2009 Nissan GTR. Click image to enlarge 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. Click image to enlarge 2009 Volvkswagen Jetta TDI. Click image to enlarge 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Click image to enlarge

Detroit, Michigan – The 13th Annual International Car of the Year Award’s (ICOTY) were announced on Saturday evening prior to the start of the North American International Auto Show media preview. The mission of the ICOTY Awards is to honour new-year model vehicles that reach beyond power and performance by tapping into lifestyle compatibility.

The ICOTY jury, made up of 16 nationally-renowned automotive journalists, selected the new-year models with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates to ensure accuracy and credibility. The event was hosted by Edmunds.com Editorial Director, Kevin Smith and Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) Editor-in-Chief, Courtney Caldwell.

The winners are:

International Car of the Year: Nissan GT-R
International Truck of the Year: Dodge Ram 1500

The 2009 ceremony also debuted the Earth, Wind & Power (EWP) Awards, honouring the most environmentally-friendly car and truck of the year. The mission of the EWP Awards is to recognize new-year model vehicles driven by a power source that help reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment and support the mission to achieve energy independence through alternative sources.

The EWP winners are:

Car of the Year: Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Truck of the Year: Ford Escape Hybrid