North American Car, Truck Of Year Awards Given

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and 2008 Mazda CX-9 were voted as the 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The winners were chosen by 45 automotive journalists who represent newspapers, magazines, television, radio and Internet outlets in the United State and Canada.

“This award is the result of our intensive efforts to put a renewed emphasis on design, execution and craftsmanship into our cars and trucks,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman. “We’re honored that both automotive journalists and consumers are recognizing our efforts.”

The Malibu picked up 190 votes, edging out the Cadillac CTS (165 votes) and the Honda Accord’s 95 votes to win top car honors.

The CX-9 had 201 votes, outdistancing the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid’s 140 vortes and the Buick Enclave, with 108 votes.

“This truly is an honor,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, upon receiving the award. “Since we brought CX-9 to market, its been a hit with media, customers and dealers alike. Today’s award is proof that says we just might be on to something special.”

The awards recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.

“Our goal with the 2008 Malibu was to give customers a stylish, uncompromising package that can challenge even the most formidable competitors in the midsize segment,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Customers are getting that message, because the new Malibus are selling faster than we can put them on dealers’ lots.”

The jurors narrowed the field down to 15 cars and 13 trucks, which were voted on in December. The three finalists in each category were voted on last month.

Last year’s top car was the Saturn Aura, and the truck of the year was the Chevrolet Silverado. The Malibu, which is made by General Motors, is built on the same platfrom as the Aura.

Domestic automakers have won the Car of the Year honors eight times, Japanese automakers three and European automakers four times.

Japanese automakers have won truck of the year four times, compared to nine times for American automakers and twice for European automakers. Hybrids have also won three times.