Ram 1500, Cadillac ATS win at Detroit show

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DETROIT, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Two U.S. automakers that were bankrupt not long ago have won honors in Detroit for top car and truck of the year.

General Motors won the coveted car of the year award with the Cadillac ATS while Chrysler won bragging rights with the Ram 1500 truck.

It is the type of award around which advertising campaigns pivot. They are awarded to kick off the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened to the public Monday.

The awards represent a double-win for Michigan, as both the Cadillac ATS and the Ram 1500 are manufactured in the state, The New York Times reported.

"This is a very meaningful honor for the entire Cadillac team, especially the men and women who build the ATS in Lansing, Michigan, and our dedicated and talented designers and engineers. A car like ATS is the result of incredible commitment and focus. That's the only method for creating a great performing luxury car," said Bob Ferguson, GM vice president for Cadillac.

The awards are decided by a poll of 49 automobile industry journalists and in its 20th year, the group decided to change the truck category to Truck/Utility of the Year.

It is the third win for Ram Trucks, formerly the Dodge Ram truck, which is also produced in Mexico. But it is the first win for the Cadillac, the Times said.