Launched in 1977, the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year award is the most prestigious, longest running, and important industry award in the country.
To become a finalist for New Zealand’s most prestigious car award, entrants must meet the criteria set by the Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year committee.
The Car of the Year is chosen from a list of ten finalists and is announced in December at an event showcasing the finalists. The winner receives the Peter Greenslade trophy.
Selection of finalists
A Car of the Year committee of Motoring Writers’ Guild members will identify approximately twenty cars that met the criteria for consideration as finalists (these being that they had been launched in the 12 month period and were either all-new or substantially new models). They will then meet to debate and establish the ten finalists with justification for each selection.
The list of ten finalists will be submitted to the Motoring Writers’ Guild Executive for ratification with the list then being made public.
The main round of voting
Upon publication of the finalists list (ten vehicles) all Motoring Writers’ Guild members will vote using an agreed scoring system.
Announcement of winner and publicity
The New Zealand Car of the Year will receive the Peter Greenslade trophy. This has been presented to the winner of the Guild’s annual award since 1988 and recognizes the memory and contribution of the late Peter Greenslade, a highly respected New Zealand motoring writer.