2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards Shawn Wright Automotive News | January 11, 2010 - 8:00 am EST

DETROIT -- The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named the North American Car of the Year today while Ford's Transit Connect picked up Truck of the Year accolades in a poll of journalists. The Fusion Hybrid topped car finalists Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf. The Transit Connect came out on top over the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback. In the 17 years for the awards, U.S.-based automakers have taken home the car trophy nine times. European companies have won four times, Japanese three and South Korea's Hyundai once. In the truck category, domestics have claimed the crown 11 times, followed by four for Japanese makes and two for Europeans. Last year, the Hyundai Genesis won car of the year, and the Ford F-150 pickup was honored as the top truck. Hybrids, which have been becoming increasingly more popular, now have won five honors. More than 50 vehicles were considered this year. Automotive News is represented on the 49-member voting panel by Executive Editor Edward Lapham. Previous winners -- North American Car and Truck of the Year North American Car of the Year 2009 -- Hyundai Genesis 2008 -- Chevrolet Malibu 2007 -- Saturn Aura 2006 -- Honda Civic 2005 -- Chrysler 300/300C 2004 -- Toyota Prius 2003 -- Mini Cooper/Cooper S 2002 -- Nissan Altima 2001 -- Chrysler PT Cruiser 2000 -- Ford Focus 1999 -- Volkswagen Beetle 1988 -- Chevrolet Corvette 1997 -- Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 -- Chrysler Minivan 1995 -- Chrysler Cirrus 1994 -- Mercedes C-Class North American Truck of the Year 2009 -- Ford F-150 2008 -- Mazda CX-9 2007 -- Chevrolet Silverado 2006 -- Honda Ridgeline 2005 -- Ford Escape Hybrid 2004 -- Ford F-150 2003 -- Volvo XC90 2002 -- Chevrolet Trailblazer 2001 -- Acura MDX 2000 -- Nissan Xterra 1999 -- Jeep Grand Cherokee 1998 -- Mercedes-Benz ML 320 1997 -- Ford Expedition 1996 -- Ford F-150 1995 -- Chevrolet Blazer 1994 -- Dodge Ram

ENLARGE Ford sweeps the Car and Truck of the Year honors with the Transit Connect (left) and Ford Fusion.

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