NATOY Jury Changes Award Criteria
We're not sure if we had anything to do with it, but the body of jury members that chooses the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year has recently announced it will change the criteria for the latter award.
As you recall, the jury, made up of 50 U.S. and Canadian journalists, got into some hot water this year by awarding the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (from a few other unibody crossover finalists) as the North American Truck of the Year. That didn't make a lot of sense to many of us who know about and care about such things, not the least of which the actual definition of a "truck."
Now they've announced they are changing the name of the award to the more appropriate North American Truck/Utility of the Year, and they've also decided to include more than just half-ton models. The rationale for keeping the heavy dutys out in the past was the idea that those vehicles were typically used for commercial use. (Do I smell elitism or just ignorance?) We didn't think that made much sense two decades ago when they invented the award, and it certainly doesn't make much sense now, so we're happy to see the change.
Still, we have concerns. If the jury didn't have members on the selection committee that should have brought up this issue long ago, what confidence should we have the jury will have anyone who knows how to judge or compare anything other than cars and crossovers? I suppose we'll have to wait and see and hope for the best.
The criteria change is a good first step, but the proof will be in next year's finalists and eventual winner to be announced at the 2013 Detroit auto show.
Comments
North American truck of the year.......sounds like it would be for North American trucks as well....Not Brittish vehicles.
Agree. The NA Truck of the Year goes to a British SUV? What's the point?
These journalists and associated magazines are trying to add value to themselves by creating hokey awards. Unfortunately, they continue to prove how out of touch and unvaluable they really are.
Personally I think they should split the award instead of having one combined. One for a true truck and one for utility (which would include vans) that impact the North American (United States of America) auto market.
atleast their trying to fix their mistake
@UncleBud
Because it is sold in NA. Truck??? Well that is a very good question. Here it would be a SUV(Up a staggering 30% in sales this year) or a 4WD, SUV's that actually are used Off Road.
@ johnny doe- I actually agree with you on this one. Your use of grammar could still use some work though. LOL (that was for you johnny)
The problem is that they use the broad definition of truck. That means SUV, CUV, minivans, large vans, and pickup trucks counted as trucks. The US government definition of "truck" also includes the same vehicles. They also base it on any vehicle that sold in NA. The Mini Cooper Clubman was a runner up.
I do agree that this is a step in the right direction.
@Gabe Logan Grammar? Whats that. LOL By god you got *laugh out loud* down my friend you're doing good. I got a new one for you to get now (lmao). This is a hint laugh my __ __
@johnny doe- The a stands for the crude word for the butt. The one I am having trouble with is lmfao what does the f stand for?
In order for some credibilty they need to have someone that actually is from the truck community.
@Gabe
Hint: this rhyme is appropriate for this article.
Laugh my trucking class off. Look at "trucking class"
i'm glad they are trying to fix their mistake and make things right
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