In a significant triumph for Canadian automotive manufacturing, the Windsor-built Dodge Charger has been named the North American Car of the Year. The prestigious award was announced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the media day of the Detroit Auto Show.
A Major Accolade for Windsor Assembly
This victory marks the third major U.S. award for the iconic muscle car produced at the Windsor Assembly Plant. The win arrives amidst ongoing political commentary about cross-border vehicle production, adding a layer of significance to the achievement.
Following the announcement, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear celebrated in front of a Charger, emphasizing the vehicle's global appeal. "This is a true global car," McAlear told reporters. "It is for the U.S., it’s for Canada, it’s for Mexico, it’s for Europe, it’s for the Middle East. We have a great partner in Unifor and we look at this as an incredible vehicle, no matter where it’s built."
He further praised the Charger as a "segment buster" designed for all markets, highlighting the excitement to begin sales.
The Win Amidst Political Backdrop
The Canadian-built car's success in the United States came just one day after former American President Donald Trump, while touring a Ford plant near Detroit, made remarks questioning the need for vehicles manufactured in Canada and Mexico. This contrast underscores the competitive strength and recognition of the Windsor-made product on an international stage.
Other Category Winners Announced
The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards also recognized winners in two other categories on the same day:
- Truck of the Year: The Ford Maverick Lobo, which overtook the Ram 1500 Hemi and Ram 2500.
- Utility Vehicle of the Year: The Hyundai Palisade, which beat the Lucid Gravity and Nissan Leaf.
The Dodge Charger secured the car title over fellow finalists, the Honda Prelude and the Nissan Sentra.
About the NACTOY Awards
Established in 1994, the NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not tied to a single publication. A jury of 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada evaluates vehicles based on:
- Innovation
- Design
- Performance
- Driver Satisfaction
- Value
The rigorous selection process involves testing eligible new or substantially changed vehicles throughout the year, with three rounds of voting between September and January before the winners are revealed in Detroit.
This award solidifies the Windsor Assembly Plant's role as a cornerstone of high-quality automotive production and delivers a powerful statement about the caliber of vehicles built in Ontario, Canada.
