The Chevrolet Cruze has been named the 2011 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the opening of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, beating out the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

"The Cruze represents our line in the sand: We're playing to win - and delivering the goods - in the small car business," said Kevin Williams, GM of Canada's president and managing director.

The Ford Edge takes the prize for the 2011 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, besting the Volkswagen Touareg TDI and Hyundai's Tucson.

David Mondragon, president and CEO of Ford Canada says of the winning vehicle: "The Canadian-built 2011 Ford Edge features industry-leading technologies that create a whole new in-vehicle experience."

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes the "Best New Design" for 2011, beating out the Audi R8 and Jaguar XF Supercharged.

"With its stunning lines, trademark gullwing doors and hallmark wide radiator grille that prominently features the Mercedes-Benz star, the SLS AMG is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz. A contemporary interpretation of a legendary classic, the SLS AMG is reminiscent of the widely celebrated 300 SL, while also providing a glimpse of the future direction of Mercedes-Benz design," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz.

Other awards: Ford's inflatable rear seat belts takes the "Best New Technology" of 2011.

The awards, handed out annually at the Canadian International Auto Show by AJAC, marks the end of a rigorous evaluation process. The winners are determined by a combination of different evaluations by journalists derived from an extensive four-day "TestFest" of 144 new vehicles in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario that took place back in October.

http://www.driving.ca/Chevrolet+Cruze+named+Year/4301859/story.html#ixzz1EFGWk2Su

Edited February 17, 201115 yr by vonVeezelsnider