Would you consider the MINI Countryman a truck? Crossover seems a more accurate classification, but that has not stopped judges from appointing the Countryman to the short-list of 2012 North American Truck of the Year Candidates.
Vehicles nominated to the North American Car/Truck of the Year Awards are selected by jury on the grounds that they are “all-new or substantially upgraded for the 2012 model year.” Fortunately for MINI, the elevated riding height and optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive of their new Countryman was enough to convince voters it was deserved of the truck category. 7 vehicles were selected to compete for the North American Truck of the Year title, compared to 17 cars.
The jury - composed of automobile writers from several premiere publications - will gather in Hell, Michigan (yes, Hell is the name of the town) to evaluate the semi-finalists. The panel then chooses three finalists in each category and submits their selections which will be announced on December 15th. Winners of the car and truck categories will be announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on January 9th.
Previous winners include the Chevy Volt (Car, 2011), Ford Fusion Hybrid (Car, 2010), Ford Explorer (Truck, 2011), and Transit Connect (Truck, 2010).
2012 North American Car of the Year Short-List Candidates:
Audi A6
Audi A7
Buick Verano
Chevrolet Sonic
Chrysler 300/SRT-8
Fiat 500
Ford Focus
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Veloster
Kia Rio/Rio 5
Scion iQ
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Camry
Toyota Prius V
VW Beetle
VW Passat
2012 North American Truck of the Year Short-List candidates:
BMW X3
Honda CR-V
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mini Countryman
Nissan Quest
Saab 9-4X
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