Tag Archives: Awards

Entertainment

Google encourages Play Store users to vote for their favorite Android apps in 2023

In the games category, the Users’ Choice awards are expected to be highly competitive. One game that might influence the voters’ decision is “Street Fighter Duel – Idle RPG” by Crunchyroll Games. This strategy-based team fight game features popular characters like Ken, Ryu, and Chun Li from the well-known “Street Fighter” franchise. The latest installment of the franchise, “Street Fighter 6,” was also released earlier this year.

“Mighty Doom,” a mobile-friendly adaptation of the iconic “Doom” franchise by Bethesda, offers players a third-person kill-em-all experience. In this highly-rated game, players assume the role of the chainsaw-wielding protagonist known as the “Doomslayer” as they battle hordes of hellspawn.

Another strong contender is EA’s “The Lord of the Rings: Heroes,” which brings Tolkien’s fantasy world to life on mobile screens. However, the game’s reputation has been somewhat tarnished due to aggressive microtransactions. The remaining game contenders for the Users’ Choice award are “Aether Gazer,” “Arena Breakout,” “Cat Snack Bar: Cat Food Tycoon,” “Farlight 84,” “Honkai: Star Rail,” “MONOPOLY GO!,” and “Viking Rise.”

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL NAMED ‘MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR’ AT NEWS UK MOTOR AWARDS 2023

  • Vauxhall receives the prestigious award for ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at the News UK Motor Awards 2023
  • Vauxhall wins national award, voted for by The Sun
  • New Corsa named ‘Small Car of the Year’ – the third win for Corsa at these awards
  • The fully electric model of the New Corsa has a range of 246 miles
  • Vauxhall is committed to becoming an electric-only brand by 2028

Vauxhall has been honored with The Sun’s ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award at the News UK Motor Awards 2023. Additionally, Vauxhall’s Corsa supermini has been recognized as the ‘Small Car of the Year’.

The annual News UK Motor Awards celebrate the best new vehicles of the past year, as voted by The Sun.

Vauxhall’s achievement in being named ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ is a result of its successful year, marked by significant steps taken towards becoming an electric-only brand by 2028. As of 2024, Vauxhall will offer an electric version of every car in its lineup and currently offers an electric version for every van in its light commercial vehicle range.

At the beginning of the year, Vauxhall launched the Grand Sport Electric (GSe), the first electrified performance sub-brand in the market, which introduced new performance versions to the Vauxhall lineup. Additionally, 2023 witnessed the launch of the Astra Electric and the New Corsa, the best-selling supermini in the UK and the third best-selling car overall in the country so far this year. Last month, Vauxhall unveiled its new Experimental Concept, providing a glimpse into the brand’s future.

Vauxhall has been the leading electric van manufacturer in the UK for the past two years and continues to dominate the sales charts in 2023. More than a quarter of all electric vans sold in the UK this year have been Vauxhall Vivaro Electrics, making it the best-selling electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) in the country. Vauxhall is one of the few brands that offers a fully electric variant across its entire LCV range.

The Sun Motors Editor, Rob Gill, praised Vauxhall for its long-standing presence in Britain and applauded the brand for producing electric versions of popular models such as the Corsa and Astra. Gill referred to it as a smart move that ensures Vauxhall’s continued success.

The New Corsa, recipient of the ‘Best Small Car’ award, features Vauxhall’s bold and distinctive Vizor front end across the range, along with various styling and technology improvements. The fully electric models of the Corsa are equipped with Vauxhall’s next-generation battery, providing a range of 246 miles (WLTP). The Corsa has previously been named The Sun’s ‘Car of the Year’ in 2020 and their ‘Value Car of the Year’ in 2021.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, expressed his delight in Vauxhall being named ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ and highlighted the brand’s progress as a leading automotive manufacturer in the UK. He also emphasized the success of the Corsa as a testament to Vauxhall’s latest range of cars and vans.

