Contenders announced for Semperit ICOTY 2002

Brian Smith of Semperit, Kevin Fenix, chairman IMWA, with
model Yvonne van Hoffen and the Semperit ICOTY trophy

25 October 2001: The candidates for the title ‘Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2002’ have been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. The winning car will be announced at a lunch ceremony in the Berkeley Court Hotel on Thursday, 22 November.

This year’s awards has attracted 33 entries: Alfa Romeo 147, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series Compact, Chrysler PT Cruiser , Chrysler Voyager, Citroen C5, Daewoo Tacuma, Daihatsu YRV,, Ford Mondeo, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sante Fe, Hyundai Matrix, Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Kia Mentor, Kia Shuma, Kia Carens, Kia Sedona, Lexus RX300, Lexus SC430, Mercedes Benz C-Class, MG ZR, MG ZS, MG ZT, Mini, Nissan Tino, Opel Speedster, Peugeot 307, Peugeot 607, Renault Laguna, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Liana.

“Last year’s contest produced the closest result in the history of the Semperit Irish Car of the Year award, and I suspect the judging is likely to be tight again this year,”, says Brian Smith of Semperit Ireland. “The rich variety of segments represented by these contenders is an indication of ever-increasing diversity and choice in the industry. Alongside a number of popular family offerings, there is a striking number of more exotic models entering the market.”

This is the 10th anniversary of Semperit’s involvement with the awards. The inaugural Semperit Irish Car of the Year was the Fiat Tempra.

The Semperit Irish Car of the Year award is adjudicated each year by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. Last year the title went to the Opel Corsa. November 22 will also see the announcement of the Semperit Irish Van of the Year.