Mercedes S-Class wins China’s first Car of the Year award

Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz China, receives Car of the Year-China award for S-Class

At an award ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was declared the 2014 China Car of the Year. The prize was received by President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz China Mr. Nicholas Speeks, who stated that “the decision reaffirms the model’s stature and position in China, its top market worldwide.” The S-Class is the first model to win the prestigious China Car of the Year title. There was a long list of hopefuls, with 53 candidates eligible for the honor of being the 2014 China Car of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was chosen from the initial entry list, the shortlist of seven, and the three finalists: the Land Rover Range Rover, the Chang’an Ford Mondeo, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The China Car Award jurors observed that “there’s no other car like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class: it’s not only setting the benchmark for the industry, but it also embodies the peak of modern cars in this era.”

The Porsche 918 Spyder is the first model to win the China Performance Car of the Year title. The prize was received by Director of Technics 918 Spyder Mr. Michael Höscher, who stated that he is “glad to bring this award from China back to his 918 development team in Germany, as without them we wouldn’t have won the China Performance Car of the Year Award.” The jurors observed that “its outstanding performance is undoubtedly unmatched in the automotive industry. The philosophy of applying e-hybrid technology to a racing car is the real essence of this car.”

The second Porsche model to win an award was the Panamera E-Hybrid, which is the first model to win the prestigious China Green Car of the Year title. The prize was received by Chief Operating Officer of Porsche China Mr. Michael Kirsch, who stated that “it makes us humble that Porsche has won two awards tonight. I’m surprised a luxury sports car can win a green car award. That means our effort in developing green technology has paid off.” The jurors added that “while e-hybrid technology is not new, the Panamera E-Hybrid embodies maximum performance and efficiency.”

The Chang’an PSA DS5 won the China Car of the Year Design Award. The prize was received by PR Director of Chang’an PSA Mrs. Li Minxue, who stated that “with a genuine design originating from Paris, the brand new DS5 has surprised the audience by winning the China Design Car of the Year Award, parallel to models from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.” The jurors emphasized the reason for their decision, saying that by “breaking the rules of a conventional design with its unique style, the Chang’an PSA DS5 delivers the most exquisite shape of its class.”

To be eligible for the China Car of the Year awards, the candidates must become available for sale in China during the period beginning October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2013.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by a juror panel comprised of ten (10) automotive editors-in-chief from ten (10) different Chinese car magazines. Each juror was appointed by the C-Club on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions.