Yesterday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Transit Connect were named as the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year respectively. Funded and juried by 50 automotive journalists from the US and Canada, the North American Car of the Year awards aim to provide the public with unbiased, independent automotive review.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid win marks the 4th gasoline-electric hybrid win in the 17 years since the awards inception. "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 delivering terrific mileage, it looks and drives like a regular car and a very good one indeed," stated Csaba Csere. The Fusion Hybrid was awarded 241 points, followed by the Volkswagen Golf/TDI/GTI with 146, and the Buick LaCrosse with 103. Points awarded are based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

The Ford Transit Connect is the 6th win for Ford in the truck category, the most of any automaker. Though the Transit Connect is out-of-the-box in appearance, in purpose provides excellent hauling capability at an affordable price. The Ford Transit Connect was awarded 213 points, followed by Chevrolet Equinox with 183, and the Subaru Outback with 94.

In order to qualify for the NACOTY awards the vehicle must either be a new model or "substantially changed" such as the Ford F-150 redesign which won the prize for best truck last year.