Ford Everest Won the 2015 Thailand Car of The Year Award

BANGKOK: Ford Everest bagged the inaugural 2015 Thailand car of the year award, organised by a community of auto journalists and experts, Thai Automotive Journalists Association (TAJA) to appreciate and promote the best vehicle in the Thailand automotive market regardless of the type, size, engine and technology. Ford Everest had a marginal win over the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by only one point.

The total of six cars were shortlisted from 11 eligible candidates  for the award including Ford Everest, Honda HR-V, Mazda 2, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Nissan X-Trail. The Ford's pickup-based SUV, the new Everest outscored all the shortlisted contestants gaining a total of 110 points from the panel of judges. Only the all-new models launched in Thailand from November 2014 to November 2015 were eligible to join the contest of Thailand Car of the Year 2015. Besides this, the vehicles had to be assembled in the country with at least sales volume of 500 units per year.

Image Courtesy: Bangkok Post

Thailand automotive market has gradually emerged as the Automotive hub among the ASEAN countries and has got the 12th rank in the World's Automotive Production whereas Thai vehicle exporters are among the top 10 car exporters of the globe. Despite the fallout in sales last year, there were few automakers, which have managed to grab a strong hold over the market in Thailand. Among those few brands are Ford, Honda and Toyota. Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd was also recognised with four Car of the Year awards 2015.

This year, Ford Everest went up against the Mitsubishi Sport (109), Mazda 2 (106), Mercedes-Benz C-class (83) and Nissan X-Trail (56). Everest also outscored the Honda HR-V (85), which won the Best SUV under 1800 cc last year at the 36th Bangkok International Motor Show.

It was not a smooth ride for Ford globally as it faced the decline in sales but later was represented in six categories of Car of the year 2015 and won five out of them. Also, Ford Everest Trend, which was manufactured in Thailand was the lucky one to claim a majority of the votes to win the Drive Car of the year 2015.

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