Hyundai Elantra: the winner of the car of the year in International Auto Show.

Hyundai Elantra, The Car of the year 2012

The Hyundai Elantra wins the 2012 North American Car of the Year award. The Range Rover Evoque won the 2012 North American Truck of the Year award beating the BMW X3 and Honda CR-V. The awards was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012. It is Hyundai’s second win. The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.

“Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold design and great fuel economy,” said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. “In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra’s far-reaching impact on the industry.”

Fifty automotive journalists voted on the winning vehicles from a group of finalists, and the vehicles must be all new or substantially changed to be eligible. Organizers accept no advertising, though automakers capitalize on the marketing value of the honors. John Krafcik, Hyundai's North American CEO, said the award won't help the compact's sales much because the company already is selling as many Elantras as it can make at its factory in Montgomery, Ala. But the award should help solidify the brand's image in the eyes of the American public, especially in the highly competitive compact car segment.

"It should be helpful for our brand going forward," he said. The Elantra, which starts at $16,445, gets an estimated 33 mpg. The company is looking at ways to boost production at the Montgomery plant, but Krafcik said Hyundai plans to focus on maintaining quality at the factory before deciding on any increases. Hyundai sold more than 186,000 Elantras last year, nearly a 41 percent increase over 2010 figures.