Car manufacturers clean up at Good Design Awards

VARIOUS manufacturers received accolades at the prestigious Australian Good Design Awards this week, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, Genesis and Hyundai.

Since 1958 the Good Design Awards have recognised excellence in professional design and the impact a design-led approach has on business success, as well as factoring in social and environmental outcomes. 

This year’s awards attracted high-quality designs from Australia and abroad, judged by more than 70 jurors from across a range of industries.

South Korean manufacturers cleaned up on the night, with both Hyundai and Genesis taking out dual awards.

Genesis was awarded Good Design Award Gold for its electric GV60, while the big brother GV70 SUV also won a Good Design Award.

On top of the two awards, Genesis also earned a Special Accolate as the Automotive Interior Design winner for its luxurious GV60.

“Securing prestigious Good Design Awards accolades in 2022 after our success last year underlines the growing momentum of the Genesis brand as we roll out innovative products into new segments of the market,” said Genesis Motors Australia head Connal Yan.

“We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards for GV60, our first-ever electric vehicle, and for our luxurious GV70 SUV.”

Hyundai had a clean sweep at the Awards, too, taking out Good Design Award Gold for the Staria people mover and a Good Design Award for the red-hot i30 Sedan N.

It was the car-maker’s sixth consecutive year of Good Design Award wins, and the i30 Sedan N also snagged a Special Accolade as Automotive Exterior Design Award winner this year.

“We are thrilled to be recognised with prestigious Australian Good Design Awards for Staria and i30 Sedan N in our sixth consecutive year of success at the awards,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer Ted Lee.

“Both models underline that not only is Hyundai at the leading edge of the development of advanced sustainable powertrain technologies; we are also pushing the boundaries in established segments such as people movers and high-performance vehicles.”

Over to the Japanese manufacturers, Mitsubishi won a Good Design Award for its new Outlander – the fourth design award for the model in its first production year.

“It is a tremendous honour for all-new Outlander to be recognised by the peak design award program in Australia,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shaun Westcott.

“The all-new Outlander has been lauded for its distinctive, considered design since its late-2021 launch.”

The new Nissan Z also took out a Good Design Award in the Product Design category, recognised for its evolution of the iconic model across its 50-plus year heritage.

“Few carmakers can claim the achievement of a successful evolution of a sports car for over half a century,” said the Good Design Awards jury.

“The new Nissan Z pays homage to the original 240Z of the early 70’s, yet tastefully delivers a modern and fresh interpretation without relying on nostalgia.

“The silhouette retains the classic long dash-to-axle proportions and is complemented by sleek and understated surface detailing. A clever and professional evolution of an icon.”