The Korean Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) announced on the 4th that it has selected Hyundai Motor’s The All New Nexo as the Car of the Month. The Car of the Year Selection Committee under the KAJA conducts evaluations of new models and facelifts released from the first to the last day of each month to announce the Car of the Month.
The evaluation criteria consist of five categories: interior and exterior design and emotional quality; safety and convenience features; power performance; energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions; and marketability and purchase intention.
Among the new cars introduced last month, the Volkswagen New Golf GTI, Peugeot 408 Smart Hybrid, and Hyundai’s The All New Nexo (listed in alphabetical order) were contenders for the Car of the Month for July. After fierce competition, the Hyundai The All New Nexo was ultimately selected as the Car of the Month, scoring 35.3 out of 50 points.
The Hyundai The All New Nexo received 8.3 out of 10 points in the energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions category, 7.3 points in the safety and convenience features category, and 7 points in the interior and exterior design and emotional quality category. Chung Chi-yeon, the chairman of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, commented, “The completely new The All New Nexo in seven years is a next-generation passenger hydrogen electric vehicle (FCEV) symbolizing Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen energy vision and eco-friendly mobility innovation. It combines a sophisticated and future-oriented style suitable for both urban and outdoor settings, a maximum 720 km range on a single charge, and high-efficiency power performance based on a maximum motor output of 150 kW.”
Since 2019, the KAJA has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month. Last month, the Volkswagen Atlas was chosen. The vehicle selected as the Car of the Month receives a privilege of advancing directly to the first round of the final selection without going through the semiannual reviews for the Car of the Year.
Meanwhile, the KAJA comprises 59 member media outlets, including major daily newspapers, broadcasters, news agencies, online media, and automotive specialty publications. Over 200 journalists from member companies are actively engaged. Established in 2010, the KAJA aims to contribute to the development of the automotive industry through the promotion of journalism, the establishment of a correct automotive culture, the enhancement of the quality of automotive journalists, and the promotion of mutual exchange among members.
Every year, the KAJA announces the ‘Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY)’ and holds various events, such as symposia and seminars to discuss and propose solutions for automotive-related issues, tech tours, and award ceremonies for automotive figures.