The North American Car of the Year is an annual award that recognizes the best new vehicles in North America. It is awarded to a car and a truck or utility vehicle based on factors such as innovation, design, safety, and performance. The winners are chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The award aims to provide consumers with reliable information about new vehicles and to highlight excellence in the automotive industry. The selection process involves extensive testing and evaluation, ensuring that the awarded vehicles meet high standards of quality and functionality.