2018 North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year finalists announced

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Finalists for 2018 North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) award were announced today at the LA Auto Show. Every year, NACTOY presents an award for "North American Car of the Year," "North American Utility of the Year," and "North American Truck of the Year."

This year, the 2018 finalists are:

Car of the Year
Honda Accord
Kia Stinger
Toyota Camry

Utility Vehicle of the Year
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Honda Odyssey
Volvo XC60

Truck of the Year
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Ford Expedition
Lincoln Navigator

"The 2018 finalists reflect the incredible variety of vehicles and new, advanced technology automakers are adding to their offerings as well as the increasing emphasis on making the most advanced safety features available to consumers even on affordable models," said Mark Phelan, President of NACTOY.

Votes from nearly 60 jurors were tallied confidentially by Deloitte LLP and remained sealed until they were announced today by the organization's officers, including Vice President Matt DeLorenzo and Secretary-Treasurer Lauren Fix.

Chosen from dozens of new vehicles, jurors' evaluated the finalists based segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The process started in June 2017 by determining vehicle eligibility and includes three rounds of voting.

"We continue to get exceptional contenders each year, and this year is no different. The task of selecting these nine finalists – especially in the car and ultra-competitive utility category – was extremely difficult," Fix said. "And while there may be some favorites among the finalists any of these vehicles could end up walking away with the trophy in their category when we announce winners in Detroit in January."

Winners of the NACTOY award will be announced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 15, 2018.

Now in their 24^th year, the awards are unique because — instead of being given by a single publication, website, radio or television station — they are selected by a jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the presenting sponsor of NACTOY.

For more about NACTOY and its history: http://northamericancaroftheyear.org/

NACTOY officers are available upon request for interviews.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, UTILITY AND TRUCK OF THE YEAR
The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The organization gives out three awards. They are: The awards are the "North American Car of the Year" and "North American Truck/Utility of the Year," not "Car of the Year" or "Truck of the Year." The awards are unique because — instead of being given by a single publication, website, radio or television station — they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

ABOUT BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS, INC.
Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE North American Car & Truck of the Year

Related Links

http://northamericancaroftheyear.org