Kia's CEO Song Ho-sung was awarded the Issigonis Trophy at the '2025 Autocar Awards' hosted by the British automotive magazine Autocar on the 25th (local time). This recognition reflects the leadership of CEO Song, who is leading Kia's electrification strategy, in the global automotive market.
CEO Song Ho-sung's electrification leadership has already received high praise domestically. He won 'Person of the Year' at the 2024 Korea Car of the Year awards organized by the Korea Automotive Journalists Association (AWAK).
Autocar, founded in 1895, is the world's first automotive magazine and holds global influence through online editions and international versions, in addition to its readership in the English-speaking world. Autocar awards individuals and products that have achieved remarkable results in the global automotive industry each year.
The Issigonis Trophy is the highest honor among the Autocar Awards, named after the legendary car designer and engineer 'Alec Issigonis'. Alec Issigonis (1906-1988) was the developer of the first 'Mini' model launched by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1959. In 1969, he was recognized for the success of the Mini and was awarded the title 'Sir' by the British Queen.
Past major recipients of the Issigonis Trophy include Ron Dennis, chairman of McLaren, in 2014, Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, in 2018, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler, in 2019, Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo, in 2020, Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, in 2021, and Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, in 2024. These are individuals who have led the global automotive industry at the time of their awards.
Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar, noted, "We are delighted to present the Issigonis Trophy to CEO Song Ho-sung. We are impressed by how he has led Kia, the company's continuous growth, and the successes he has achieved." He added, "He has driven excellent design and brand improvements, creating outstanding and appealing cars that meet the industry's greatest challenges in electrification."
CEO Song Ho-sung expressed, "I am very honored to receive the Autocar Issigonis Award" and stated, "This award is not just my own achievement, but the result of the global Kia team working together to enhance the brand's value." He continued, "We will constantly challenge ourselves beyond customer satisfaction, providing inspiring experiences with products and services based on Kia's future vision as a sustainable mobility solutions provider."
Before becoming the CEO of Kia, Song Ho-sung held various positions, including global operations officer and head of Kia's European corporation. Based on his broad experience across the automotive industry and expertise in overseas business operations, he contributed to Kia's successful transformation in a rapidly changing global automotive industry. Since being appointed CEO in 2020, Song has grown Kia into a global leader in electrification and sustainable mobility solutions through the mid-to-long-term 'Plan S' strategy.
Under CEO Song Ho-sung's leadership, Kia has established its brand identity and gained recognition in the global market by launching new electric vehicle lineups, including the EV9, which won the 2024 World Car of the Year, and the EV3, which won the 2025 World Car of the Year. Kia also showcased innovative strategies in the commercial vehicle market through purpose-built vehicles (PBV). This year, Kia plans to launch its first electric commercial vehicle, the PV5, and sell 250,000 PBVs by 2030.
The Kia EV3 has been selected as 'Best Electric Car' at the 2025 Autocar Awards. As the 2025 World Car of the Year and the 2025 UK Car of the Year, the EV3 is a compact SUV electric vehicle that can travel up to approximately 605 kilometers on a single charge (based on European WLTP standards). The EV3 has been highly praised for its outstanding driving range, fast charging performance, and reasonable price.
Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar, evaluated, "The EV3 stands out as a remarkably impressive new car among electric vehicles released at reasonable prices in 2025." He added, "The design appeal of the EV9 has been extended to the heart of the electric vehicle market, making it attractive in all aspects, including ample space, practicality, impressive fast-charging speed, and excellent electric driving performance with compelling electric range." He further noted, "The EV3 is a highly persuasive model that offers excellent completeness, allowing customers to purchase it and be thoroughly satisfied in real life."
The EV3 has continuously garnered attention in the global market since its launch last year. It has received major international awards, including the 2025 World Car of the Year and the 2025 Top Gear Electric Car Awards, recognizing its global competitiveness. Particularly in the UK, it was also awarded the 2025 UK Car of the Year.
CEO Song Ho-sung stated, "The selection of the Kia EV3 as 'Best Electric Car' at the 2025 Autocar Awards demonstrates Kia's commitment to innovation." He added, "We will leap as a global leader in electrification through our ongoing PBV strategy and the diverse lineup from the soon-to-be-released EV2 to the EV9."
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