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