Straightline - 2008 Detroit Auto Show: Chevy and Mazda Win NACTOY

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Chevy and Mazda Win NACTOY

Well, the back-slapping inside Cobo's Michigan Hall threatened to drown out the impeding stampede that will introduce the all-new Dodge Ram later today. Chevrolet's Malibu scored the 2008 North American Car of the Year award, giving GM a repeat of last year's excitement over the Saturn Aura's win. When one considers that these two cars are nearly identical from a structural standpoint that's either fitting or foolish. Regardless, a beaming Ed Peper and Bob Lutz embraced the throngs of reporters rushing to get the latest sound bytes from these high-ranking GM execs. I personally overheard Mark LaNeve describe the Malibu's win as a result of offering "...a $40,000 car for $20,000..."

Activity around the Mazda CX-9, winner of the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, wasn't quite as crushing, but the Mazda win did keep GM from sweeping the awards, as neither the Enclave nor the Tahoe Hybrid (the other two finalists) captured the title for 2008. -- Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com

Posted by Karl Jan 13, 2008 8:16 am

Permalink

Categories: Chevrolet | Mazda | Detroit Auto Show

Comments

daytona_500 - Jan 13, 2008 8:54 am (#1 Total: 5)

That's pretty big for GM to win the award two years straight. I am surprised that that the Enclave didnt win it over the CX-9 though. More surprising I guess is the CTS because its actually different from last year's Aura.

GM has a good chance to three peat next year with the Pontiac G8 and the Chevy Camaro.

estreka - Jan 13, 2008 10:12 am (#2 Total: 5)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

Who exactly determines the NACOTY?

I think calling the Malibu a $40K car is a bit of a stretch...

firstwagon - Jan 13, 2008 12:04 pm (#3 Total: 5)

I'm not surprised the CX-9 won over the Enclave. While the Enclave is surprisely good, the CX-9 is a home run.

I also would like to know which $40,000 car the Malibu is equal too.

stovt001 - Jan 13, 2008 3:02 pm (#4 Total: 5)

I woulda picked the CTS and the Enclave. All the finalists plus more were more than deserving of the award. What a great year for the automotive industry.

And GM does look good for the next two years, with the G8 for next year and the Camaro for the year after that (I'm sure the Camaro will be released far too late to qualify next year, as they are looking at a Feb 2009 or later release.)

ateixeira - Jan 14, 2008 10:05 am (#5 Total: 5)

Recife, PE, Brazil

The CTS. LOL

Not really, a $20k Malibu would be a very basic model. The loaded ones do share an engine with the base CTS.

I thought Enclave would win as well.

PS Journalists from North America vote for this award. GM having 2 entries for trucks probably hurt, as the votes get split.