Holiday travel by car increases, Truck of the Year finalists announced

(Photo archive)

Bump in travelers hitting holiday road
AAA projects 92.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, an increase of 3.1 percent from the 89.5 million who traveled a year ago. The year-end holidays travel period is defined as Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Approximately 85.7 million people -- more than nine out of 10 holiday travelers -- will drive to their holiday destinations. That's a 3.2 percent increase from the 83 million who drove last year.

-- NWautos staff

The Dodge Durango is up for the North American Truck of the Year award. (Chrysler)

Finalists named for North American prize
Two Chrysler SUVs -- the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee -- are in the running for North American Truck of the Year, an award given by a panel of the nation's top automotive journalists. The redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer joins them as a finalist. The Car of the Year finalists include the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata. Winners will be announced on Jan. 10 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

-- The Associated Press