Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid, VW Golf/GTI selected as finalists for North American Car of the Year

Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, Subaru Outback are finalists for North American Truck of the Year

Winners will be announced January 11th at North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Last year, North American Car of Year was Hyundai Genesis and North American Truck of Year was Ford F-150

This year the jury considered more than 50 vehicles, finally focused on 16 cars and 10 trucks

Awards unique - given by automotive journalists from US and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers, websites

Designed to recognize factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, value for dollar

Vehicles must be all-new or substantially changed from previous model