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JK Tyre Honors India's Automotive Pioneers at 2026 Indian Car & Motorcycle of the Year Awards
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 9:35 GMT by 
ThePrintLocale: Delhi, INDIA
JK Tyre’s Celebratory Tribute to India’s Automotive Pioneers at the 2026 Indian Car & Motorcycle of the Year Awards
In a glittering ceremony held in New Delhi on 7 March 2026, JK Tyre – the country’s largest tyre manufacturer – presented its golden “Wheel of Excellence” trophies to the winners of the 2026 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards. The event, organised by The Print, served as a fitting stage to honour the models that have pushed the Indian automotive market to new heights, while underlining JK Tyre’s long‑standing commitment to nurturing performance, safety and innovation on Indian roads.
The Prestige of the Awards
Since their inception in 2019, the ICOTY and IMOTY awards have become a barometer for automotive quality in India. The awards are adjudicated by a jury of industry experts, technical specialists and journalists who evaluate vehicles on a wide range of parameters – from performance, safety and design to value for money and environmental impact. In 2026 the awards expanded to include new “electric” categories, reflecting the rapid acceleration of India’s EV market.
The winners of the awards are often seen as benchmarks for future vehicle development. “Winning the ICOTY/IMOTY is a testament to a brand’s dedication to the consumer and to the overall advancement of the automotive ecosystem,” said S. Rajalakshmi, Chairperson of The Print’s automotive division, during the ceremony.
The Winners – Cars
| Category | Winner | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Best Car | Tata Altroz | Top‑selling hatchback, modern safety features, impressive range‑finders, and a value‑for‑money proposition that set new benchmarks for the segment. |
| Best SUV | Hyundai Creta | Robust off‑road credentials, a highly rated infotainment system, and an aggressive power‑train. |
| Best Luxury Car | Mercedes‑Benz E‑Class | The German brand’s flagship sedan received accolades for its engineering excellence, ride‑comfort and premium cabin. |
| Best Electric Car | Tata Nexon EV | Awarded for its zero‑emission powertrain, extended driving range, and a competitive price point that made electric mobility accessible to the mass market. |
The jury praised the Altroz’s “excellence in safety and connectivity”, while the Creta’s “off‑road capability” and the E‑Class’s “luxury experience” were singled out as the decisive factors in the decision. The Tata Nexon EV was lauded for “demonstrating the viability of affordable electric mobility” in an economy still heavily reliant on combustion engines.
The Winners – Motorcycles
| Category | Winner | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Best Motorcycle | Bajaj Pulsar 220 | A dominant performer in the 220‑cc segment, the Pulsar 220 was praised for its “balance of performance, affordability and build quality.” |
| Best Electric Motorcycle | TVS Apache Electric | Recognised for its “first‑mover advantage” in a nascent EV motorbike market, the Apache electric’s “longer range” and “low operating cost” were considered game‑changing. |
| Best Classic/Retro | Royal Enfield Bullet 350 | Celebrated for its “iconic design and heritage value,” the Bullet 350’s “tune‑up” and “durability” earned it a coveted spot. |
| Best Sports | KTM 450X | The high‑performance sports bike received praise for its “tuned suspension” and “cruise control” which deliver a “pure riding experience.” |
The electric motorcycle category – a first in the awards – was considered a “major milestone” by the jury, as it signals the beginning of a shift in India’s two‑wheel transport ecosystem.
JK Tyre’s Role and Vision
As the event’s title sponsor, JK Tyre provided the “Golden Wheel” trophies and the “Performance & Safety” segment awards. The brand’s CEO, Anil Kumar, spoke to the press about the company’s vision: “Our mission has always been to keep Indian drivers safe and confident on the road. By celebrating the best cars and motorcycles, we hope to inspire the next generation of vehicle makers to innovate for safety, performance, and sustainability.”
JK Tyre also showcased its latest tyre technologies at the event, including “Run‑Flat” tyres, “Low Rolling Resistance” (LRR) solutions, and a new line of “Electric Vehicle‑Specific” tyres designed for low‑weight, high‑speed applications. The company announced a partnership with several OEMs to develop “Smart Tyre” solutions that will integrate with vehicle telemetry for real‑time performance monitoring.
A Glimpse into the Future of Indian Automotive Excellence
In addition to the awards, the event featured a panel discussion on “The Road Ahead: Trends Shaping Indian Mobility.” Panelists – representatives from Tata Motors, Hyundai, Bajaj Auto, and industry analysts – highlighted the importance of electrification, connected‑vehicle ecosystems, and sustainability.
One key takeaway was the role of “Smart Mobility” – where vehicles, infrastructure, and data converge to improve safety and efficiency. The discussion underscored the growing emphasis on “Zero‑Emission” and “Smart‑City” initiatives, positioning the Indian automotive industry as a leader in this global shift.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Indian Car of the Year and Indian Motorcycle of the Year awards were more than a ceremony; they were a celebration of India’s vibrant automotive culture, an acknowledgment of the industry’s past successes, and a vision for its future. JK Tyre’s sponsorship highlighted the tyre manufacturer’s commitment to fostering innovation, safety and sustainable mobility – values that resonate with the spirit of the awards.
With the new electric categories now firmly integrated, the awards set a benchmark for recognising progress in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. For India, where the number of vehicles on the road is set to triple in the next decade, such recognitions not only spotlight excellence but also drive industry-wide standards forward. As the winners continue to lead the market, the automotive ecosystem will continue to benefit from increased competition, higher safety standards, and an accelerated shift toward cleaner, smarter mobility solutions.
Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/jk-tyre-honours-indias-finest-in-automotive-excellence-at-the-indian-car-of-the-year-and-indian-motorcycle-of-the-year-awards-2026/2809290/ ]
