After a year of scrutinizing the concept vehicles from auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and New York, a panel of judges has selected the winners of 15th North American Concept Vehicle Awards.
Chosen by a group of more than two-dozen jurors, the annual judging recognizes new concept vehicles that will most likely shape the future of the automotive industry. This year 20 vehicles in three categories were considered for the awards. The three category winners were announced during a ceremony recently at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Plymouth, Mich.
The Concept Car category recognizes passenger-centric, long-range prototypes designed to measure market reaction to future features and models. The finalists in this category were the Acura Precision, Buick Avista, Hyundai Genesis New York, and the Hyundai Genesis Vision G Coupe.
Earning its fourth spot as a category finalist, and marking the brand’s first visit to the awards podium, Buick takes the 2016 Concept Car of the Year award with its Avista Concept. This award marks GM Design’s 38th spot as a category finalist, and 14th time as a category winner.
The Production Preview Concept category is for those vehicle prototypes that are the basis for a model that has already been announced or planned for production. The finalists in this category included the Honda Civic Hatchback, Hyundai Ioniq (pronounced ?Eye on ik?), Subaru Impreza Sedan, and the Toyota/Scion C-HR.
Marking the brand’s fifth time as a category finalist, and fourth time as a category winner, Hyundai takes the honor of 2016 Production Preview Concept of the Year with its Ioniq Concept.
Judge Arv Voss, a long-time nationally recognized automotive journalist from Vallejo, Calif. said, ?As the world’s first vehicle to be offered in three electrified versions, the Hyundai Ioniq presents itself as a boldly slippery styled 4-door sedan with the latest in connective technology.?
The Concept Truck category recognizes those concepts where cargo carrying is a significant design consideration. The finalists in this category were the Lincoln Navigator, Kia Telluride, Nissan Titan Warrior, and the Volkswagen BUDD-e.
Bringing the brand’s eighth category finalist spot, and third honor as a category winner, the Volkswagen BUDD-e earns the 2016 Concept Truck of the Year award.
Volkswagen is leading the way into the electric vehicle future with the BUDD-e, and is dropping bread crumbs along the way for the others to follow.? explained Bill Schaffer a national automotive writer and judge from Washougal, Wash.
From among the winners in the Concept Car, Concept Truck and Production Preview Concept categories, the Buick Avista?posted the highest overall score to earn the top award as Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2016. This award marks the Buick brand’s first time taking the Most Significant award, and GM Design’s seventh time in the top spot.