Announced this morning at the New York International Auto Show in New York City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual World Car of the Year awards recognise the year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance and emotional appeal. “This award shows, once again, that in the Up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that’s been thought through in minute detail.

A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,” said Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman, Board of Management, Volkswagen AG. This new Volkswagen has won numerous accolades since its launch in late 2011, winning special praise for its combination of small footprint, big interior space and its innovative City Emergency Braking system. Now in its ninth year, the World Car of the Year has become one of the most credible and significant events of its kind.  

World car jurors hail from 25 countries and are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility and influence.  Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their ongoing, full-time professional work and, collectively, reach millions of consumers and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.