Inside Kuwait’s biggest automotive celebration – the People’s Choice Awards, the inaugural CP Automotive Excellence Awards, and the surprise launch that stole the night.
On Saturday 19th September, the Al Hashemi Ballroom at the Radisson Blu Hotel hosted the second CP Magazine Awards Night. For the first time, the evening covered two programmes: the People’s Choice Awards, decided by public vote across 19 categories, and the new CP Automotive Excellence Awards, judged by our editorial team and industry experts across 12.
Having followed both from the opening of voting to the final trophy, I can say the night reflected the work that went into it. Thirty-one winners were recognised, representing importers, dealers and brands from across the market. His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Hamad Mohammad Al-Sabah attended as Guest of Honour, and representatives of five embassies joined us, several of them presenting awards on stage. Some of last year’s winners returned to defend their titles, and others took their first.
The evening closed with the launch of the CP Power List, an initiative we had kept to ourselves until that moment. This is our full account of the night.
GUEST OF HONOUR
The red carpet’s most anticipated arrival of the evening was His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Hamad Mohammad Al-Sabah, who joined as Guest of Honour.
Flashbulbs lifted the moment he stepped into the Al Hashemi Ballroom, and his presence on stage throughout the night lent the ceremony a weight that elevated it well beyond an industry dinner this was, unmistakably, an occasion of state as much as of celebration.
“No judges, no panel: the People’s Choice winners were chosen by the people who actually drive these cars.”
THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
H.E. Dr Dirk Rotenberg, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany) presented the awards for Volkswagen and Porsche, stepping forward twice across the evening as two of his country’s marques took the stage.
Mr. Chai Shengwei, First Secretary, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (China) presented awards to Lynk & Co and JETOUR, underlining the growing footprint of Chinese marques on Kuwaiti roads.
Mr. Kang Shinhak, Director General, Embassy of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) took the stage to present Hyundai’s Luxury Showroom Experience honour.
Prof. Saïd Mammar, Academic Attaché & Deputy Director, French Institute (France) joined as a distinguished guest representing the Embassy of France.
Mr. Massimo Bruno Errico, Diplomatic Attaché & Head of the Political Office, Embassy of the Italian Republic (Italy) rounded out the evening’s diplomatic corps as a distinguished guest.
THE CPM PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS – AUTOMOTIVE EDITION
Twenty categories. One ballot box: the Kuwaiti public.
Now in its second year, the People’s Choice Awards remains Kuwait’s only automotive recognition decided entirely by public vote – no panel, no judges, just the people who actually buy and drive these cars. This year’s ballot produced some familiar faces defending their titles, and several first-time winners staking a claim to Kuwaiti driveways for the very first time.
BEST EXECUTIVE CAR
Audi A6 · Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive – BACK-TO-BACK WINNER
The A6 defended its crown from last year without ever looking nervous about it a back-to-back win that speaks to Audi’s quiet consistency in a segment everyone else is still chasing.
BEST STYLISH PREMIUM CAR
Audi A5 · Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive
A second trophy for Fouad Alghanim & Sons on the night, the A5 proving Audi’s design language resonates well beyond the A6.
BEST FAMILY SEDAN
Hyundai Sonata · Northern Gulf Trading Company
The Hyundai Sonata took Best Family Sedan, rewarded for the comfort, space and everyday dependability that families look for in a sedan.
BEST LUXURY SUV
Genesis GV80 · Northern Gulf Trading Company
Genesis’s GV80 added to Northern Gulf Trading’s haul, rounding out a four-trophy night for the distributor across both the Hyundai and Genesis nameplates.
BEST FAMILY MPV
Hyundai STARIA · Northern Gulf Trading Company
The Hyundai STARIA took Best Family MPV. Its spacious cabin, flexible seating and family-first design have made it a popular choice for Kuwaiti households, and the vote showed it.
BEST FAMILY SUV – BACK-TO-BACK WINNER
Volkswagen Teramont · Behbehani Motors Company
Another repeat champion. The Teramont’s broad-shouldered practicality clearly hasn’t lost its appeal with Kuwaiti families voting a second year running.
BEST LEGENDARY 4×4 – BACK-TO-BACK WINNER
Jeep Wrangler · Al Mulla & Behbehani Motor Co.
Few vehicles earn the word ‘legendary’ in their own category name, the Wrangler did, and then backed it up with a second consecutive win.
ULTIMATE PICKUP TRUCK
RAM 1500 · Al Mulla & Behbehani Motor Co.
The RAM 1500 took Ultimate Pickup Truck, a win for a full-size pickup known for its towing strength, big-truck presence and comfortable cabin.
BEST LUXURY SPORTS CAR – BACK-TO-BACK WINNER
Porsche 911 · Behbehani Motors Co.
The Porsche 911 took Best Luxury Sports Car for the second year running, proof that its mix of everyday usability and sports-car character keeps winning over Kuwaiti drivers.
BEST PREMIUM SUV FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
Volvo XC60 · BNK Automotive
The Volvo XC60 took Best Premium SUV for Everyday Life, combining a refined cabin, a comfortable ride and Volvo’s safety focus in a size that suits daily driving.
BEST PREMIUM EV
Polestar 4 · BNK Automotive
The Polestar 4 took Best Premium EV, giving BNK Automotive a strong result for its electric line-up. Its sleek design and refined electric performance made it a clear favourite in the category.
BEST NEW GENERATION 4×4
Denza B5 · Alghanim Industries
The Denza B5 took Best New Generation 4×4, a category built for a new kind of off-roader. Its modern, electrified approach to rugged capability won over voters and put the brand on the map.
