2012 ET ZW Special Awards

1. Car Maker of the Year – Mahindra & Mahindra

2012 has been a tough year for the automakers. Money has been expensive, the general customer sentiment has been down, the choice has increased and discounting is the rule of the day. Nevertheless some auto makers made the most of this by looking at it as an opportunity rather than a large heavy noose round their necks and it paid off for the brave few who thought logically. 

The firms which grappled well were few, Renault for one was brave enough to come up with stunning new additions to its portfolio as was Maruti Suzuki but for the latter, being número uno was a mixed bag with labour trouble and what not as part of its large plate. In the premier class we suddenly had a new name crop up, Audi came aggressively on to turf previously fought and dominated by the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz but even en this wasn't enough.

In the midst of all this turmoil and pressure seemingly all year round, Mahindra & Mahindra stood out for four clear reasons:

• It has further strengthened its command over the focus segments of SUVs and MPVs.

• Mahindra have successfully acquired and integrated a new brand into their organisation and portfolio.

• They have become a mainstream volume player edging Tata Motors to the fourth place.

• And to top it all off, they are running a terrific CSR programme under the "Rise" banner where under they are recognising true innovators in all fields of life.

If that is not all, Mahindra may have been in the country for long, but now they are truly maturing as a global automaker prepared to go forth boldly. So what if they couldn't get Aston Martin, this would only enable them to develop and script an even bigger success story than the XUV 500!

2. Bike Maker of the Year – Royal Enfield

The Indian two-wheeler market is truly evolving both in segmentation and maturity of the customer. Also the dynamics are changing where volume is concerned with erstwhile leader Hero MotoCorp having to experience a drop in volumes for its Splendor even as former partner and technology provider Honda is gunning where it hurts most: at the core of Hero's cash cows! And then there is Bajaj Auto which seemingly just can't do anything wrong when it comes to performance, profits and pleasure having set the passions aflame with the new Pulsar 200NS, the KTM 200 Duke and the phenomenally fuel efficient Discover 125ST.

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However, adopting a contrarian view in a year that has seen huge action both at the economy and premium levels, Royal Enfield has held its own and actually went ahead with a product and expansion plan to take on brands from both ends, those that are moving up the product ladder as well as those that are planning to climb down. Having had its best year ever in terms of absolute numbers is another small detail.

Just when many sceptics thought the Chennai Thumper would wilt in the company of Hondas and Harleys, it has thumped back! And how!

3. Design of the Year – Hyundai Elantra

There’s no doubting that Hyundai’s Fluidic Design philosophy has captured the imagination of the world and the new Elantra’s svelte lines are testament to that fact, earning it the design award this year.

4. Automotive Technology of the Year – Bajaj Triple Spark

It’s not just about fitting three spark plugs in a cylinder head, but some brilliant R&D that gives the Pulsar 200NS the grunt that it has and yet keeps it frugal. Bajaj Auto takes away our technology award for empowering the masses!

5. Motorsport Award of the Year – Mahindra Racing

Taking Indian motorsport to a new level this year was Mahindra Racing, not just mixing it up in Moto3, but also taking home the Constructors’ Title in the 125GP class of the CIV Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship - an effort that makes us all proud!

6. Motorsport Person of the Year – Jehan Daruvala

Now here’s a Formula 1 star in the making - Jehan Daruvala, member of the Sahara Force India Academy took away the CIK FIA World Championship in tremendous style! The best result by an Indian in international karting to date earns him the award.

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2012 ET ZigWheels Car and Bike Awards : Special Coverage 

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Segment Winners : 2012 ZW Bike of the Year Awards

2012 ET ZigWheels Car & Bike Awards Jury Round : In Pictures!

2012 ET ZW Awards : Jury Member Profiles

2012 ZW Awards Special : Editorial