Finalists Announced for 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards
By Michelle Krebs December 17, 2008DETROIT - Finalists for the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards were announced Thursday at the Detroit Economic Club's annual auto show luncheon.
The finalists for the 2009 North American Car of the Year honors are the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Finalists for the 2009 North American Truck of the Year award are the Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC.
Between now and the opening of NAIAS 2009, the 50 journalists who serve as jurors will vote again ranking the finalists. Winners will be announced at the show's first press conference on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Vehicles are honored for setting new standards and new benchmarks in their class. Top criteria in the competition are value for the dollar and affordability. Vehicles also are judged on general design, safety, fuel economy, handling and general roadworthiness, performance, comfort, assembly quality, functionality, technical innovation, driver satisfaction and price.
2009 North American Car of the Year Candidates
Audi A4 |
| Jaguar XF |
BMW 1 Series |
| Lincoln MKS |
Cadillac CTS-V |
| Mazda6 |
Dodge Challenger |
| Nissan GT-R |
Ford Flex |
| Pontiac G8 |
Honda Fit |
| Toyota Venza |
Hyundai Genesis |
| Volkswagen Jetta TDI
|
2009 North American Truck of the Year Candidates 
BMW X6 |
| Kia Borrego |
Chevrolet Traverse |
| Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec |
Dodge Ram |
| Nissan Murano |
Ford F-150 |
| Subaru Forester |
Honda Pilot |
| Volkswagen Tiguan |
Infiniti FX35/50
* bold indicates finalists |
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PHOTOS:
1. Ford Flex
2. Hyundai Genesis
3. Volkswagen Jetta TDI
4. Dodge Ram 1500
5. Ford F-150
6. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec
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