Volkswagen up! 2012 World Car of the Year

Volkswagen is proud to announce that the up! has been honoured as the 2012 World Car of the Year. With 66 of the top automotive journalists from around the globe judging, the up! surpassed a total of 33 other nominees. Announced this morning at the New York International Auto Show in New York City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual World Car of the Year awards recognise the year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal.

‘This award shows once again that in the up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,’ said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

The new Volkswagen city car has won numerous accolades since its launch in late 2011, winning special praise for its combination of small footprint, big interior space and innovative City Emergency Braking system.

Now in its ninth year, the World Car of the Year award has become one of the most credible and significant programmes of its kind. The World Car jurors hail from 25 countries, and are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their ongoing, full-time professional work, and, collectively with all the jurors, reaches millions of consumers and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.