Car of the Year
Car of the Year is a common abbreviation for numerous awards.
The "Car of the Year" phrase is considered to have been introduced by Motor Trend magazine in 1949 when the new publication named Cadillac as Motor Trend Car of the Year. The magazine continues its COTY award and has also expanded to separate trophies for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles
Other publications and various organizations also have COTY recognitions. These may focus on regional markets, vehicle types, or market segments. An example is the "tow car of the year" in the UK. The COTY also refers to the European Car of the Year award selected by a jury of European automotive journalists. Other COTY awards exist across numerous markets such as in Australia from the automobile magazine Wheels and the AJAC in Canada.
Global
| Year | World Car of the Year | International Car of the Year |
| 2019 | Jaguar I-Pace | |
| 2018 | Volvo XC40 | |
| 2017 | Jaguar F-Pace | |
| 2016 | Mazda MX-5 | Kia Optima |
| 2015 | Mercedes Benz C-Class | Kia K900 |
| 2014 | Audi A3 | Kia Cadenza |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Golf | Kia Optima |
| 2012 | Volkswagen Up | Audi A7 |
| 2011 | Nissan Leaf | Hyundai Sonata |
| 2010 | Volkswagen Polo | Ford Taurus |
| 2009 | Volkswagen Golf | Nissan GT-R |
| 2008 | Mazda2 / Demio | Honda Accord sedan |
| 2007 | Lexus LS 460 | Lexus LS 460 |
| 2006 | BMW 3 Series | Dodge Charger |
| 2005 | Audi A6 | Honda Civic EX |
Continental
- European Car of the Year
- North American Car of the Year
| Year | European Car of the Year | North American Car of the Year |
| 2020 | Peugeot 208 | Chevrolet Corvette |
| 2019 | Jaguar I-Pace | Genesis G70 |
| 2018 | Volvo XC40 | Honda Accord |
| 2017 | Peugeot 3008 SUV | Chevrolet Bolt |
| 2016 | Opel/Vauxhall Astra | Honda Civic |
| 2015 | Volkswagen Passat | Volkswagen Golf |
| 2014 | Peugeot 308 | Chevrolet Corvette Stingray |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Golf | Cadillac ATS |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Volt/Opel/Vauxhall Ampera | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2011 | Nissan Leaf | Chevrolet Volt |
| 2010 | Volkswagen Polo | Ford Fusion Hybrid |
| 2009 | Vauxhall/Opel Insignia | Hyundai Genesis |
| 2008 | Fiat 500 | Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2007 | Ford S-Max | Saturn Aura |
| 2006 | Renault Clio | Honda Civic |
| 2005 | Toyota Prius | Chrysler 300 |
| 2004 | Fiat Panda | Toyota Prius |
| 2003 | Renault Mégane | MINI Cooper |
| 2002 | Peugeot 307 | Nissan Altima |
| 2001 | Alfa Romeo 147 | Chrysler PT Cruiser |
| 2000 | Toyota Yaris | Ford Focus |
| 1999 | Ford Focus | Chrysler 300M |
| 1998 | Alfa Romeo 156 | Chevrolet Corvette |
| 1997 | Renault Mégane Scénic | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class |
| 1996 | Fiat Bravo and Brava | Chrysler minivans |
| 1995 | Fiat Punto | Honda Civic |
| 1994 | Ford Mondeo | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
Regional
- Middle East Car Of The Year https://www.mecoty.com/
- Middle East Motor Awards
| Year | Middle East Motor Awards COTY |
| 2013 | Jaguar F-Type |
| 2012 | McLaren MP4-12C |
| 2011 | Volvo S60 |
National
Europe
- Irish Car of the Year
- Germany's Das Goldene Lenkrad
- Lithuanian Car of the Year
- Russian Car of the Year
- Auto Express magazine's Car of the Year Awards
- Evo Magazine's Evo Car of the year
- Fifth Gear's Car of the Year Awards
- Top Gear's Car of the Year Awards
- What Car?'' magazine's Car of the Year.
USA
- Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year
- Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best
- Motor Trend magazine's Motor Trend Car of the Year
- MotorWeek magazine's Driver's Choice Awards
Japan
- Japan Car of the Year
- RJC Car of the Year
Others
- Middle East Car of the Year https://www.mecoty.com/
- Korean Car of the Year
- Canadian Car of the Year
- Carsguide Car of the Year
- Indian Car of the Year
- South African Car of the Year
- Wheels magazine's Car of the Year
- Drive.com.au Car of the Year
- China Car of the Year