Mr. Janssen, you see cars with a “Car of the Year, Car of the Year” sticker on the street from time to time. What’s behind it?
Behind it is the oldest and most renowned car award in the world. Car of the Year was established in 1964. The jury currently includes 61 professional and experienced car journalists from 23 European countries.
What’s in it for the customer?
An honest recommendation. The seven cars in the finale are already very good cars. The vehicle that wins in the end offers the best package of value for money, innovation, environmental friendliness and safety. Driving fun can also be part of it. Even sports cars have a chance with us, but they rarely win. Common sense usually prevails.
In the industry, the award is considered the most desirable in the world. How so?
Because of independence. Also, we don’t have categories. So not every manufacturer goes home with a flower pot so that everyone is happy. In the end there is only one winner and that’s why sometimes those who didn’t finish first have long faces. We focus on the consumer, not the industry.
There are always rumors that the industry can buy awards in one way or another. How regarding Car of the Year?
The price is independent of the industry. Unlike some other awards, it can’t buy the result. In addition, we are transparent. The scoring system is clear and the jury members are obliged to justify their choice in writing. Everyone can read all regarding it on our homepage caroftheyear.org.
Who finances the organization?
Nine publishers each throw one contribution into the pot. For example, we use this to finance our website, rent a test track or pay for the camera teams that shoot films for our award ceremony.
Auto shows have recently lost importance. Are awards also losing their appeal?
Buying a car is a huge investment. I believe that car buyers are therefore looking for orientation. You can find them with us. And I think that right now, when we are seeing the beginnings of electromobility, the questions will be more rather than fewer. As far as trade fairs are concerned, I am confident that they will make a comeback following Corona. People want to get out, travel, meet, see and touch things. This longing has only increased with Corona.
Not a single German brand is in the final for Car of the Year 2022. How can that be, when the German manufacturers shape the world market?
This is indeed amazing and also unfortunate. But one must not forget that German cars are very popular, but also quite expensive. Last year, the Yaris from the Japanese manufacturer Toyota won – a classic hybrid is currently a clever solution for people who want low consumption and emissions but cannot charge an electric car. The foreign manufacturers have caught up enormously, most recently the Koreans.
