Jakarta –
The names of the finalists for The Car of the Year 2024 in Europe have been announced. Interestingly, there is one brand that comes from China.
Initially there were 28 new car models nominated for the best car in Europe. A jury consisting of 59 journalists representing 22 countries has now selected seven nominees. Each jury member must then distribute 25 points across at least five models, with a maximum of ten points awarded to one car.
Judging considered that it must be a new model, not just changed cosmetically or by installing a new engine or transmission. Then the car was sold in at least five countries in Europe.
After carrying out a voting system, the judges narrowed down 28 candidate cars to 7 finalist cars. These brands include BMW 5-Series, Kia EV9, Renault Scenic, Volvo EX30, Toyota C-HR, Peugeot E-3008, and BYD Seal.
Interestingly, there is one name that comes from China, namely BYD Seal. This is a sedan-style electric car. This electric car has actually also been sold in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand.
The fact that BYD Seal was included in the final nomination is an achievement in itself. Moreover, BYD is a new player in the European car market and will only start its sales activities on the continent in 2022.
In Europe, BYD Seal has two powertrain variants. The entry-level model has a single electric motor on the rear axle that produces 313 hp.
The Seal’s RWD range reaches 570 km (WLTP). The top trim BYD Seal has two 530 hp e-motors and the same battery for a WLTP range of 520 km.
In fact, seven Chinese vehicles are candidates for Car of the Year in Europe 2024 with a 25% share among 28 competitors. The list of Chinese cars consists of BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus), BYD Han, BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, Nio ET7, Smart #1, and Volvo EX30. However, only two Chinese vehicles made the finalist list: BYD Seal and Volvo EX30.
Smart #1 and Volvo EX30 are also considered to be Chinese cars. Long story short, they stand on Chinese architecture (SEA) and use many Chinese components (battery, e-motor), and a Chinese company (Geely Group) is responsible for mass production of these models.
The winner of European Car of the Year is usually announced on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show on February 26 2024.
The European Car of the Year was founded in 1964, and its first winner was the Rover 2000. The Austin 1800 and Renault 16 followed in 1965 and 1966, while in 2023, the gold medal went to the Jeep Avenger.
Who do you think will be the winner in 2024?
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2023-11-29 13:50:00
#Finalists #Cars #Europe #Chinese #Brands
