The Dodge Charger, manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, has clinched the prestigious Car of the Year title at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The announcement was made in the morning on Wednesday, following a close competition with the Honda Prelude from Japan and the Nissan Sentra from Mexico.
During conversations with reporters at the event, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear expressed gratitude to the workforce at the Windsor Assembly Plant for their dedication in delivering high-quality products and ensuring timely dealership distribution.
The Dodge Charger lineup features various models, including the powerful Dodge Charger Scat Pack with 550 horsepower, the Dodge Charger R/T with 420 horsepower, and the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack boasting 670 horsepower.
The Car of the Year award is determined by a panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. James Stewart, the president of the union representing workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant, hailed the news of the accolade as “fantastic,” emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the workforce and Stellantis.
In response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for domestic car production, Stewart highlighted Canada’s self-sufficiency in raw materials and manufacturing capabilities to support its automotive industry. McAlear described the Dodge Charger as a globally versatile vehicle catering to various markets.
The company’s decision to produce the car in Windsor was attributed to the strong partnership with Unifor, as McAlear underscored the plant’s commitment to delivering top-quality vehicles for consumers across North America. The auto show is currently taking place at Huntington Park in downtown Detroit and will be open to the public until January 25.