The Detroit Three automakers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, have failed to secure finalist positions in two out of three categories for the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards. This comes as a result of their shift away from traditional cars and their slow entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market. However, Ford did manage to secure wins in the SUV and Truck categories with their 2021 Mustang Mach-E and 2023 F-150 Lightning EVs.
The absence of the Detroit Three can be attributed to their deemphasis on sedans, convertibles, and coupes, which has limited their eligible vehicles for the competition. Additionally, the production problems faced by GM in launching multiple EVs from their Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands further contributed to their exclusion.
While the Detroit Three’s absence from the finalist lists may raise concerns, it is important to note that they have been shut out of categories in the past. The NACTOY awards primarily recognize the impact of electric vehicles, which make up more than half of this year’s finalists. The variety among the finalists demonstrates the growing importance of EVs to carmakers and the increasing choices available to consumers.
Despite the Detroit Three’s absence, the NACTOY awards remain an influential platform for showcasing new vehicles and technologies. The winners will be announced on January 4, 2024, following further evaluations by the panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why were the Detroit Three automakers excluded from the NACTOY finalists?
Their exclusion is mainly due to their focus on SUVs and trucks, rather than traditional cars, and their slow entry into the electric vehicle market.
Which EVs from the Detroit Three won awards in the SUV and Truck categories?
Ford won SUV of the Year with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, and Truck of the Year with the 2023 F-150 Lightning.
Why are electric vehicles dominating the NACTOY finalist list?
Electric vehicles have become increasingly important to carmakers and offer a wide range of choices for consumers.
Who selects the winners of the NACTOY awards?
The winners are selected by a panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.