Nissan Sweeps Canadian Car Of The Year Awards
Wednesday February 12, 1:04 pm ET


TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Nissan vehicles today swept three top awards at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Car of the Year ceremonies at the Canadian International Auto Show.
The Nissan 350Z sports car was a double winner, voted Canadian Car of the Year and also earning AJAC's nod as Best New Design. The new Z-car beat two of its Nissan siblings - the Nissan Murano 'crossover' sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the Infiniti G35 - for the design award.

The Murano was also voted Canadian Truck of the Year in the prestigious competition, which is based on comprehensive head-to-head testing by AJAC members.

The sweep was unprecedented in the 19-year history of the awards. No manufacturer has ever won both Canadian Car and Truck of the Year awards in the same year.

"To say we are thrilled is a huge understatement," said Brad Bradshaw, president of Nissan Canada Inc. "This is clear testimony that Nissan is designing and building the best vehicles in the industry."

The 350Z, which has been a sellout since its introduction in August, was earlier voted Best New Sports/Performance Car in the annual AJAC competition. Murano, which went on sale in November, was picked Best New Sport Utility Vehicle Under $45,000.

The 350Z's victory marks the first time any manufacturer has won two consecutive Canadian Car of the Year awards. Last year's winner was the Nissan Altima.