The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been announced as the 2015 World Car of the Year at a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, which opened today.
The C-Class was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 12, then three finalists: the Ford Mustang, the Volkswagen Passat, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said, "The C-Class is a best seller that has always been a trendsetter in the premium medium-size category. This is true for the new C-Class as well. It comes to the starting line with qualities usually reserved for higher-class automobiles – ecologically, technically and also with regard to comfort and driving pleasure. It embodies what we understand modern automotive luxury made by Mercedes-Benz to be and has all the prerequisites to be a huge success. We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car Of The Year.”
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.”
To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2015.
Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 75 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world including Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India, sister publication of Autocar Professional. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her 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 world-wide. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors’ ballots.
Previous WCOTY winners were the Audi A3 (2014), the Volkswagen Golf (2013), the Volkswagen Up! (2012), the Nissan Leaf (2011), the Volkswagen Polo (2010, the Volkswagen Golf (2009), the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio (2008), the Lexus LS460 (2007), the BMW 3-Series (2006), and the Audi A6 (2005).