AJAC Hands Out 2025 Innovation Awards to Lucid, BMW, Mazda
Following the announcement of the 2025 Canadian Cars and Utility Vehicles of the Year last month, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) recently presented its 2025 Innovation Awards at the Vancouver Auto Show, also known as Elevate. An expert panel of AJAC journalists assessed nominations and narrowed them down to a shortlist before the judges cast their votes. These innovations were evaluated on consumer benefit and appeal, originality, cost, and potential market impact.
Best Green Innovation of 2025
The Lucid Air Pure’s electric powertrain won the award this year. The California-based EV manufacturer has developed its own powertrain technology to better integrate components such as the motor and battery while simultaneously reducing weight. The result is exceptional efficiency, rated at 15.3 kWh/100 km, along with high-level performance. In its base Pure trim, the luxury electric sedan employs a single motor and rear-wheel drive. The maximum range is officially rated at 676 km.
Best Safety Innovation of 2025
The winner of the 2025 award is BMW’s Digital Key Plus. This system utilizes ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to provide an innovative solution to combat car theft. The two-way communication between the vehicle and the virtual key on the owner’s phone prevents ‘relay’ attacks, where criminals capture signals from keys inside a house and use them to steal the car. While other companies offer similar digital keys, the AJAC chose to recognize BMW’s for its enhanced functionality and security.
Best Technical Innovation of 2025
The third and final award this year was presented to Mazda’s Large Platform MHEV powertrains. These powertrains power the new CX-70 and CX-90 midsize crossovers. The combination of a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system and the newly designed eight-speed transmission boosts efficiency, improves off-the-line acceleration, and improves driving dynamics, as noted by AJAC. There are two variants. The standard variant produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined 9.3 L/100 km based on Natural Resources Canada data. The high-output variant generates 319 horsepower (regular gas) or 340 horsepower (premium gas), with peak torque increasing to 369 lb-ft while still averaging 9.5 L/100 km.
