Two Chinese women aim for the European Car of the Year title!
This page is translated from the original post "Deux chinoises visent le titre de Voiture européenne de l’année !" in French.
- 27/11/2023 12:00
Two Chinese-flagged brands are among the seven finalists for the European Car of the Year award.
Twenty-eight cars were selected for this 2024 edition, and the surprise was already great: two-thirds were not European brands, and even less made in Europe. The only non-negotiable condition for participation: to be on sale before the end of 2023 in at least 5 of the 22 European markets. Talk about a requirement…
We notice the surge of Chinese brands, which aim to break down Europeans’ psychological barriers. BYD has entered its entire lineup. Smart and Volvo, owned by the Chinese manufacturer Geely, are also present. The same goes for Nio.
The short list has just been announced, and it includes 3 European, 2 Chinese, 1 Japanese, and 1 Korean models. We are thus witnessing a battle between BMW, Peugeot, Renault, and… BYD! Even though the latter is the world’s largest seller of electrified vehicles, how can it be imagined to compete with century-old European brands with thousands of dealerships in Europe when BYD only has about fifty? The question of the value of the car, the BYD Seal, does not arise, as in a recent test we praised its qualities, but is it too soon to pit it against a Peugeot 3008 or a BMW X5? What will be the value of the award if it receives it without proving itself to the only true jury—those who buy these cars and do not just test them? Apparently, it doesn’t really matter to the organizers. The car is also very prominently featured at the opening of the site… A sign?
The seven finalists:
- BMW 5 Series
- BYD Seal
- Kia EV9
- Peugeot E-3008/3008
- Renault Scenic
- Toyota C-HR
- Volvo EX30
While the Volvo EX30 being on this list is understandable given the Swedish origins of the brand, now fully Chinese, it is worth noting that it has not yet begun commercial sales… There will be no public votes, only the 59 journalists from 22 countries will decide the trophies. It’s a shame that even before being awarded, this previously prestigious prize is already discredited.
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