Cadillac, Ram Win Car And Truck Of The Year Awards At Detroit Auto Show

Cadillac, Ram Win Car And Truck Of The Year Awards At Detroit Auto Show

General Motors' Cadillac ATS and Chrysler's Ram 1500 pickup were awarded first place at the the 2013 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year. The winners were unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"We worked tirelessly with blood, sweat and tears to come through the hell we've been through," Fred Diaz,president and chief executive of the Ram brand, said after the award was announced.

"What a difference three years makes."

The panel of 49 auto writers, editors and broadcasters favored new Cadillac for the car trophy because of its style and an innovative design that cuts weight, allowing smaller engines and higher mileage ratings. ATS is a first-time win for Cadillac, and the fifth time for its parent, General Motors.

The panel chose the Ram as the truck/utility champion after its extensive update for 2013 that went far beyond a refresh. It gained new convenience and work truck features, a new powertrain offering featuring the Pentastar V-6 and the first 8-speed automatic transmission in a full-size pickup, and weight-cutting and aerodynamic changes that increased mileage ratings.

The Truck/Utility of the Year win by Ram 1500 is Chrysler's third victory for car or truck of the year.