By AP
DETROIT –
The Ford Fusion Hybrid midsize sedan wins the 2010 North American Car of the Year, while the Ford Transit Connect takes truck of the year at the Detroit auto show.
Forty-nine auto journalists made the picks. Finalists for the car award included the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback were finalists for the truck award.
The awards, given annually by journalists who test cars throughout the year, are often used by automakers in advertising. Vehicles are judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.
The awards were presented Monday morning on the first day of media previews for the show.
Last year's winners were the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan and the Ford F-150 pickup.