Recipients on the upscale end of the price spectrum are the Audi A7, Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Azera sedans and the Infiniti JX35 and LandRoverRangeRoverEvoque SUVs.
New vehicles for 2012 include chic budget-minded models like the Chevrolet Sonic and Fiat 500, distinctively designed cars like the Hyundai Veloster and Volkswagen Beetle and upscale entries including the Buick Verano and LandRoverRangeRoverEvoque.
The Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat are the three finalists for North American Car of the Year, and the BMW X3, Honda CR-V and LandRoverRangeRoverEvoque are finalists for North American Truck of the Year.