Detroit, Michigan – The finalists for the North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year have been announced, with the winners to be named at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The finalists for Car of the Year are the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf/GTI, while finalists for Truck of the Year are the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect and Subaru Outback.

The awards are judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from Canada and the United States who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and Web sites. This year, the jury considered more than 50 vehicles.

The awards recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year, based on such factors as innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially changed.

Last year’s winners were the Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150.