The Volkswagen Up has been honoured as the 2012 World Car of the Year. With 66 of the top automotive journalists from around the globe judging, the Up surpassed a total of 33 other nominees.

Announced at the New York International Auto Show in New York City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual World Car of the Year awards recognises the year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal.

‘This award shows once again that in the Up our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,’ said Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen AG.