Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the
HCD-14
Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most
Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” title for scoring the highest
among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted
Hyundai’s design
direction for future premium vehicles at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.
The twelfth
annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those
vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry.
This marks the second time
Hyundai has received an award, having been
named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the
Genesis Coupe.
According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the
Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “
Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces
future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology
controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and
fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”
The “Concept Car”
category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers.
HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER
and Toyota Corolla Furia. The
Hyundai concept was recognized for its
state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience.
HCD-14
Genesis
reveals the technological future of
Hyundai’s premium line-up with
driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or
gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio,
HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.
“
Hyundai’s California
Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think
the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and
Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean
coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille;
it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I
applaud the lack of a center stack—provided
Hyundai has figured out new
controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production
Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”
More
than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a
total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this
season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New
York.
“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and
feedback we have received for the HCD-14
Genesis Concept,” said Chris
Chapman, chief designer,
Hyundai Design, North American Design Center.
“HCD-14
Genesis provides a glimpse of
Hyundai’s future and showcases the
emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the
‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our
premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and
technological prowess.”
Courtesy of Hyundai Newsroom
