Daimler chief wins top gong
Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management at Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, has been awarded the Issigonis Trophy for his contributions to the global automotive industry at the 2019 Autocar Awards, sponsored by NOCO.
Autocar’s Issigonis Trophy, named after legendary engineer and inventor of the Mini Sir Alec Issigonis, is awarded to an individual who has made a personal impact in steering one of the world’s largest industries.
Zetsche’s years of contribution, ability to predict and embrace new trends and market segments, as well as his leadership of Mercedes and Daimler, earned him the prestigious award at the Autocar Awards ceremony, held in the Silverstone Wing on Tuesday evening.
The ceremony also featured Renault’s head of design, Laurens van den Acker, being awarded the Sturmey Award for his innovative approach to design and forward-thinking concept cars. Named after Henry Sturmey, the founder of Autocar 124 years ago, the award celebrates an individual who has brought the highest technical standards to the industry.
The Editor’s Award was picked up by Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin. Since joining Aston Martin, Dr Palmer has introduced a raft of new models, including the development of the company’s first ever SUV, the DBX, increased the company’s profitability and recently unveiled a new factory in South Wales where the DBX will be built.
The Mundy Award for Engineering – given to a standout engineer for his contributions to the industry – was won by Porsche’s Andreas Preuninger for his work in the company’s iconic GT division. Peugeot design director Gilles Vidal won Autocar’s Design Hero award for his efforts in helping to revitalise the Peugeot product range through bold and innovative concepts and production models such as the new 208.
Autocar also handed out Outstanding UK Leaders awards to BMW Group UK CEO Graeme Grieve, Toyota GB’s managing director Paul Van der Burgh and David Richards CBE, chairman of Prodrive and Motorsport UK.
JLR chief engineer Mike Cross received a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Formula 1 star George Russell was named Autocar’s Motorsport Hero to acknowledge his achievement of making it to Grand Prix racing purely on merit.
In the past 12 months, Autocar has awarded just three vehicles full five-star road test verdicts. The BMW 320d, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and the McLaren Senna were all highlighted with Five-Star awards on the night.
McLaren also picked up Autocar’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Car award for the McLaren 600LT, while the Ford Fiesta ST won Britain’s Best Affordable Driver’s Car for vehicles costing below £30,000.
Another British sports car brand, Lotus, picked up the Readers’ Champion Award, decided via Autocar’s thousands of readers in an online poll to determine Autocar’s ultimate Icon of Icons. The Lotus Elise topped a shortlist of 17 models chosen by Autocar.
The Autocar Awards ceremony also recognised the used vehicle market as the Volkswagen Golf was awarded the Autocar Used Car Hero title for its blend of affordability, versatility and reliability.
A further six vehicles were recognised as Game Changers. The Suzuki Jimny, Ferrari 488 Pista, Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Nexo and Kia e-Niro were all highlighted for either introducing new standards in their vehicle categories or defying conventions to bring new features and benefits for drivers.
Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar, said, ‘The breadth of awards and winners at the Autocar Awards reflects the breadth of talent and innovation in the industry. From design to engineering and development, the Autocar Awards celebrate the best the industry has to offer.’
