Mini Cooper, Infiniti G35, Honda Element and Hummer H2 Named Among Finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year, Judged by Independent Panel of Industry Experts; Winners: Mini and Volvo SUV

Market Wire, 20050229

The redesigned Nissan 350Z, the futuristic Infiniti G35 and the boxy-but-cute Mini Cooper placed among the finalists for the 2003 North American Car of the Year at this year's North American International Auto Show.

Sharing top finalist honors for North American Truck of the Year were the Volvo XC90, the Hummer H2, Nissan Murano and the Honda Element. Winners in both categories will be named Sunday, January 5.

The awards are unique because instead of being given by a single publication, radio or television program, they are given by 49 automotive journalists, representing a wide range of the automotive press. All report regularly about cars and the auto industry, even to creating their own organization that independently determines the best new products offered by automakers each year.

Launched in 1994, the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards honor those vehicles that set new standards or become new benchmarks in their class. The vehicles are judged on everything from general design to fuel economy, safety, handling, comfort, assembly, technical innovation and more. In making their decision, jurors also consider value for the dollar and affordability. Multimedia available: http://www1.iwire.com/iwire/iwprd?id=049925