- President and CEO Ho Sung Song awarded with Autocar's highest accolade, the Issigonis Trophy, in recognition of his significant contributions to the global automotive industry
- Honored for positioning Kia at the forefront of electrification and steering the mobility industry toward a smarter future with new PBV vision
- Kia EV3 named as 'Best Electric Car' by Autocar on account of its compelling space and practicality, rapid charging speed and convincing electric range
SEOUL, South Korea, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Corporation (Kia) President and CEO Ho Sung Song 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."
Kia under President Ho Sung Song's leadership
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.
Kia has also taken a pioneering approach to the commercial vehicle market with its revolutionary Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy, a core element of 'Plan S'. In 2024, Kia unveiled its PBV concept range at CES in Las Vegas and announced the development of a dedicated PBV factory in Korea. Built for business, Kia's first dedicated all electric commercial vehicle, the PV5, is planned to launch in global markets this year. Kia plans to sell 250,000 PBVs globally in 2030.
Prior to becoming President and CEO of Kia, Mr. Song held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Global Operations, President of Kia Motors Europe and Head of Kia Motors Corporation Export Planning Group.
Throughout this time, President Song has brought to bear his extensive experience across the automotive value chain as well as his expertise in overseas operations, leading Kia's successful transition throughout a period of significant change in the global automotive industry.
Kia EV3 named 'Best Electric Car'
The Kia EV3 was also named 'Best Electric Car' at the 2025 Autocar Awards. In an exceptionally competitive category, it stood out not only for its impressive 375-mile electric range and fast-charging capability, but also for delivering that performance in a compact, desirable and affordable package.
"The EV3 is the standout addition to the affordable electric car ranks in 2025. It not only extends the design appeal of the statement EV9 into the heart of the electric car market, but also brings with it compelling space and practicality, impressive rapid charging speed, excellent EV drivability and convincing electric range to the party — all for an appealing price," said Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar.
He continued, "The EV3 is an electric car customers can afford and one that will really work for them. It's a cracking all-rounder, and very convincing."
Since its global debut last year, the EV3 has continued to build momentum in markets around the world. It has already received significant international recognition, including the 2025 World Car of the Year and Red Dot's prestigious 'Best of the Best' award. Notably in the UK, the EV3 has seen exceptional success — becoming the best-selling EV in the UK retail market in Q1 and earning the 2025 UK Car of the Year. These achievements follow in the footsteps of its larger sibling, the EV9, which swept the same awards in 2024.
President Song closed the evening by remarking, "The Kia EV3 being named 'Best Electric Car' at the 2025 Autocar Awards — along with its growing list of accolades — underscores Kia's commitment to innovation. With our Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy now underway, and a model lineup soon to span from the highly anticipated EV2 all the way up to the premium EV9, we're well positioned to lead the global shift to electrification."
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song honored at 2025 Autocar Awards
MGallery Collection unveils a new chapter shaped by captivating destinations and heartfelt hospitality.
PARIS, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From the sun-drenched shores of Noosa in Australia to the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, from the wild beauty of Oléron Island in France to the vibrant energy of Phuket in Thailand, MGallery Collection's upcoming openings promise inspiring escapes rooted in a true sense of place.
"Each upcoming opening enriches our brand's portfolio of signature hotels, where every stay becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Designed to celebrate local and unique character, our hotels invite travellers to discover new places, new atmospheres and new stories to experience. We are extremely proud of our pipeline of five upcoming openings and look forward to welcoming guests to these new destinations around the world." - Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems
Formerly the Mirihi Island Resort, the property is set to reopen as V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection following an extensive renovation and expansion led by award-winning Studio Gronda. The boutique resort will offer 42 luxurious villas from beach and overwater villas to expansive multi-bedroom suites with private pools all designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the Indian Ocean while reflecting MGallery's signature intimacy and character. Rooted in Maldivian heritage and inspired by the delicate Mirihi flower, the resort embodies the art of quiet luxury, offering a serene retreat shaped by ocean rhythms. Surrounded by vibrant reefs and a tranquil protected lagoon, the resort will harmonize with the natural environment to create an atmosphere of elegance, simplicity, and effortless comfort. Opening January 2026. Imagery available here.
