FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 23, 2015 – The 2016 Hyundai Tucson was recognized with the International Family Vehicle of the Year Award by Road Travel Magazine at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Tucson earned this award for its top safety and family-oriented comfort features, like available Automatic Emergency Braking and a spacious passenger cabin that incorporates stain-resistant YES Essentials fabrics.
“The 2016 Hyundai Tucson CUV won in its category because it not only met but exceeded ICOTY’s criteria with its personable and modern styling, safety features and ease of handling, and with how well it resonated with young families,” said Courtney Caldwell, founder, International Car of the Year Award. “The Tucson stood out among all the contenders in the family category based largely on family reaction.”
The International Car of the Year Awards are determined by a diverse group of 12 jurors. The jury is made up of experienced automotive journalists and editors from top publications such as MSN Autos, Edmunds.com, Consumer Guide Automotive, Yahoo! Autos, and AutoWeek. Vehicles are assessed on how well a vehicle creates an emotional connection with the consumer through experience. Consideration is also based on how well a vehicle is marketed in order to establish that emotional connection through a campaign. After the jurors have cast their votes, the ICOTY ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for processing, to ensure accuracy and credibility.
“Our commitment to customer safety and satisfaction is paramount at Hyundai and the all-new 2016 Tucson winning this award is further evidence these important qualities are resonating with consumers,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We’re thrilled that this distinguished group of jurors recognized the Tucson over a tough group of competitors.”
The all-new redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson offers bold, athletic exterior styling, a pair of fuel-efficient drivetrains and a roomy, well-appointed interior. It is engineered with advanced safety features including a Lane Departure Warning system, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). The 2016 Tucson also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS’s) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.
About the International Car of the Year Awards
Founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road Travel Magazine, ICOTY has a pioneering theme that sheds light on the importance of marketing cars to consumer lifestyles, thereby eliciting an emotional reaction and connection between car and consumer. Today, several automakers produce national TV commercials that successfully establish an emotional bond with their buyers, inspiring brand loyalty.