Car of the Year (COTY) is a common abbreviation for numerous automotive awards. The "Car of the Year" phrase is considered to have been introduced by Motor Trend magazine in 1949 when the new publication named Cadillac as Motor Trend Car of the Year. Other publications and various organizations also have developed COTY recognitions. The Australian automobile magazine Wheels began an award in 1963. In 1964, a jury of European automotive journalists began selecting the European Car of the Year award. Many COTY awards focus on regional markets, vehicle types, or market segments. An example is the "tow car of the year" in the UK (for pulling travel trailers). or the COTY AJAC award in Canada.

Criteria

The COTY is meant to award excellence in automotive design. Criteria vary, but the World Car of the Year are typical: The originator of the COTY award, Motor Trend, uses these criteria:

Global

Regional

National

Sample Results