The Road to World Car 2026 officially begins today. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace.
 
The annual Road to the World Car Awards journey follows more than 90 highly respected automotive journalists on the jury panel as they test-drive, and vote on, the 2026 eligible vehicles. The journey starts with today’s official launch, followed by a stop in Pasadena, CA, USA for the 11^th annual “L.A. Test Drives” media event in November.

The World Car Finals Powered by Brembo, for the 8^th consecutive year, will begin the winners’ countdown on January 6, 2026 when the Top 10 World Car of the Year finalists as well as the Top 5 finalists in the World Electric Vehicle, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car and World Car Design of the Year categories will be announced.
 
The countdown excitement will continue to grow when the number of finalists is narrowed down to the Top Three in the World to be announced on March 3, 2026.

Finally, the grand finale live awards ceremony wherein the winners in six categories are declared will take place at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 1^st, 2026. The occasion will mark a 21-year partnership with the New York Auto Show co-hosting the winners’ announcement as a special kick-off to the Show’s Press Preview Days.