Detroit: Cadillac ATS, Ram 1500 win North American Car and Truck of the Year awards

The Cadillac ATS was awarded the North American Car of the Year, while the Ram 1500 got the North American Truck of the Year award at the Detroit auto show.

The Cadillac ATS was rated better than its main rivals, the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord, by the panel of 49 jurors from the United States and Canada. The compact sport sedan is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive versions, with a choice of powerful and efficient four- and six-cylinder engines.

“This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers,” said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president, global Cadillac.

The same jurors elected the Ram 1500 as North American Truck/Utility of the Year, ahead of competitors including the Ford C-Max and Mazda CX-5. The Ram 1500 has been updated for 2013 and now sports revised styling, an updated interior and a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 305 hp and 269 lb-ft (364 Nm) of torque.

“Every truck-maker aspires to win the North American Truck/Utility of the Year. I tip my hat to the folks who worked behind the scenes to make the 2013 Ram 1500 a technological triumph,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico.