About the Awards

The Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year awards is the most comprehensive automotive awards programme in Ireland. The awards are designed to:

Reward and recognise the best new cars and vans of each year
Showcase new automotive, mobility and safety technology
Inform the car-buying public about the best cars for the Irish driving environment

The programme has been running continuously since 1978, when the inaugural Irish Car of the Year awards were held.

The awards are spearheaded and judged by a group of 32 of Ireland’s foremost motoring journalists representing the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI).

Each year, the judging panel assesses all new vehicle models that have been launched in Ireland before shortlisting a selection to go forward into the awards programme.

Awards Event

The Irish Car of the Year event takes place towards the end of each calendar year once all contenders have been assessed and shortlisted for the awards.

Awards night is the most prestigious event on the Irish automotive calendar, bringing together representatives of all leading Irish car brands, importers, distributors, mobility providers and other stakeholders together with the cream of Ireland’s motoring media – from print, broadcast and online outlets – plus special guests.