The 12th Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award was handed out at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza was announced as the winner of the Indian Car of the Year 2017. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre and Industries, presented the award to the winning team with Bob Rupani, Chairman, ICOTY 2017.
This year’s awards judged the best car from a number of new launches witnessed throughout the year. The winner of the ICOTY, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, had to contend with 18 other vehicles, all of which were put through a series of tests. Assessments were made on the basis of agreed parameters like price, fuel economy, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technological innovation, value for money and suitability for Indian riding conditions.
Congratulating the winners, Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “It’s been over a decade since the first ICOTY Awards were instituted to honour achievements and excellence in the Indian automobile industry. Today, these Awards have set benchmarks for Indian automakers, egging them on to put in their best foot forward and deliver vehicles, which capture the nation’s imagination in all ways possible. JK Tyre has been associated with ICOTY since the time of their inception, and it is with great pride that we can say that today these awards have inspired automakers to innovate every year in terms of engineering, design, cost-effectiveness, adaptability to local conditions, not to forget consumer satisfaction, to stand out in the competition.
He further added, “I congratulate Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza for the innovation and creativity in their vehicle and for being successful in satiating the needs of their consumers. This is a deserving recognition of the efforts they have put to bring out the best-in-class cars. At the same time, I would also like to congratulate all contenders for having put in so much effort. It is in true sense a celebration of the Olympian spirit of participation that makes everyone a winner.”
Representing Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the winner of ICOTY’17, Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said that winning ICOTY’17 is an incredible experience. Their team worked very hard, putting in sweat and toil to bring out Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and they are very happy that the jury recognized their efforts. This award is as much a recognition of their hard work as it is of the immense support and love shown by their customers, who chose the car over others. He also congratulated all the other cars in this segment for being such great competition.