New Delhi – The Indian automotive industry witnessed a grand celebration of excellence as JK Tyre commemorated the 20th edition of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and the 18th edition of the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards. Held at the opulent Levitas Lounge in New Delhi, the event brought together prominent figures from the automotive fraternity, including industry stalwarts, journalists, and innovators, to honor groundbreaking achievements in the sector.
Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, presided over the event alongside ICOTY Chairman Dhruv Behl and IMOTY Chairman Kartik Ware. The ceremony marked two decades of ICOTY’s illustrious legacy, spotlighting innovation and excellence.
Winners of the Night
- Indian Car of the Year 2025: Mahindra Thar Roxx – Acknowledged for its cutting-edge design, superior technology, and outstanding performance.
- Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025: Aprilia RS 457 – Celebrated for its unmatched agility, breathtaking performance, and Italian design flair.
- Premium Car of the Year 2025: Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Recognized for redefining luxury and technological innovation.
- Green Car of the Year 2025: MG Windsor – Honored for its eco-friendly approach and value-driven features.
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Singhania remarked, “The ICOTY and IMOTY Awards symbolize India’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. As the industry evolves, these accolades reinforce our collective commitment to innovation and progress. JK Tyre is privileged to support this transformative journey.”
The event underscored India’s growing stature as a global automotive leader. From the off-road prowess of the Thar Roxx to the performance-driven design of the Aprilia RS 457, the awards celebrated vehicles that have not only set benchmarks but also redefined customer expectations.
Highlighting Green Mobility
The MG Windsor’s recognition as the Green Car of the Year highlighted the sector’s shift toward sustainability. Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus of JSW MG Motor India, credited the Windsor’s success to initiatives like Battery-As-A-Service and its groundbreaking affordability, which are reshaping the EV landscape in India.
Credibility and Transparency at the Core
Both ICOTY and IMOTY follow a rigorous and impartial evaluation process. Vehicles are judged on a range of parameters, including design, safety, performance, fuel efficiency, and adaptability to Indian conditions. With a jury comprising 28 experienced automotive journalists, these awards are regarded as the gold standard in Indian automotive recognition.
ICOTY Chairman Dhruv Behl stated, “For 20 years, ICOTY has upheld its reputation as the most credible and respected automotive award in the industry. The jury’s cumulative expertise ensures that every winner truly represents the pinnacle of excellence.”
Voices of Triumph
- Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., expressed gratitude for the Thar Roxx’s victory, emphasizing its embodiment of adventure and engineering brilliance.
- Diego Graffi, MD and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles, lauded the Aprilia RS 457 for capturing the hearts of Indian riders with its blend of speed and innovation.
- Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, dedicated the E-Class’s win to his team’s commitment to delivering bespoke luxury tailored to Indian consumers.
Driving Into the Future
The ICOTY and IMOTY awards are not just celebrations but also reflections of the industry’s dynamic evolution. With sustainability, luxury, and innovation at the forefront, the 20th edition of ICOTY reaffirmed India’s emergence as a global automotive powerhouse.
As the night concluded, it was evident that the journey of ICOTY and IMOTY is a journey of India’s automotive aspirations—one that is steering towards an exciting and transformative future.
Past Winners–
| ICOTY | IMOTY | Premium Car Award | Green Car Award |
| Hyundai Exter | Royal Enfield Himalayan | BMW 7 Series | Hyundai IONIQ 5 |
| Kia Carens (2023) | Royal Enfield Hunter (2023) | Mercedes EQS 580 (2023) | KIA EV6 (2023) |
| Mahindra XUV 700 (2022) | TVS Raider (2022) | Mercedes Benz S-Class (2022) | Audi e-tron (2022) |
| Hyundai i20 (2021) | Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2021) | Land Rover Defender (2021) | Tata Nexon EV (2021) |
| Hyundai Venue (2020) | Hero Xpulse 200 (2020) | BMW 3-Series Sedan (2020) | |
| aruti Suzuki Swift (2019) | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (2019) | Volvo XC40 (2019) | |
| Hyundai Verna (2018) | KTM 390 Duke (2018) | ||
| Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (2017) | TVS Apache RTR 200 4V (2017) | ||
| Hyundai Creta (2016) | Yamaha YZF R3 (2016) | ||
| Hyundai Elite i20 (2015) | Harley-Davidson Street 750 (2015) | ||
| Hyundai i10 Grand (2014) | Royal Enfield Continental (2014) | ||
| Renault Duster (2013) | KTM Duke 200 (2013) | ||
| Maruti Suzuki Swift (2012) | Honda CBR 250R (2012) | ||
| Ford Figo (2011) | Honda CB Twister (2011) | ||
| Tata Nano (2010) | Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2010) | ||
| Honda City (2009) | Yamaha R15 (2009) | ||
| Hyundai i10 (2008) | Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi (2008) | ||
| Honda Civic (2007) | |||
| Maruti Suzuki Swift (2006) |