Perfectly positioned on vibrant Hastings Street, just moments from Noosa National Park and the golden shores of Laguna Bay, Elysium Noosa Resort – MGallery Collection unveils 175 rooms, including 104 suites and 8 villas. At its pinnacle, the signature Elysium Suite—with its private pool offers a haven of quiet luxury where time seems to slow. The hotel's culinary vision blends coastal freshness with Mediterranean spirit. Cibaria, created in collaboration with acclaimed restaurateurs Alessandro and Anna Pavoni, invites guests into a warm, piazza-style setting celebrating the region's finest ingredients, from Noosa Reds tomatoes to Mooloolaba prawns. By the pool, Bar Capri brings the charm of Italian aperitivo under chic striped umbrellas. Inspired by Mediterranean elegance and the ease of beachside living, the resort's design embraces natural light, soft sand tones and textured, organic materials. Indoors and outdoors flow seamlessly, creating a harmonious dialogue with the ocean, forest and river surrounding the property. Opening February 2026. Imagery available here.
Located off the west coast of France, Le Bel Hôtel Oléron – MGallery Collection will feature 102 rooms, including eight suites, all offering views of the surrounding pine forest or the ocean. Set within a protected Natura 2000 site between the Saint-Trojan national forest and Gatseau beach, the hotel blends natural materials, soft woods, and sandy, mineral tones inspired by the seaside houses of Oléron and the Hamptons. The property will offer a culinary identity crafted by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, a signature restaurant with a terrace, an intimate table d'hôte, two bars, and beach service. A revitalized marine spa and thalassotherapy center, along with outdoor wellness experiences, will immerse guests in the island's serene natural beauty. Opening April 2026. Imagery available here.
Set where Kamala's emerald hills meet the sparkling Andaman Sea, Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket – MGallery Collection offers a rare sanctuary between the energy of the coastline and the stillness of the hills. Located within the vibrant Kamala's MontAzure community, a curated enclave of lifestyle, entertainment, and lush nature, the 150-room resort offers seamless access to Phuket's most dynamic experiences, while preserving a sense of tranquility. Rooted in contemporary design and framed by its signature lagoon, the resort moves to the quiet rhythm of nature. Opening April 2026. Imagery available here.
Perched on the hilltops of Surin Beach, Navera Phuket - MGallery Collection gazes over glittering, cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea at one of Phuket's most desirable locations. Navera Phuket transcends the ordinary with its 19 individual-styled villas, each designed to provide guests with an intimate and personalized retreat that blends contemporary Thai culture with unexpected charm. The hotel speaks in a sophisticated design language inspired by maritime themes, enriched with touches of storied Sino-Portuguese heritage. Opening June 2026. Imagery available here.
About MGallery Hotel Collection
MGallery Collection brand thoughtfully selects and curates unique properties around the world, forming a storied collection of boutique hotels with true soul where captivating stories are lived and shared. These more than 120 boutique hotels all around the world enjoy a unique history, inspired by the remarkable past of the building or by its destination that welcomes it allowing the guests to live memorable and meaningful moments. The MGallery Collection establishments are hotels in which guests live an immersive experience, marked by exceptional interiors, an art of the mixology that awakens all the senses, and a well-being focused on balance in everyday life and mindfulness. It is a brand committed to Women but also to local communities, promoting the know-how of surrounding artisans and producers. MGallery Collection customers leave with an unconditional desire to discover the other jewels of the brand to live a new unique experience. The most renowned hotels in this collection include the Hotel Molitor Paris in France, the Municipal Liverpool in the UK, the Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Manly Pacific in Sydney in Australia, Athens Capital in Greece or Hotel des Arts Saigon in Vietnam. MGallery Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,700 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
mgallery.com | all.com | group.accor.com
PRESS CONTACT: Flavie Cottin, Brand Communication & PR Manager MGallery, flavie.cottin@accor.com I +33(0) 6 99 11 70 87
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2859692/MGallery_Collection_MGallery_Collection_Steps_Into_2026_With_New.jpg?p=medium600
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
MGallery Collection Steps Into 2026 With New and Exciting Destinations
