NORTH AMERICAN CAR AND TRUCK OF THE YEAR SHOW THAT DETROIT IS THINKING SMALL

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Ford's social media PR operation has been justifiably crowing about FoMoCo's "sweep" of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit:

Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader Monday, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.

In a year after two of Detroit's three auto companies failed and were taken over by the government, the selection of a pair of low-C02 vehicles from America's last surviving non-government automaker is not surprising. Even as fuel prices have moderated because of the continuing international recession and a power-grabbing climate deal hasn't yet materialized, the Detroit jurors have gotten the message that the future -- including Detroit's future" is going to revolve around small vehicles.

While neither the Transit Connect nor the Hybrid Fusion are remotely sporting, Truth With Speedzzter can see their breakout appeal. The economics of hybrid motoring still don't really make sense, but the political and social statements of motoring in an American-based hybrid remain potent. The Transit Connect has the potential to spawn a new generation of fuel-sipping campers and haulers.

Vehicles like the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect simply must become successful for FoMoCo to have the liberty to build enthusiast vehicles, such as V8 Mustangs, SVT Raptor, and hopefully a new V8-available RWD sports sedan.

Thus, the jury probably got it right in these austere and uncertain times. But next year, Truth With Speedzzter expects some Mustangs on the North American Car of the Year plinth. Maybe a wily Coyote . . . .