Almost as the last scores were entered by Jurors for the South African Car of the Year competition came the announcement of the category finalists for the 2025 World Car Awards powered by Brembo, with the winners to be announced at the New York International Motor Show.
The winners, chosen by a global panel of automotive experts, will be unveiled on April 16 during the show’s opening media breakfast, coinciding with NYIAS’s 125th anniversary — a dual celebration of industry innovation and heritage.
The Top Three in the World finalists across categories including World Car of the Year and World Luxury Car were selected by 96 international journalists from 30 countries (including South Africa). Votes, independently verified by KPMG, reflect rigorous evaluations of design, technology and performance. A dedicated design panel — featuring experts such as Gert Hildebrand (Germany) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan) — curated a shortlist, ensuring contenders met exacting aesthetic and functional standards.
Daniele Schillaci, Brembo’s CEO, praised the finalists: “These awards highlight vehicles pushing boundaries in innovation. Brembo is proud to support an initiative that drives the industry forward, and we congratulate all participants on their remarkable achievements.”
2025 marks 20 years of collaboration between the World Car Awards and NYIAS, a partnership underscoring the show’s influence. “Hosting the awards aligns perfectly with our 125th anniversary,” says Mark Schienberg, NYIAS president. “Celebrating automotive excellence, judged by top journalists, ignites our show’s legacy as North America’s premier automotive event.”
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Since its 1900 debut at Madison Square Garden, NYIAS has mirrored the industry’s evolution. The inaugural show featured steam-powered wagons, electric cars and gasoline prototypes, sparking debates over the future of propulsion. Early innovations, like Packard’s steering wheel and Knox’s air-cooled tricycle, captivated 50 000 visitors, foreshadowing an automotive revolution.
Through wars, economic shifts, and technological leaps, NYIAS has chronicled each era: the 1920s’ mass production, 1950s’ chrome-clad icons, 1970s’ fuel-efficient models, and today’s electric and autonomous vehicles.
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To honour its 125th year, NYIAS will showcase a curated exhibition of iconic vehicles, from the 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile to the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Highlights include the 1963 Corvette Split Window, the 1986 DeLorean and the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Interactive displays will trace design and engineering milestones, while seminars explore the industry’s future.
“This show isn’t just about cars—it’s a cultural touchstone,” Schienberg added. “From shaping advertising to inspiring films, NYIAS has fuelled passions across generations.”
Jurors’ global test-drives, documented on World Car TV, offer insights into contenders’ performance. The process culminates in April’s ceremony, where winners join an elite roster of past champions.
As anticipation builds, the 2025 NYIAS promises a vibrant fusion of heritage and innovation. Visitors can explore cutting-edge prototypes, historic models, and the award-winning vehicles that define today’s automotive landscape.
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THE TOP 3 FINALISTS IN EACH CATEGORY
World Car of the Year
- BMW X3 (pictured above bttm)
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric (pictured top right)
- Kia EV3 (pictured top left)
World Electric Vehicle
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Kia EV3
- Porsche Macan Electric
World Luxury Car
- Porsche Macan
- Porsche Panamera
- Volvo EX90
World Performance Car
- BMW M5
- Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
World Urban Car
- BYD Seagull / Dolphin Mini
- Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
- Mini Cooper Electric
World Car Design
- Kia EV3
- Toyota Land Cruiser / Land Cruiser 250
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
Images: NYIAS
