2011 North American Car & Truck of the Year Semi-Finalists Announced

DETROIT - Twenty-eight cars and trucks have been chosen as semi-finalists for the 18^th annual 2011 North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year awards. Of the 14 cars and 14 trucks, three finalists will be selected for each award and announced Dec. 16 at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

The final winners for each award will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Winners are selected by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers, and Web sites.

In 2009, the Ford Fusion Hybrid earned the title of 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect was named 2010 North American Truck of the Year.

More information is available at www.northamericancaroftheyear.org

2011 North American Car of the Year Short List

Audi A8

Buick Regal

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Volt

Ford Fiesta

Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid

Infiniti M37/56

Jaguar XJ

Kia Optima

Mazda Mazda2

Nissan Juke

Nissan Leaf

Volkswagen Jetta

Volvo S60

North American Truck of the Year Short List

Dodge Durango

Ford Edge

Ford Explorer

Honda Odyssey

Hyundai Tucson

Infiniti QX56

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Kia Sorento

Kia Sportage

Lincoln MKX

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Porsche Cayenne

Toyota Sienna

Volkswagen Touareg