NAIAS – 2009 Hyundai Genesis: North American Car of the Year
January 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Hyundai Genesis has taken top honours in the most exclusive award of the NAIAS being named 2009 North American Car of the Year.
A jury of 50 independent automotive journalists evaluated all the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2009 Hyundai Genesis as the best new model.
“Genesis represents everything we’ve learned, so far, about engineering great automobiles and we’re delighted that the judges have recognised the good work of our R&D teams,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America acting president and chief executive officer. “And we’re not stopping here Genesis will share company in Hyundai showrooms this spring with its rear-wheel drive platform-mate, the Genesis Coupe.”
This year the jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Ford Flex were the other finalists.
The North American Car of the Year award is decided by a jury of 50 independent, full-time automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. This is the 16th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European Car of the Year.
They are administered by an organising committee and are funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors judge the cars on a number of factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for money.
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That is remarkable. A coming of age for Hyundai. I wonder if we will see it here any time soon.
why is it every front end in the u.s. is ugly….
The rise of Hyundai, with the demise of US motoring companies, i predict in a few years Hyundai will be one of the largest car manufacturer in the world along with Toyota
A ham fisted attempt by Hyundai to mimic the Mercedes S class. Dont even try Hyundai, you are out of your depth.
spitfire you are obviously uninformed read any Genesis review on a US website a car which is 100k cheaper than an S class or 7 or A8 or LS$60 and does all the same stuff.I bet you said the smae thing 20 years ago about the LS400
O, I was referring to the styling of the Genesis which mimics the Mercedes S Class. And no I did not say or think the same about the original Lexus LS400. In fact at the time I thought it was a sensational vehicle, both from a styling and engineering perspective.