Monday, January 12, 2015DETROIT -- A panel of 57 automotive journalists chose the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Ford F-150 as the North American Car and Truck of the Year, the hosts of the North American International Auto Show announced Monday.
The Car of the Year award is the second for Volkswagen, the New Beetle having won the award in 1999.
“The Golf and Golf GTI were recognized for setting new benchmarks in their segments, including innovation, distinguished design, and available driver assistance features, as well as unmatched value,” Volkswagen said in a press release.
The Golf icomes in four models: the Golf GTI, the Golf 1.8T, the Golf TDI Clean Diesel and the e-Golf. That number will increase to six with the addition of the Golf R and the Golf SportWagen later this year.
“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,” said Michael Horn, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
For the eighth time, Ford won the Truck of the Year award, with the F-150 chosen over the Chevrolet Colorado and Lincoln MKC.
“Ford is honored to be named the best among such a strong field of competitors,” Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas for Ford, said in a prepared statement. “Ford employees and customers have a lot to be proud of with the innovative and award-winning F-150.”
Pictured: Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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