Detroit Motor Show - The Volkswagen Golf was named North American car of the year at the Detroit show on Monday, while Ford picked up the honours in the truck category.
The Golf and Golf GTI saw off fierce competition from the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis to take the prestigious award at the North American International Auto Show in a resurgent Detroit.
The Veedubs were recognised for "setting new benchmarks in their segments, including innovation, distinguished design, and available driver assistance features, as well as unmatched value."
Ford's new aluminium-bodied F-150 pick-up triumphed ahead of Chevrolet's Colorado and the Lincoln MKC in the truck segment. This is the eighth time that a Ford vehicle has won the truck category in the competition's 22-year history.
The winners were decided by a jury of 57 journalists and based on qualities including design, safety, performance and value.
The Detroit extravaganza, the first major international motor show of the year and the biggest in the United States, launches under renewed optimism that the industry has bounced back after years in the doldrums.
IOL & AFP