Earlier this year, Vauxhall launched the groundbreaking ‘Electric Streets of Britain’ campaign. The campaign aims to address the lack of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in residential areas by partnering with three leading charging operators to help councils understand the challenges and available solutions. More information about this campaign can be found at www.electricstreets.co.uk

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL WINS ‘BEST FAMILY CAR’ AND ‘BEST FLEET WEBSITE’ AT 2023 BUSINESS CAR AWARDS

  • Vauxhall takes home two awards at the 2023 Business Car Awards
  • Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Family Car’ for the second year running, while Vauxhall also wins the ‘Best Fleet Website’ award
  • Judges praised Astra’s attractive design, low running costs and high equipment levels
  • Astra available as a fully electric model with a range of up to 258 miles (WLTP)
  • Vauxhall is committed to electrifying Britain and will be an electric-only brand by 2028

The Vauxhall Astra received the prestigious title of ‘Best Family Car’ at the 2023 Business Car Awards. Additionally, Vauxhall was recognized for having the ‘Best Fleet Website’ at the awards ceremony held in London.

The Business Car Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the fleet market by highlighting the best cars for fleet use across various categories. The Vauxhall Astra stood out to the judges for its appealing design, affordability in terms of running costs, and abundance of features.

The Astra comes in hatch and Sports Tourer estate versions, and offers petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options to cater to diverse needs. With zero emissions during use, the Astra Electric qualifies for a low Benefit-in-Kind rate of only 2% (2023/24), making it an excellent choice for both fleet and business users. In the near future, Vauxhall will also introduce the Astra Sports Tourer Electric, expanding the range of electric options available to Vauxhall customers.

Martyn Collins, Editor of Business Car, commented: “Vauxhall has strengthened the Astra’s position by introducing more versions and body styles. Whether in hatch or estate form, this Vauxhall model boasts an eye-catching and attractive design. The plug-in hybrid and new electric variants ensure low running costs, and all models come well-equipped.”

In addition to winning the ‘Best Family Car’ award, Vauxhall’s website was recognized for its user-friendliness, particularly for fleet users and decision makers seeking information about Vauxhall’s offerings.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, expressed his satisfaction with the brand’s success at the Business Car Awards, stating: “It is rewarding to see Vauxhall’s continued success at the Business Car Awards, with the Astra named Best Family Car for the second year running. With the new Astra Electric now on sale, it’s proof that the Astra is a more attractive proposition than ever. It’s also pleasing to see the quality of our fleet website recognized by the judges. Whether it’s fleet or private buyers, Vauxhall is committed to making the switch to electric as easy as possible as we lead the way in driving Britain towards an electric future.”

With the upcoming addition of the Astra Sports Tourer Electric, Vauxhall will offer a total of six fully electric models across its passenger car range and will be one of the few brands to have a fully electric option in its commercial vehicle lineup. By 2024, Vauxhall plans to have a fully electric version available for every model in its lineup, with the ultimate goal of becoming an electric-only brand by 2028.

Motorsport

2024 NACTOY Candidates List Includes 10 Cars, 5 Trucks, 10 SUVs

The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards (NACTOY) organization has revealed the list of candidates for the 2024 awards. These 25 vehicles have been recognized as the “Best of 2024” by NACTOY after a rigorous selection process. The announcement took place at a press conference during the Detroit Auto Show. The competition consists of 10 cars, 5 trucks, and 10 SUVs. Each NACTOY juror follows their own unique evaluation method for these vehicles. In October, the jurors will gather in Michigan for an annual comparison drive to determine the winners. The finalists will be announced in November in Los Angeles, and the winners will be revealed at a special event in Detroit in January 2024.

This year’s list includes eight electric models, such as the BMW i5, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Kia EV9. Here are the candidates for this year’s NACTOY awards:

Car of the Year

BMW 5 Series

BMW i5

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Ford Mustang

Honda Accord

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Subaru Impreza

Toyota Crown

Toyota GR Corolla

Toyota Prius/Prius Prime

Truck of the Year

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Silverado EV

Ford Ranger

Ford Super Duty

GMC Canyon

Utility Vehicle of the Year

Chevrolet Blazer EV

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Dodge Hornet

Genesis Electrified GV70

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Kona

Kia EV9

Mazda CX-90

Toyota Grand Highlander

Volvo EX30

NACTOY president Jeff Gilbert emphasized the value of the awards, as they represent the expertise and diverse perspectives of the jurors. The vehicles on this list are considered worthy of further evaluation and will be thoroughly tested and compared with the competition. In the previous year’s NACTOY awards, two electric models, the Acura Integra and Ford F-150 Lightning, won in their respective categories along with the Kia EV6 as the Best SUV.

FiatUk

FIAT 500e Wins Best Electric Small Car at What Car? Electric Car Awards for Third Consecutive Year

  • The FIAT 500e retains its title as Best Electric Small Car at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2023
  • The electric 500e is praised for its competitive pricing, impressive range, retro design, and enjoyable driving experience
  • This latest award adds to the growing collection of accolades for the FIAT 500e
     

 

For the third consecutive year, the all-electric FIAT 500e has been crowned Best Electric Small Car at the prestigious What Car? Electric Car Awards 2023.

 

The judges at What Car? were once again impressed by the electric 500e’s unique and retro styling, both inside and out, as well as its seamless integration of the latest technology. They also commended the 500e’s fun driving dynamics, which still retain the original model’s tight turning circle and nimble feel, making it ideal for city driving.

 

In addition, the 500e’s pricing stood out among its competitors. The entry-level 24kWh model remains one of the most affordable fully-electric cars on the market, while the longer-range 42kWh model is significantly cheaper than its rivals. The 42kWh variant, regarded as the top choice by the judges, offers a range of 199 miles (WLTP) and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 9.0 seconds.

 

FIAT introduced the E-Grant earlier this year, which provides a £3,000 incentive to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. This grant is available for both the fully-electric 500e and the 500e convertible.

 

The FIAT 500e is the brand’s first fully-electric model and boasts a range of best-in-class features, including Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies and a driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP) – the longest range of any electric city car currently available.

 

Additionally, the 500e benefits from fast charging capabilities, allowing the battery to reach 80% capacity in just 35 minutes. With a quick five-minute charge, the car gains approximately 30 miles of range.

 

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, commented: “The exterior design of the electric 500 manages to offer retro appeal while feeling utterly up to date. And likewise, the interior remains charming, yet features all of the kit buyers now expect. The 500 also has the sort of tight turning circle and nimble feel that make driving in town a joy. But the battery of our preferred version is big enough to ensure that you’re not limited to short journeys.”

Damien Dally, UK Managing Director of FIAT & Abarth, added: “It’s fantastic to see the 500e being recognized as the best in its class for three consecutive years by the What Car? team. Winning the ‘Best Electric Small Car’ award three times is a testament to the enduring quality, design, and intelligent technology of the 500e.”

 

Since its launch, the FIAT 500e has received numerous accolades, including the “Best Electric City Car” award from Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, “Best Small Electric Car” at the Parkers New Car Awards, “Best Small Electric Car” at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards, “Best City Car” at the Auto Express Awards, and “Best Small Car” at the Autocar Awards.

 

News

What Car? Reveals Best Hybrid and Electric Cars of 2023

What Car? has announced the winners of its 2023 Electric Car Awards, which recognize the top new and used electric cars (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in the UK across various budgets. These awards, now in their fourth year, aim to assist individuals interested in purchasing an electrified vehicle by helping them choose the right model for their specific requirements.

The most successful brands in 2023, each receiving three What Car? Electric Car Awards in the new and used car categories, were BMW, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

The winners in the Electric Car Awards’ most successful models category were the MG 5 EV, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model 3, with each vehicle earning two awards. The MG 5 was recognized as the best electric estate car, both new and used, while the Porsche Taycan won best new and used performance car. The Tesla Model 3 received the accolade for best new and used executive car.

Another notable winner was the Volkswagen ID Buzz, which had previously been named the overall What Car? Car of the Year in January. This time, it triumphed as the best electric MPV. Volkswagen also snagged the awards for best used electric family car with the ID 3, and best used hybrid estate car with the Passat GTE.

At the 2023 What Car? Electric Car Awards, the MG 4 EV SE claimed the title of the most affordable new electric or hybrid winner, with a current price of £26,397 through What Car?’s free online New Car Buying service.

In a public vote on What Car?’s social media channels, the Renault 5 electric hatchback secured the Reader Award. Voters were asked to choose the upcoming electric model they were most excited about from a shortlist of 12 cars.

The 2024 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, which will be held in January at London’s Grosvenor House, Park Lane, will announce the winners across 16 categories.

2023 What Car? Electric Car Awards Winners

Electric Car Winners

Electric small car: Fiat 500 42kWh

Electric family car: MG 4 SE

Electric small SUV: Smart #1 Premium

Electric large SUV: Genesis GV60 RWD Premium

Electric executive car: Tesla Model 3 RWD

Electric estate car: MG 5 EV SE Long Range

Electric MPV: Volkswagen ID Buzz SWB Style

Electric luxury car: BMW i7 xDrive60 Excellence Pro

Electric performance car: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S

RollsRoyce

Rolls-Royce Announces Global Dealer Awards

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents its annual Global Dealer Awards to dealer partners from across its worldwide network
  • The awards recognize outstanding contribution to the marque’s success during 2022
  • Categories reflect a range of business objectives and achievements
  • Global Dealer Awards complemented by a range of Regional Awards

“Our dealer partners are an integral part of our worldwide Rolls-Royce family: it is impossible to overstate the crucial role that they play in our global success. Their local knowledge and insights, professional expertise and hyper-personalized client engagement is central to the experience we offer our clients as a true House of Luxury. It is with enormous pleasure that I present these awards, which recognize and celebrate our dealer partners’ outstanding achievements and invaluable contribution in 2022. My sincere thanks and congratulations to all the winners whose unstinting commitment inspires greatness in us all.”
Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director of Sales and Brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents its annual World Dealer Awards today in a series of virtual and in-person events.

The awards recognize and celebrate individual dealer partners’ outstanding contribution to the marque’s worldwide success in 2022. Global awards are presented in categories based on a range of business objectives and achievements, together with a number of regional awards.

The global awards, presented by Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Director of Sales and Brand, Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars, were as follows:

  • Global Dealer of the Year (joint winners):

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Philadelphia
  • Sales Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beijing Jinbaojie
  • Ownership Services Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars AGMC
  • Provenance Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo
  • Bespoke Dealer of the Year:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Munich
  • Whispers Dealer of The Year Award:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane
  • Social Media Award:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hangzhou

The awards reflect a momentous performance in 2022, which saw the marque deliver for the first time in its history more than 6,000 motor cars in a single 12-month period. It was also a landmark year for Bespoke commissions, with some truly magnificent, imaginative and technically audacious creations created by the Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars receives two prestigious towing awards in one day

• Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 wins overall in the Tow Car Awards 2023

• Volvo V90 Cross Country named Best Car for Towing in the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards

Volvo has achieved a remarkable double win with the V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 being named the overall winner in the 2023 Tow Car Awards, and the V90 Cross Country winning the Best Car for Towing category in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. Both honors were announced today, showcasing Volvo’s commitment to delivering cars with exceptional towing capabilities, even within its new range of electrified models.

The Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 is the first plug-in hybrid model to be crowned the overall winner in the Tow Car Awards. It also won the category for cars in the ‘1900kg+: Up to £60,000’ class.

The judging panel consisted of experts from What Car?, Practical Caravan, and the Camping and Caravanning Club, who rigorously tested the contenders on the track. Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, commented: “With more power and a larger battery than before, the Volvo V60 Recharge offers an excellent all-electric range and tremendous performance while towing.” He also praised the car’s stability, spaciousness, and ease of towing, concluding that “it’s hard to find fault with the Volvo as a tow car.”

The mid-sized Volvo estate has a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Its power and torque, derived from the petrol-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain, are key to its strong and responsive towing performance. The 253hp 2.0-liter engine generates a maximum torque of 350Nm, working in conjunction with a 145hp electric motor with 309Nm. Its performance is supported by an 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for an electric-only range of up to 55 miles when not towing.

The V90 Cross Country’s success follows the achievement of the Volvo XC40 compact SUV in the same Auto Trader awards category last year. This year, the V90 emerged as the winner based on survey responses from over 220,000 UK car owners who rated their vehicles across various consumer-focused lifestyle categories. The Cross Country version of the stylish estate car is specifically designed for outdoor exploration, featuring all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and the ability to tow braked trailers up to 2,400kg. Additionally, it offers up to 1,517 liters of interior space.

Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “The gorgeous Volvo V90 Cross Country is an enticing package, offering a premium, spacious interior, great tech, a sublime drive, and that all-important towing capability. Owners particularly commented on its distinctive Swedish styling, which sets it apart from other mainstream manufacturers.”

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, stated: “Creating cars that are perfectly suited to towing is part of our heritage, and it is a legacy that we are proud to continue into the new era of electrified mobility. As these awards demonstrate, success is not only about raw power but also about creating a complete package that encompasses our signature qualities of stylish design, exceptional safety, practicality, and comprehensive connectivity and convenience features.”

For more information on the Volvo V60 and V90, and to use the online configurator, please visit www.volvcars.co.uk

Note to editors

• Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real‐world range may vary.

JeepUk

Jeep® Avenger named ‘Best Small Car’ at Autocar Awards 2023

  • All-new, fully-electric Jeep® Avenger is named ‘Best Small Car’ at the Autocar Awards 2023
  • Panel of expert judges praise the Avenger’s compact form and sophistication
  • Prestigious Autocar Awards recognises the best new cars on sale in the UK
  • Latest award from Autocar adds to the Avenger’s expanding collection of international accolades – including European Car of the Year
  • Available to order now; designed and built in Europe, the Jeep Avenger compact SUV is the brand’s first-ever battery-electric vehicle (BEV)

 

The all-new, fully-electric Jeep® Avenger has added to its collection of international accolades after being named ‘Best Small Car’ at the Autocar Awards 2023.

The Autocar Awards, which celebrates the finest new cars on sale in the UK today, are curated by some of the most informed and experienced automotive journalists in the industry, hand-picking the best of the best in highly competitive categories.

Commenting on the Avenger’s win, Mark Tisshaw, Editor, Autocar, said: “Spend time with the team that made the Avenger and you’ll be aware just how committed these passionate individuals have been and how they have worked hard to create a car that brings something truly different to the small SUV class.

“The Avenger’s design is every bit a true Jeep, and it has a real rugged character. The proportions are spot on, and, like the best small cars, it has real charm and character. Those qualities transfer to the way the Avenger drives. There’s a maturity to its ride, handling and steering, and the electric power is a boon around town. It feels far more sophisticated than a car this small has any right to. While the Avenger might be small on the outside, it never really feels it inside.”

Jules Tilstone, Managing Director, Jeep UK, commented: “We are delighted to see yet another highly respected automotive publication recognise the Avenger’s exceptional customer offering in the compact car sector. The Avenger is rich with Jeep DNA, now in compact form with no compromise on interior spaciousness. We are charging forward with the next generation of electrified Jeep vehicles, and the Avenger is at the forefront of this exciting new chapter.”

The new Avenger is an all-electric compact SUV that, at just four metres in length, is positioned in the rapidly growing B-SUV segment. Aimed at active people who are looking for an SUV with compact dimensions, the Avenger offers plenty of room and storage possibilities. Designed and built as a Jeep vehicle from day one, the Avenger packs the Jeep DNA into a compact SUV with a unique combination of capability, style, functionality and technology.

With a range of up to 250 miles* in the WLTP cycle, a new electric powertrain combines a unique 400-volt electric motor with 115 kilowatts, 260 Nm of maximum torque and a new 54 kWh battery.

The introduction of the Avenger in Europe marks the beginning of the next phase of the electrification of the Jeep brand – the BEV wave. By the end of 2030, the Jeep brand’s European sales will be 100% pure electric.

The all-new, fully-electric Jeep Avenger is available to order now from £34,800 OTR.