By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Kia Corporation (Kia) President and CEO Song Ho-sung has been honored with the prestigious Issigonis Trophy at the 2025 Autocar Awards.

Named after the legendary automotive designer and inventor Sir Alec Issigonis, the Trophy is Autocar’s most prestigious award. Presented annually, it recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the automotive industry through innovation, leadership and exceptional business performance.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, commented, “We’re delighted to present Ho Sung Song with the Issigonis Trophy. We’ve been hugely impressed by the way Mr Song has led Kia and the success he has achieved for the company and its continued growth. He has championed great design and improved branding and confronted the challenge of electrification by making ever better and ever more desirable cars that are among the industry's very best.”

On receiving the Issigonis Trophy, President Song remarked, “It is a great honor to receive this year’s Issigonis Trophy. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Autocar team for this recognition — not just of me, but of the incredible Kia team worldwide, whose dedication and belief in our mission continue to drive the brand forward.”

He continued, “Our commitment remains clear. To design with intention, to lead with responsibility, and to continue delivering experiences that inspire. We accept it with gratitude — and vow to keep pushing boundaries with purpose.”

Since his appointment as President of Kia in 2020, President Song has led a successful transformation of the company. Under his leadership, Kia’s mid- to long-term ‘Plan S’ strategy has progressively positioned the brand as a global leader in electrification and sustainable mobility solutions.

A key part of this transformation has been the global roll-out of Kia’s new brand identity and the launch of an award-winning range of hybrid and electric vehicles. These include the Kia EV9, named World Car of the Year in 2024, and the EV3, which was awarded both World Car of the Year and UK Car of the Year in 2025.