General Motors sweeps 2014 North American Car & Truck/Utility of the Year awards

As always, the first day of the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit began with the announcement of the winners of two of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry, the 2014 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year. Chosen by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States of America and Canada, these awards, now in their 21st year, are designed to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. Unlike most other awards that are handed out by a single media outlet, the jury for these awards consists of journalists representing magazines, television, radio, newspaper and websites.

To be eligible for this award, a car or truck should be either all-new or substantially changed from the previous model year, priced less than $ 100,000 and must have an annual foreseeable North American sales of 5000 units for cars and 2000 units for trucks. From a group of 28 cars and 18 trucks, three finalists were shortlisted for each category. While the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Mazda 3 were the three finalists in cars, it was the Acura MDX, Chevrolet Silverado and Jeep Cherokee that made the cut in trucks.

Finally, it was Chevrolet that made it big this time, making it a clean sweep for General Motors. The Corvette Stingray was crowned the 2014 North American Car of the Year (NACOTY) and the Silverado won the 2014 North American Truck of the Year (NATOTY) title. Though the Corvette and Silverado have won this award before in 1998 and 2007 respectively, this is the first time Chevrolet have bagged both the titles in a single year.

Ever since its debut early last year, the all-new Corvette Stingray has been the cynosure of all eyes, building on the nameplate's chequered history and unmatched legacy. Undoubtedly, with its shattering performance, eye-popping design and thousands of loyal enthusiasts who swear by it, the all-new Corvette promises to push the envelope for the bow-tie brand. Finishing runner-up to the Corvette is the brilliant Mazda 3 followed by the stunning new Cadillac CTS, another GM representation in the award.

2014 NACOTY RESULTS:

1. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - 211
2. Mazda 3 - 185
3. Cadillac CTS - 94

PREVIOUS NACOTY WINNERS:

* 2013 - Cadillac ATS
* 2012 - Hyundai Elantra
* 2011 - Chevrolet Volt
* 2010 - Ford Fusion Hybrid
* 2009 - Hyundai Genesis

Moving on to trucks, Chevrolet Silverado proved its mettle yet again, by impressing the jurors with its much-improved and redesigned 2014 model. Armed with a slew of improvements in the form of reduced weight and a lineup of fuel-efficient engines that includes a V6 option, the new Silverado is all set to extend the popularity of its predecessors for the next few years. The much-promising and eagerly-awaited Jeep Cherokee finishes runner-up, with the Acura MDX taking the final spot.

2014 NATOTY RESULTS:

1. Chevrolet Silverado - 261
2. Jeep Cherokee - 142
3. Acura MDX - 87

PREVIOUS NATOTY WINNERS:

* 2013 - Ram 1500
* 2012 - Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
* 2011 - Ford Explorer
* 2010 - Ford Transit Connect
* 2009 - Ford F-150

Let's not forget that the Cadillac ATS and the Ram 1500 were the recipients of these titles last year, with the two Chevrolets taking over the mantle in 2014.