JK Tyre & Industries on February 27 hosted the top honours in the automovitve industry, the 16th Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and the 14th Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY).
Winners of the prestigious awards, which recognise performance, innovation and excellence, were felicitated amidst a limited, yet highly celebrated gathering of industry stalwarts, key officials and auto enthusiasts.
Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, presented the awards to the winners along with Mr. Yogendra Pratap, Chairman, ICOTY 2021, Mr. Aspi Bhathena, Chairman, IMOTY 2021, and other jury members.
Hyundai i20 was honored with the title of ‘Indian Car of the Year 2021’, while Royal Enfield Meteor 350 edged out in the two-wheeler category and bagged the title of ‘Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2021’.
With the growing demand of premium cars in the country, in 2019, the ICOTY jury introduced the Premium Car Award which honours the finest automobiles from around the world. Land Rover Defender was honoured with the ‘Premium Car Award 2021 by ICOTY’.
This year the ICOTY jury introduced the ‘Green Car Award’ so as to reward manufacturers contributing towards the future of mobility. Tata Nexon EV received the ‘Green Car Award 2021 by ICOTY’ in the inaugural edition.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited said, “It’s a matter of pride for us to be associated with the Indian Car of the Year & Indian Motorcycle of the Year awards since its inception. While every year has been special, this one is truly exceptional, where we are not just celebrating the technological-excellence and innovation brought in by the manufacturers, but the zeal and resilience of the entire automotive industry, as it emerged stronger from the unchartered waters.”
On Hyundai i20 winning the ICOTY 2021, Mr. SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “It is a moment of great pride for all of us at Hyundai. We are honoured to win this most prestigious automotive award – ‘Indian Car of the Year 2021’ for the all-new i20. The all-new i20, has once again redefined standards in the premium hatchback segment and today depicts strong expression of progressive spirit of the new age Indian customers.”
Mr. Shubhranshu Singh, Global Head – Marketing at Royal Enfield, said, “I am privileged and humbled to receive this award on behalf of the entire Royal Enfield team. This has been an exceptional year and it is testimony to the great teamwork that in extraordinary times we received this extraordinary recognition.”
Winner of ‘Premium Car Award 2021 by ICOTY’, for Land Rover Defender, Mr. Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “We are truly delighted to receive the most coveted recognition for the Land Rover Defender in India – the luxury car award by ICOTY. It’s another testimony to the fabulous work done by Land Rover designers and engineers.”
Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “It is indeed a very proud moment for us all at Tata Motors. We are honored to win ICOTY’s first-ever ‘Green Car Award 2021’ for India’s most aspirational, practical and accessible electric car – the Tata Nexon EV.”
