Hyundai Azera Is Best in Class at Middle East Car of the Year Awards

The All-new Hyundai Azera has been named as the best new Large Sedan at the prestigious Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards for 2018, with judges again recognizing Hyundai for its ability to offer outstanding design and quality, as well as excellent value.

Awarded by a jury of leading motoring writers from across the Middle East, the MECOTY awards are the most comprehensive independent awards for carmakers in the Middle East, with the 2018 winners announced during a gala event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 2 April.

The All-new Azera was named ahead of the joint-finalist in the Large Sedan category, the Opel Insignia, while the Hyundai Sonata was among the finalists for the Midsize Sedan category.

“The new Azera clearly sets its own path in terms of design,” said Antonio Lee, Hyundai’s Head of Marketing for Africa and the Middle East, after receiving the award. “It is innovative, sophisticated, and built on more than three decades of experience in understanding what our customers want. This is a great new accomplishment to be added to its many achievements.”

First held in 2014, the MECOTY awards reflect the distinct preferences of Middle East buyers, with an emphasis on sedan and SUV models – the two body styles most popular with customers in the region – across a range of sizes. Hyundai has seen considerable success in the MECOTY program for past years, with the Sonata named as best Midsize Sedan in 2015, and Elantra named best Small Sedan 2016.

“Hyundai Motor models lead their segments in several Middle East markets,” said Antonio Lee. “We have great confidence in the experience we offer to customers and our positive reputation among car buyers. We are pleased and humbled that the MECOTY judges share that confidence.”