The latest generation VW Golf and Ford F-150 have been named 2015 North American Car and Truck of the Year respectively at the Detroit Auto Show today by a panel of automotive journalists.
The 2015 VW Golf emerged victorious in the car category ahead of the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis, while the 2015 Ford F-150 beat the Lincoln MKC and Chevrolet Colorado in the truck/utility category.
“Volkswagen is thrilled to start 2015 with the Golf and Golf GTI taking home the incredible North American Car of the Year title,” said Michael Horn, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “This award highlights our achievements and hard work in the past year, and we are confident that the Golf family will continue to pave the way for the brand in the year ahead.”
“Ford is honored to be named the best among such a strong field of competitors. Ford employees and customers have a lot to be proud of with the innovative and award-winning F-150,” added Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas.
The six finalists were selected from short lists of 10 cars and 12 truck and utility vehicles by an independent jury of 57 automotive journalists. To be eligible for the title, a vehicle must be introduced in 2014 as a redesigned or substantially changed model, with the jury also taking into account factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.
The other cars that made it to the short list were the Acura TLX, Audi A3, Chrysler 200, Honda Fit, Hyundai Sonata, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Toyota Camry.
In the truck/utility category, the other vehicles on the short list were the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Canyon, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Nissan Murano, Porsche Macan, Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander.
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