We expected
it because we always expect it. But Ford dominated the vehicle rankings by
winning the North American Truck of the Year and Sport Utility Vehicle of the
Year titles. These prestigious awards, generally presented at the Detroit Auto
Show opening, were presented virtually.
The North
American Vehicle Awards are chosen each year by a group of nearly 60
journalists from the United States, Mexico and Canada, of course. Throughout
the year, they select based on the tests they have conducted, on the road or at
specific events.
A list of
about ten competitors per category is then drawn up. Then, in December, the
members of the jury choose the three finalists in each category. At the end of
a final round of voting, the big winners of the year are known.
This year,
the Ford F-150 dominated in its pickup truck category. It faced the RAM TRX and
Jeep Gladiator Mojave in the finals. However, the jury's choice was clear.
"The F-Series is the jewel in Ford's crown, not to mention the
best-selling vehicle lineup in America for 40 years," said John Voelcker,
freelance automotive journalist, analyst and NACTOY juror. "The latest
version refines the package, keeping what's good, updating it as necessary, and
offering the right mix of features, capabilities, comfort and style - with the
added benefit of the first hybrid powertrain in nearly a decade to debut in a
full-size pickup," the jury concluded.
On the
sport utility vehicle of the year side, the Mustang Mach E earned the title.
Until now, it would have been inconceivable to put an iconic Mustang badge on
an SUV, but NACTOY jurors say Ford's decision to take that risk paid off with
the Mustang Mach E.
"The
Mustang Mach-E outperforms European EVs by becoming the most formidable
challenger to the Tesla Model Y to date. Like Tesla, Mach-E understands that
the premium EV market is as much about interior technology as it is about
torque," said Henry Payne, Detroit News automotive critic and NACTOY
juror.
So it's a
well-deserved victory in a contest whose reputation and credibility has been
established for more than 25 years.
