The prestigious World Car Awards, considered one of the most respected global awards in the automotive industry, were held in 2025, and Hyundai Motor Group took center stage, sweeping the top honors with its electric vehicles. The 2025 World Car Awards marked the fourth consecutive year that Hyundai Motor Group won the top award, World Car of the Year, with its electric vehicles. Key Winners: Hyundai Casper Electric (World EV of the Year) and Kia EV3 (World Car of the Year)
The Hyundai Casper Electric, also known as the Inster, won the World EV of the Year award, outpacing its competitor, the Porsche Macan Electric. This compact electric vehicle offers 315 kilometers of range per charge and can be fully charged in just 30 minutes with a 120-kilowatt charger. Highlights of the Hyundai Casper Electric
• A driving range of 315 kilometers on a single charge
• 30 minutes of charging with a 120-kilowatt charger
• Spacious first and second-row seating
• Extendable sliding console table
• 485 liters of trunk space for maximum storage
What the Kia EV3 Has to Offer
The Kia EV3 won the prestigious World Car of the Year award. This long-range model boasts a driving range of 501 kilometers on a single charge and allows for fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes with a 350-kilowatt charger. The compact full-electric SUV also offers various convenience features, including spacious first and second-row seating, an extendable sliding console table, and 485 liters of trunk space to maximize storage. Comments from Kia President and CEO, Song Ho-sung
“This award highlights Kia’s global leadership in providing sustainable mobility solutions through innovative technology and exceptional design. ‘The EV3 offers a new user experience with top-tier product competitiveness worldwide,’ Song Ho-sung stated in a press release. ‘We are proud to be recognized as the top car in the world.’”
Hyundai’s Strategic Plan for the EV Market
Hyundai Motor unveiled the all-new Palisade, a large-sized three-row SUV, set to launch in the US later this year. The Palisade will feature a hybrid version alongside the gas-powered model for the first time. Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jose Munoz noted, “The launch of new models like the Palisade, which features both internal combustion and hybrid powertrains, signifies Hyundai’s strong portfolio and diverse powertrain options. ‘Hyundai is also investing in extended-range electric vehicles, hybrids, internal combustion engines, and hydrogen fuel cell cars,’ Munoz added. ‘We are committed to expanding our EV lineup to 21 models and increasing hybrid offerings to 14 models, with a goal of achieving annual sales of 2 million electrified vehicles by 2030.’”
Huge Sales Success for Hyundai in the US Market
Hyundai Motor North America CEO Randy Parker stated, “The carmaker has set new records for the US market for four consecutive years, with retail sales increasing by 4 percent in 2024 from the previous year. ‘From January to March, sales rose by 10 percent on-year, marking an all-time high first-quarter performance,’ Parker added. ‘This is a testament to our strong brand presence and customer loyalty in the US market.’”
New Models and Future Plans
Kia debuted the EV4, its first all-electric sedan, which it expects to roll out in the first quarter of 2026. The new K4 hatchback model also made its global premiere, with sales scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Hyundai Motor unveiled the all-new Palisade, set to launch in the US later this year. These new models demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to expanding its EV lineup and meeting customer demand for sustainable mobility solutions. Hyundai’s Record-Breaking Sales Performance
Hyundai Motor North America achieved a record-breaking sales performance in the US market, with retail sales increasing by 4 percent in 2024 from the previous year. The company has set new records for the US market for four consecutive years, with sales rising by 10 percent in the first quarter of 2024. This is a testament to the strong brand presence and customer loyalty of Hyundai in the US market. World Car Awards: A Prestigious Global Honor
The World Car Awards, considered one of the most respected global awards in the automotive industry, have been held annually since 2004. The awards recognize the best vehicles in various categories, and they are highly regarded by the industry and the public. The 2025 World Car Awards were held during the New York International Auto Show, where Hyundai Motor and Kia showcased their flagship vehicles targeting the US market. The awards were announced during the event, and the winners were revealed to the public. This prestigious global honor highlights Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions and meeting customer demand for innovative vehicles.