---

Finalists Announced for North American Car & Truck of the Year Award

3 November 1997

Finalists Announced for North American Car & Truck of the Year Award

    DETROIT, Nov. 3 -- The final list of vehicles qualifying for
the 1998 North American Car & Truck of the Year award was announced today.
Nearly 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada will choose what
they regard as the best new car and best new truck from this list.  The award,
now in its fifth year, will be presented on January 5, 1998 which is the first
press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
    The award is based on general design, comfort, safety, fuel economy,
handling and general roadworthiness, performance, functionality, innovation,
driver satisfaction and price.  Value for the money -- not to be confused with
affordability -- is another important factor.  Vehicles are compared to other
vehicles in their class, not against other nominees (unless those nominees are
in the same class).
    The jury is composed of automotive journalists, both men and women, who
bring a wide variety of experience to the selection process.  They include
representatives from enthusiast magazines, business publications, news
organizations, daily newspapers, radio and TV.

    CARS                       TRUCKS
    Audi A6                    Dodge Durango
    Buick Regal                Ford Ranger
    Chevrolet Camaro           Honda CR-V
    Chevrolet Corvette         Isuzu Rodeo
    Chevrolet Prizm            Lincoln Navigator
    Chrysler Concorde          Mazda B-Series
    Dodge Intrepid             Mercedes M-Class
    Ford Escort ZX-2           Nissan Frontier
    Ford Contour SVT           Subaru Forester
    Ford Crown Victoria
    Honda Accord
    Lexus GS 300/400
    Lincoln Town Car
    Mazda 626
    Mercedes CLK
    Mercury Grand Marquis
    Nissan Altima
    Oldsmobile Intrigue
    Pontiac Firebird
    Porsche Boxster
    Toyota Sienna
    Toyota Corolla
    VW Passat

SOURCE  Automotive Industries