ROME – Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to developing innovative models continues to receive recognition. Luc Donckerwolke executive vice president for design and cco of the Group has in fact just been named “World Car Person of the Year” for 2022. The prestigious award is given by the jury members of the World Car Awards (102 journalists from 33 countries) to automotive industry professionals who made a significant contribution in the year preceding the award. As the main reason for the award, the jury recognized Donckerwolke’s role in overseeing the making of innovative models, including Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60. “I am deeply honored to receive the Person of the Year award and I would like to thank all the members of the jury and the precious team of Hyundai Motor Group, without whom all this would not have been possible – explained Donckerwolke – During my career I have worked for many companies and brands and I am proud of the recognition received by the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands. They are a true reflection of the commitment of all Group employees, dealers and partners, who have worked constantly to develop a solid range of convincing and competitive vehicles, for sale in over 200 countries around the world ”.
The overall tally of the Korean Group was particularly conspicuous as the jury also awarded Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in different categories: Ioniq 5 and EV6 entered the top 5 models in the World Car Design 2022 category, GV70 in that World Luxury Car 2022 and Ioniq 5 also in the World EV of the Year 2022 category. And it is still not enough as the award-winning Ioniq 5, the EV6, the G70 and Tucson have been included in the top 10 of the World Car of the Year 2022 category, giving the Group more awards than any other house in the running. “Since I joined the Group as chief creative officer in 2016 – added Donckerwolke – we have not only continued the upward trajectory of both the Hyundai and Kia brands, but we have also introduced a new luxury brand, Genesis. Yes from the start, Genesis has grown to receive many accolades and I am privileged to be part of the creation, launch and development of the brand alongside many of my esteemed colleagues. Thanks again for this fantastic honor ”. During his 30-year career as an automotive designer, Donckerwolke has worked for many brands, including Bentley, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat and Audi. Finally, it should be noted that in the past the World Car Person of the Year award, part of the annual World Car Awards, was awarded to leading figures in the automotive industry such as Akio Toyoda, Carlos Tavares, Sergio Marchionne and Hakan Samuelsson. (Maurilio Rigo)