The Chevrolet Volt, by beating two other finalists, the Hyundai Sonata and the battery powered Nissan Leaf, has finally won the The North American Car of the Year Award. Ford Explorer is declared as the North American truck of the year, beating the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango. These awards are announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show and these awards are given by a jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. The vehicles which are “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model, are only eligible for these awards.
Volt is available at the starting price of $41,000 with a $7,500 federal tax credit. Volt travels between 25-50 miles on an electric charge with a gasoline powered generator, which switches on to produce more electricity. It has 111 kW (149 hp), 55 kW (74 hp)electric motor/generator, 1.4L 4 cylinder engine, 16-kWh lithium ion battery pack and is backed by an 100,000 mile or 8 year warranty. Volt has three titles to its credit, Automobile Magazine’s Car of the Year, Free Press Car of the Year, and also been named Motor Trend Car of the Year.
Ford Explorer has 4.0L Cologne V6 engine, 5 speed auto transmission, giving mileage of 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 mpg in the city. It is the third consecutive year for the Ford to win the Truck Of The Year. The pickup truck fell between the Ford Ranger and Ford F Series in size, capability, and price. It was also the first body on frame Sports Utility Truck.