Chevrolet Corvette Wins 2020 North American Car of the Year Award
Despite the Detroit auto show moving to June, the announcement of the North American car, SUV and truck of the year once again took place in January, more specifically during a news conference today at the TCF Center.
For 2020, a 50-member jury of independent automotive journalists from Canada and the United States selected the all-new, eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as the North American Car of the Year.
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After winning the same award in 1998 (fifth generation) and 2014 (seventh generation), the Corvette recaptured the crown thanks to its revolutionary mid-engine design, high level of refinement and impressive performance.
Other finalists were the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota GR Supra.
“The 2020 Corvette represents a new era for the iconic brand,” said Lauren Fix, North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year president. “The excitement from consumers has been overwhelming. From a journalist's perspective, this is one of the best-built GM products and it impresses in all aspects of what the North American Car of the Year is all about.”
In case you forgot, the new Corvette has not even hit the road yet. Production will begin in February at General Motors’ Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky, with customer deliveries taking place shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, the brand new Kia Telluride added to its long list of accolades by earning the 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, beating the platform-sharing Hyundai Palisade and the Lincoln Aviator in the process.
“The Kia Telluride makes owning an SUV look cool while offering the smooth ride and rich interior of a luxury vehicle without the luxury price,” said Kirk Bell, NACTOY secretary-treasurer.
The three-row Telluride was designed, developed and assembled in the U.S. specifically to meet the needs of modern North American families.
Finally, the Jeep Gladiator was named the 2020 North American Truck of the Year by the same panel of voters, who preferred FCA’s midsize pickup over its larger Ram Heavy Duty as well as the Ford Ranger.
“This honour is a testament to our customers who demand the very best and the Gladiator delivers with all of the 4x4 capability and versatility expected of a Jeep vehicle,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America.
Equipped with the proven 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, the Gladiator boasts best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload while offering unmatched off-road potential.