• Li Shufu, Founder of Geely was voted “MANBEST 2017” award
• “COMPANYBEST 2017” is awarded to the Jaguar Land Rover
• “SPORTBEST 2017” goes to Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche LMP1
The new Citroën C3 Aircross Compact SUV has been voted “AUTOBEST 2018”, the European accolade for `The Best Buy Car of Europe in 2018`. With a total of 1423 points, the C3 Aircross clinched first place by a comfortable 121 points over the Opel Grandland X. The VW T-Roc came in third place with a total of 1205 points. The Seat Ibiza, Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic followed in the overall rankings. Detailed results will be listed in the Final Ranking section on www.autobest.org.
“It is my pleasure to congratulate Linda Jackson and her management team for winning AUTOBEST 2018 award! In front of such competition, C3 Aircross proved to be a champion, convincing the Jury members that is the right choice for this edition. It is also a new victory for an SUV, proving once again the Jury ability not only to follow the market developments but also to detect the trends by giving the European customers a real guide in buying the cars fit for tomorrow!” said Ilia Seliktar, the Jury President.
“In a rare situation in the AUTOBEST history, this year we had 6 new models competing for the Best Buy Car of Europe in 2018. Was a tough competition- all the 6 cars deserve our congratulations! – giving the new Citroën C3 Aircross Compact SUV a remarkable victory and the possibility to be the European champion! Coming from Jury members of so many countries of our continent, the result is relevant at an European level. It is also a clear result of the new Citroën journey, based on bold strategies and a new range and a clear identity for the brand.” said Dan Vardie, AUTOBEST Founder & Chairman.
With 31 countries represented, AUTOBEST is the largest independent motoring Jury in Europe. No less than 95% of the European population is represented in the Jury.
“MANBEST 2017” is awarded to Mr. Li Shufu, the Founder and Chairman of Geely Holding Group. Starting from a humble Chinese village, Chairman Li built an impressive automotive group, integrating leading brands that include Volvo Cars, Proton, Lotus, London Taxi and launching a revolutionary approach of the car industry with Lynk & Co brand. Just recently, he completed the acquisition of Terrafugia, a remarkable startup for flying cars. Mr. Li is a great example of a visionary in the automotive industry, proving that someone can succeed having the right strategy and determination to succeed.
The “COMPANYBEST 2017” award goes to the Jaguar Land Rover. The prize is a recognition of the incredible journey of the British company under the leadership of Dr. Ralf Speth and his management team. After Tata Motors took over JLR, the company introduced remarkable products for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover with great success and a global appeal. The company not only managed to turn its finances around, but has also become a benchmark in the car industry concerning profitability per unit. Last but not least, in this complicated times caused by the Brexit, JLR proved to be the best British corporate employer, restating the commitment to the UK, increasing its number of employees and continuously investing in research & development.
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche LMP1, is the winner of “SPORTBEST 2017”. Austrian-born Enzinger was already a well-respected manager in motorsports. His career included stints in Formula One with Williams-BMW and Sauber-BMW before he was called up by Porsche to set up the Le Mans Prototype program in 2011. Under his guidance the Porsche 919 hybrid was developed and debuted in the 2014 World Endurance Championship, winning the final race in Sao Paulo in the first season. Porsche then dominated the following WEC seasons, with three Le Mans 24 hours wins in 2015, 2016 and 2017 which brought Porsche’s Le Mans overall wins to 19. Enzinger can be proud of 20 pole positions, 17 wins (7 doubles) and six world titles after 34 races of the 919 prototype.
This year the AUTOBEST Jury has decided not to grant the “TECHNOBEST” award. “It is the second year running that the Jury members have decided not to award the most important prize for traditional automotive technologies. We cannot see any more breakthrough technologies coming out. It is a sign showing the car industry is investing less in these technologies, but going in IT,” commented Dan Vardie.
“SMARTBEST”, “SAFETYBEST” “DESIGNBEST” and “ECOBEST” awards have already been announced after IAA Frankfurt. (please see www.autobest.org). The 17th AUTOBEST Awards Festivity will take place on 7 February 2018, in Salzburg, Austria. Following the tradition, the AUTOBEST International Jury present the awards in a different country each year. The previous AUTOBEST Gala was held in Lisbon, Portugal.
The European AUTOBEST Jury thanks the readers from all Europe for encouraging the project and the various PR departments responsible in the automotive industry for providing all the support in organising meetings and drive tests of the new products.
