The 22 best cars and trucks of the year have been announced, months before American automotive journalists will cast their final votes.
The shortlists for North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced today, with the U.S. and Japan each having seven vehicles in the runnings.
A panel of writers and broadcasters from across the U.S. and Canada will vote for their choice in each category before the winners are announced at the North American International Auto Show in January.
To be eligible for the awards, a vehicle must have undergone substantial changes from the previous model and must have reasonably foreseeable sales figures in North America of 5,000 units for cars and 2,000 units for trucks. The vehicles must also go on sale “shortly after the announcement of the award.”
Japanese and German automakers each have three models in the running for Car of the Year, while America and South Korea each have two. Of the 12 nominees for Truck/Utility of the Year, five are American, four are Japanese and three are German.
The three finalists for each award will be announced on Dec. 9.
2015 North American Car of the Year short list:
Acura TLX
Audi A3
Chrysler 200
Ford Mustang
Honda Fit
Hyundai Genesis sedan
Hyundai Sonata
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year short list:
Audi Q3
Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet Tahoe
Ford F-150
GMC Canyon
Lexus NX
Lincoln MKC
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Nissan Murano
Porsche Macan
Subaru Outback
Toyota Highlander
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
