Bill Pierre Ford

Capping off a year in which it gained market share and a lot of attention for not needing government bailouts, Ford won both the North American car of the year and truck of the year awards at the North American International Auto Show today.

The Fusion hybrid sedan took honors for car of the year while the Transit Connect small commercial van was the award-winning truck.

Built in Mexico, the Fusion was a sales winner for Ford in 2009 with a 22 percent increase. The vehicle has won praise for its fit and finish, fuel economy and its looks.

Built from many of the same basic parts as the European Ford Focus, the Transit Connect launched in the United States last year. Ford has said it will move production to the United States from Europe when sales warrant the move.

Critics have called the van a game changer for the commercial vehicle segment because it offers many small businesses the capacity they need for less money and more miles per gallon than a larger, Avon Lake-built E-Series commercial van.

Other nominees for the awards were the Chevrolet Equinox crossover, Buick LaCrosse sedan and the Volkswagen GTI small car. Awards are based on votes by automotive journalists.