Volkswagen to the fore at prestigious 'Best Cars 2017'

Volkswagen Group China's brands and models won nine awards Tuesday at the prestigious Best Cars 2017 Awards in Beijing sponsored by Auto Motor und Sport China.

The Executive of the Year Award went to Jochem Heizmann, member of the board of management of Volkswagen AG,as well as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group China. The award is the second such honor for Heizmann this year, after he received the Person of the Year Award at the Sina Auto 2017 Car of the Year Awards in January.

"I am sincerely honored to receive this award. However, it really belongs to the hundreds of thousands of staff working hard each day for the group, its brands and joint ventures all over China," Heizmann said. "Their efforts underpin Volkswagen's bid to create, transform, innovate and sustain to reach our ultimate goal of sustainable mobility in China."

Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class was named Best Luxury Car, and the pioneering G-Class won the award for Best Large SUV & Off-roader. The Porsche 911 was awarded Best Sports Car at the ceremony.

Volkswagen Group China achieved record high deliveries in 2016 and launched a range of initiatives aimed at transforming the company from a car manufacturer to a people-oriented provider of sustainable mobility solutions.The German brand is transforming its business, innovating advanced drivetrain technologies and continuing its investments under its Together – Strategy 2025.

The group was recognized for its deep roots in China and its ongoing commitment to providing Chinese consumers with superior products and excellent service, according to the company's news release.

Auto Motor und Sport China is one of the influential auto media. Its Best Cars awards are based on a rigorous research model and objective and professional evaluation system and are among the prestigious awards in China's automotive industry. Originating in Germany in 1976, the Auto Motor und Sport Best Cars Awards are now run in 23 countries, with the China awards having been held annually over the past 16 years.