MOST INNOVATIVE NEW VEHICLE
BYD Ti7 · Alghanim Industries
The BYD Ti7 took Most Innovative New Vehicle, rewarded for the technology and forward-looking thinking packed into a vehicle that is still new to Kuwaiti roads. It stood out in a category made for what comes next.
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE-READY VEHICLE
JETOUR T2 · Budastoor Motors – BACK-TO-BACK WINNER
JETOUR’s T2 repeated its win from the previous edition, the first of four category wins that made this JETOUR’s standout night.
BEST FULL-SIZE SUV
JETOUR G700 · Budastoor Motors
The JETOUR G700 took Best Full-Size SUV, a win built on its commanding size, generous space and strong road presence.
BEST-EQUIPPED SUV IN ITS CLASS
JETOUR T1 · Budastoor Motors
The JETOUR T1 took Best-Equipped SUV in Its Class, a win that rewards generous standard features and strong value for the price.
BEST EMERGING LIFESTYLE PICKUP
JMC DADAO · Automak Automotive Co.
The JMC DADAO took Best Emerging Lifestyle Pickup, a win for a pickup that blends everyday usability with a lifestyle-focused design.
BEST COMPACT SUV
Soueast 06 · Al Mulla Auto
A first win for Soueast on Kuwaiti soil, and proof that the compact SUV segment remains the most hotly contested on the public ballot.
BEST PREMIUM CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE BRAND
Lynk & Co · AlZayani
Lynk & Co won Best Premium Chinese Automotive Brand, an award presented on stage by the First Secretary of the Embassy of China, recognising the brand’s distinctive design and its growing premium appeal in Kuwait.
CPM: AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS – INAUGURAL EDITION
Twelve categories. The judges: CP Magazine’s editorial team, and the industry itself.
If the People’s Choice Awards are the public’s verdict, the Automotive Excellence Awards are the industry’s own – a brand-new programme, evaluated by CP Magazine’s editorial team alongside independent experts, built to recognise the leadership, innovation and craft that a popular vote doesn’t always catch. Its debut edition added 12 new categories celebrated on stage.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC GROWTH
Alghanim Industries
Alghanim Industries Leadership is built on scale, vision and the ability to keep evolving. Alghanim Industries’ extensive portfolio, expansion and new brands and technologies continue to shape Kuwait’s automotive landscape.
TOP CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN KUWAIT
JETOUR · Budastoor Motors
Chinese brands have changed the Kuwaiti market through design, technology and choice. JETOUR, represented by Budastoor Motors, stands out for its strong presence and its connection with motorists.
LUXURY SHOWROOM EXPERIENCE
Hyundai · Northern Gulf Trading Company
Luxury begins long before the engine starts. Hyundai’s showroom, run by Northern Gulf Trading Company, brings design, presentation and attention to detail together in a distinctive premium setting.
FASTEST-GROWING AUTOMOTIVE BRAND IN KUWAIT
BYD · Alghanim Industries
Growth is measured in momentum and recognition. BYD, represented by Alghanim Industries, has made remarkable progress in Kuwait while expanding its range of new-energy vehicles.
SPECIAL EDITION DESIGN COLLABORATION
Porsche 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition · Behbehani Motors Company
Some vehicles become a canvas for creativity and culture. The Sadu Edition, brought to Kuwait by Behbehani Motors Company, joins world-class design with a distinctly Kuwaiti identity.
MOST ACTIVE GROUP IN COMMUNITY & SOCIAL IMPACT
BNK Automotive
An automotive group’s role extends well beyond the showroom. BNK Automotive has stayed active through community initiatives, CSR programmes and activities that make a positive social contribution.
NEW-GENERATION LUXURY SUV
ROX Adamas · Automak Automotive Company
Luxury SUVs are combining design, technology, comfort and capability in new ways. The ROX Adamas, represented by Automak, reflects that evolving approach to premium mobility.
NEW VEHICLE WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL
Lynk & Co 900 · Al Zayani
Some new arrivals capture attention straight away. The Lynk & Co 900, represented by Al Zayani, combines design, technology and an ambitious proposition that makes it one to watch.
OFF-ROAD EXCELLENCE IN ITS CLASS
Ford Everest · Alghanim Auto
True SUV capability covers everyday journeys and the road less travelled. The Ford Everest, represented by Alghanim Auto, pairs genuine all-terrain engineering with practicality, comfort and versatility.
MARKETING LEADERSHIP & BRAND ENGAGEMENT
BYD · Alghanim Industries
Modern marketing is about experiences and genuine engagement, not only advertising. BYD, represented by Alghanim Industries, stayed highly active all year through creative activations, weekend events and social initiatives.
SAFETY INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP
Volvo · BNK Automotive
For some manufacturers, safety is the philosophy behind every vehicle. Volvo, represented by BNK Automotive, has helped influence automotive safety for generations through its commitment to innovation and protection.
TOP DIGITAL AUTOMOTIVE PLATFORM IN KUWAIT
Motorgy · United Motorgy Company
The car-buying journey is becoming increasingly digital. Motorgy, operated by United Motorgy Company, brings discovering, comparing, buying and selling together in one comprehensive marketplace for Kuwait.
Between a Guest of Honour, five embassies represented on stage, 31 winners across two award programmes, and the launch of an entirely new platform, this year’s Awards Night confirmed what CP Magazine set out to prove last year: that Kuwait’s public, and its automotive industry, are ready to celebrate excellence loudly and together. Congratulations to every winner and to every brand, dealer and guest who made the evening what it was. Planning for next year’s edition is already under way.
