The new Volkswagen Polo has been named as the 2010 World Car of the Year. This is the second year in a row that a Volkswagen model has been crowned as the World Car of the Year. The new Golf won the award in 2009.

Merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal are the criterias for the World Car of the Year. In 2010, the top three contenders for World Car of the Year title were, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Polo.

“We are honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

The award was received by Walter de Silva, Head of Design of the Volkswagen Group at the New York International Auto Show.

“The new Volkswagen Polo generation fascinates in two ways – by its uncomplicated, unique and timeless design as well as its high efficiency. Already more than 230 000 customers worldwide have placed their orders for the new Volkswagen Polo,” said Mr de Silva.

Now in its seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind. The majority of the 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world chose the Polo from 30 entries. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their on-going full-time professional work. Through their respective media they collectively reach an audience of many millions worldwide.

Since its South African launch in January 2010, over 6 700 new Volkswagen Polos have been sold. The new Polo is manufactured at the Volkswagen of South Africa production plant in Uitenhage for the local market as well as for export to the global right hand drive markets such as Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Malta and Cyprus. Uitenhage is the sole production site for the right hand drive five-door new Volkswagen Polo. Due to the high demand for the new Polo in Europe, Volkswagen of South Africa will also build left hand drive export units in 2010.