The Volkswagen Passat has been awarded the European Car of the Year 2015 by a jury of 58 motoring journalists from 22 countries, including Michael McAleer from The Irish Times.
Presented on the eve of the Geneva International Motor Show, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in the car industry. The Passat is the third Volkswagen model in the last five years to be awarded this title, with previous winners being the Volkswagen Polo in 2010 and Volkswagen Golf in 2013.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony in Geneva, Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Group said: "We are extremely proud of this accolade. In the new Passat we have again succeeded in developing a car that sets the standards for its class in terms of technology and quality. This honour is a tremendous confirmation for the work of our engineers, designers and the entire team. The new Passat shows that the Volkswagen brand has the right answers to the challenges of our time."
"We are delighted to see the Passat claim what is the most prestigious international title in the motoring calendar," said Paul Burke, Operations Director of Volkswagen Ireland. "We have seen huge demand for the car since it launched in January and this award validates gives further credibility to those who have made the considered choice to drive Passat."
In the months prior to the award being given, the finalists undergo a number of extensive tests and evaluations based on areas such as economy, safety, comfort, driving dynamics, functionality as well as design and technical progress. Each juror is then given 25 points to distribute between the seven finalists, with a maximum of ten points to be awarded to any one car.
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The European Car of the Year has been running since its inauguration in 1964 and over the years has had a variety of winners that include the Mercedes-Benz 450S, Simca 1307, Opel Kadett and perhaps most memorably the Porsche 928. Last year's winner was the Peugeot 308.