The General Motors and Nissan each have three models on the "short list" of 14 cars being considered for the 18th annual 2011 North American Car of the Year chosen from the 27 vehicles eligible this year. The list includes two electric vehicles, Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. There are four European models, four domestic, four from Japan and two are from Korea.
Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year nine times. European automakers have won four times, Japanese automakers have won three times. A Korean automaker has won once. Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 11 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won twice.
2011 North American Car of the Year Short List:
Audi A8, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid, Infiniti M37/56, Jaguar XJ, Kia Optima, Mazda Mazda2, Nissan Juke, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen Jetta, Volvo S60.
North American Truck of the Year Short List:
Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Tucson, Infiniti QX56, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Touareg.
A jury of 49 independent automotive journalists evaluated all the new cars introduced this year and chose three that will compete for the top honor, to be announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 10, 2011.