DETROIT - The Nissan Altima and ChevroletTrailBlazer are this year's winners of the North American Car and Truck of theYear awards, respectively. The prestigious awards were announced today, thefirst press day of the North American International Auto Show 2002 in Detroit.
The Nissan Altima beat the Cadillac CTS and the Ford Thunderbird for NorthAmerican Car of the Year honors. The jury of 49 automotive journalists in theU.S. and Canada, representing broadcast, print and electronic media, praisedthe Altima for its fresh styling in the staid family sedan segment, itsspirited performance and its value story.
"This award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotiveindustry. It's a tremendous honor for Altima," said Jed Connelly, senior vicepresident, sales and marketing, Nissan North America Inc., in accepting theaward. "The 2002 Altima is a distinctive sedan with spirited performance andstyle designed to go head-to-head against the longtime class leaders in themidsize sedan segment. This award proves that it does just that."
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer beat its big brother, the Chevrolet Avalanche,by a narrow margin, and the Jeep Liberty for the North American Truck of theYear award. Jurors praised the midsize sport-utility vehicle for its newinline six-cylinder engine, its interior and exterior packaging and itscomfortable ride.