Hyundai Motor Group announced Luc Donckerwolke, the Group’s Executive Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) has been named 2022 World Car Person of the Year by the World Car Awards jury panel representing 102 journalists from 33 countries. Donckerwolke oversaw innovative new models including Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.
The former Lamborghini and Bentley designer was named head of the Hyundai Motor Design Center in November 2015.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Person of the Year award and would like to thank all of the jury members and the valued team at Hyundai Motor Group, without whom this would not have been possible,” Donckerwolke said.
“Since joining the Group as CCO in 2016, we have not only continued the upward trajectory of both the Hyundai and Kia brands but also introduced a new luxury brand, Genesis. Since its introduction, the Genesis brand has grown to receive many accolades, and I am privileged to be part of the creation, launch and development of the brand alongside many of my esteemed colleagues,” Donckerwolke said. “Thank you again for this fantastic honor.”
Past World Car Person of the Year recipients include Akio Toyoda (2021), Carlos Tavares (2020), Sergio Marchionne (2019) and Håkan Samuelsson (2018).
The World Car jury also recognized Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in various award categories. IONIQ 5 and EV6 made the top five in 2022 World Car Design. GV70 made the top five in 2022 World Luxury Car. IONIQ 5 also made the top five in 2022 World EV of the Year. IONIQ 5, EV6, Genesis G70 and Hyundai Tucson all made the top 10 in 2022 World Car of the Year, giving the Group more recognition than any other automaker on the list.
