-up in the Premium Car category.
Kia scored a double bonanza for 2023 and took home the 3rd Green Car Award by ICOTY for the EV6. Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & MD, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., presented the Green Car Award 2023 trophy to Kia India senior management. The Green Car Award takes into consideration all hybrid and electric vehicles currently available in the Indian market. These include both, locally produced as well as imported car models. The Kia EV6 pipped the Tata Tiago EV and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara to claim the top spot on the podium.