(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — The Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500 were named 2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year today by a panel of 49 automotive journalists. The awards were announced this morning at the North American International Auto Show.

The ATS faced the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord in the finals for 2013 North American Car of the Year, while the Ram 1500 was up against the Ford C-Max and Mazda CX-5 in the truck/utility finals.

Judging criteria includes innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

This is Cadillac's first and General Motors' fifth car of the year award. Chrysler Group earned the top truck honor for the third time.

"This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers,” said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, global Cadillac. “A car like ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That’s the only method for creating a great performing luxury car."

A compact sport sedan, the ATS is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. It recently received a 5-Star overall crash test rating in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“For the Ram Truck Brand, this ranks as one of the proudest days in our history,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO – Ram Truck Brand. “Every truck-maker aspires to win the North American Truck/Utility of the Year. I tip my hat to the folks who worked behind the scenes to make the 2013 Ram 1500 a technological triumph.

“In no other truck will you find Ram’s incredible combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency — 25 miles per gallon — Pentastar and HEMI engines matched to TorqueFlite 8-speed transmissions, air suspension. Uconnect Access and 12 fuel-saving technologies that have raised the bar in the full-size pickup segment.”

This is the 20th year of the awards. The Ram has won North American Truck of the Year honors just once — in the award’s inaugural year 1994.