Ford sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year

A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists has selected the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect as the 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

It was only the third time in 17 years that one automaker has won both awards. It was the second year in a row that Ford won the North American truck of the year. Last year the Ford F150 won the award.

The awards are unique because instead of being given by a single media outlet they are given by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers, and web sites.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

There were three car finalists. The Ford Fusion Hybrid got 241 points; the Volkswagen Golf/TDI/GTI got 146 and the Buick LaCrosse got 103.

There were three truck finalists. The Transit Connect had 213 points and best the Chevrolet Equinox with 183 points and the Subaru Outback with 94.

Juror Csaba Csere said "Though not the first hybrid on the market, or even the second or third, The Fusion Hybrid is simply the best one ever built. In addition to deliver terrific mileage, it looks and drives like a regular car-and a very good one indeed."

Jim Mateja, of the Chicago Tribune, said "A U-Haul that fits in your garage. Holds people and sooooo much of their stuff--bikes, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, skis, tents, boats, ladders, furniture, you name it. Defines multi-purpose and boasts a reasonable price even when you ad side and rear windows and back seat."

To be eligible, vehicles must be "all-new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles and finally focued on 16 cars and 10 trucks.