With the 2012 Detroit International Auto Show in full swing, the event went ahead and announced winners of both the \2012 North American Car of the Year and 2012 North American Truck of the Year. And unlike previous years, both titles were grabbed by first-timers Hyundai and Range Rover.
Brief: The 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards went to the Hyundai Elantra and Range Rover Evoque, with the latter practically stealing the truck category. This marks the first time for both car brands to win at the Detroit International Auto Show.
2012 North American Car & Truck Of The Year: Hyundai Elantra & Range Rover Evoque
Chosen by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada, the awards went to the Hyundai Elantra and Range Rover Evoque respectively. Designed to acknowledge factors like innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar, this was the first time for both car brands to win the title.
The Hyundai Elantra MD grabbed 174 points followed closely by the Volkswagen Passat (161) and Ford Focus (155). “The Hyundai Elantra is sporty, yet sensible. Luxurious, yet affordable. Spunky, but safe. The Elantra is a series of paradoxes and every one is another argument for the latest, impressive entry in the Hyundai lineup,” wrote Jayne O’Donnell, a member of the jury from USA Today.
Over on the truck front, the Range Rover Evoque shattered the competition with a huge score of 254 points, flying high above the new Honda CR-V (142) and BMW X3 (94).
Back in 2011, the awards went to American brands Ford and Chevrolet: Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Explorer.
