The winner is judged through public votes. Though there are certain parameters to consider before voting. You can find them in the first post of this topic.
TAICOTY 2009 winner was Fiat Punto while Ford Figo took the crown in 2010. Somehow 2011 edition skipped due to additional workload (Covering Launches, Auto Expo etc).
You thought so probably because you joined the forum in 2011. Yet, I have to agree that actual TAICOTY with a physical award has commenced from 2012 edition onward.
We have just awarded them what they deserved. It never translates into our association with Renault anyway or any automobile manufacturer for that matter.
Yes I too feel the Ecosport,Ertiga, Duster,Grand i10,Amaze are having dead heat competition, so 2013 is much hotter than 2012 as Duster and Ertiga had easily capsized 2012 market,