NORTH AMERICAN CAR AND TRUCK OF THE YEAR WINNERS UNVEILED AT 2004 DETROIT AUTO SHOW

Background

The 16th annual North American International Auto Show has begun. More than 6000 journalists from around the world are in Detroit to take part in Press Preview Days (Jan. 4 - Jan. 6). These three days make up one of the world's largest media events in any given year.

The 2004 North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced this morning. The North American Car and Truck of the Year award was established in 1994. It's designed to honor vehicles that set new standards in their class. Each vehicle is judged on several categories including design, safety, fuel economy, safety, performance, functionality, technical innovation and value for the dollar. Jurors had their work cut out for them…17 cars and 13 trucks were on the initial ballot. In late December, the 49 automotive journalist jurors pared the selection down to three cars and three trucks.

2004 CAR OF THE YEAR WINNER

Toyota Prius: The Toyota Prius was the only gas/electric vehicle in the running for "Car of the Year." This vehicle was the world's first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid vehicle when introduced in Japan in 1997.

2004 TRUCK OF THE YEAR WINNER

Ford F-150: The all-new 2004 Ford F-150 is stiff competition for the SRX and Titan. This truck has a long history… it's the industry's best-selling full-size pickup for 26 straight years and the best-selling North American vehicle for the past 21 years.

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Detroit Auto Dealers Association