Ford Sweeps Awards at Detroit Auto Show

The Ford Fusion Hybrid midsize sedan wins the 2010 North American Car of the Year, while the Ford Transit Connect takes truck of the year at the Detroit auto show.

Forty-nine auto journalists made the picks. Finalists for the car award included the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback were finalists for the truck award.

It is the third time in 17 years that one automaker has won honors in both categories.

The awards, given annually by journalists who test cars throughout the year, are often used by automakers in advertising.

Vehicles are judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value.

The awards were presented Monday morning on the first day of media previews for the show.

2010 North American International Auto Show (Jan. 11-24)

Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields said, "Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working."

The Fusion Hybrid is built at Ford's plant in Hermosillo, Mexico. The Transit Connect is built at the Ford Otosan Kocaeli Plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.

Last year's winners at the Detroit auto show were the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan and the Ford F-150 pickup.

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