Ford Sweeps 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards
By Chris Haak
01.11.2010
In an early-morning press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ford’s Fusion Hybrid was named the North American Car of the Year, and its Transit Connect was named the North American Truck of the Year.
A jury of 49 automotive journalists voted on the awards this year. Sadly, none of us from Full Metal Autos was on this year’s jury, but I believe that many of us would have definitely voted for the Fusion Hybrid. When I reviewed one a few weeks ago, I was impressed by the car’s powertrain integration, fuel economy, and technology. In particular, Ford’s impressive gauge package in the Fusion Hybrid, its SYNC infotainment and the handling that is superior to nearly all other hybrids on the market.
The Transit Connect, while perhaps not a vehicle that will garner mainstream consumer interest, manages to meet the needs of most truck buyers without the excess size, weight, and fuel consumption. According to Ford, the Transit Connect’s EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway are double the numbers of a full-size van.
Both of these Ford vehicles have earned numerous awards over the past year (among these, the Fusion has won Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Car and Driver 10Best list, and an Automobile Magazine All-Star.
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