North American car and truck of the year candidates

The North American International Auto Show will once again stage the official unveilings for the coveted North America car and truck of the year awards. The list began with 14 hopefuls in both categories.

Pontiac Solstice

The 14 cars were as follows:

• Audi A3
• BMW 3-Series
• Chevrolet HHR
• Dodge Charger
• Ford Fusion
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Sonata
• Infiniti M35/45
• Lexus IS 250/350
• Mazda MX-5
• Mercedes-Benz R-Class
• Pontiac Solstice
• Toyota Avalon
• Volkswagen Passat

Nissan Xterra

The truck list included:

• Dodge Ram Mega Cab
• Ford Explorer
• Honda Ridgeline
• Hummer H3
• Jeep Commander
• Kia Sportage
• Lexus RX 400h
• Mercedes-Benz M-Class
• Nissan Xterra
  
• Range Rover Sport
• Subaru B9 Tribeca
• Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Toyota RAV4

A panel of 49 jurors from auto industry media outlets chose the 3 finalists in each category. And they are:

Ford Explorer

Cars

• Ford Fusion
• Honda Civic
• Pontiac Solstice

Trucks

• Ford Explorer
• Honda Ridgeline
• Nissan Xterra

The winners will be announced on January 8 at the first Press preview of the NAIAS.Last year's winners were the Chrysler 300 and the Ford Escape Hybrid.