As the name implies, the World Car Awards are a global venture, with automotive journalists from all over the world selecting the most impressive vehicles in multiple categories. Proving that New York is a world city (and that the New York Auto Show has global significance), the awards are typically handed out in the lead-up to the Big Apple’s premier automotive event.
There are currently four categories awarded, including World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car. Since the competition is global, it’s possible that winning vehicles won’t be sold in the North American marketplace.
That’s not the case for 2013, since we’ll be able to (eventually) purchase all the winning vehicles on these shores. Taking top honors as the World Car of the Year was the redesigned Mark VII Volkswagen Golf, which has already launched in Europe but won’t be seen here until 2014.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
2014 Porsche Cayman – image: Porsche
The win marks the second in a row for the German automaker, whose Volkswagen Up! took the top prize in 2012. The new VW Golf beat out some impressive challengers, including the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Porsche Boxster / Cayman and the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86.
Don’t feel bad for the Porsche Boxster / Cayman, however, as it took top honors in the World Performance Car category, beating the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 in the process.
2014 Jaguar F-Type – image: Jaguar
2013 Tesla Model S – image: Tesla
The Jaguar F-Type was chosen as the World Car Design of the Year, over the new Mazda6 and the Aston Martin Vanquish, while the Tesla Model S took first place in the World Green Car category, beating the Renault Zoe and the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
