Did you ever wonder just how the North American Car and Truck of the Year winners were selected, and by whom? I’m here to unveil the process. Lift the curtain. Expose the emperor.

Fifty auto journalists from the U.S. and Canada (why Mexican journalists are omitted from the panel is unexplained, though one would think Mexico should have a say, since they’re in North America) vote for the winners. The vehicles are voted for based on: innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar (or loon, but apparently not the peso).

It’s really that simple (and exclusionary).

This year (or next year, depending on how you interpret the meaning of 2013 Car and Truck of the year), the nominees are flat out dominated by Japanese and U.S. car makers. Out of the 21 finalists, 17 were made by automakers from these countries. Three came from Europe, and one was from South Korea.

Without any further interruption, here are the nominees:

The TRUCK CATEGORY

-           Acura RDX (American Honda)

-           CX-5 (Mazda North America)

-           Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan North America)

-           Infiniti JX35 (Nissan)

-           Ram 1500 (Chrysler Group)

-           Ford C-Max (Ford)

-           Escape (Ford)

-           Allroad (Audi)

-           X1 (BMW)

-           Santa Fe (Hyundai)

The Car Category (caps omitted because cars aren’t as BOLD as trucks)

-           Accord (American Honda)

-           Altima (Nissan North America)

-           BRZ (Subaru of North America)

-           Avalon (Toyota Motor Sales USA)

-           Scion FR-S (Toyota)

-           Dodge Dart (Chrysler Group)

-           Fusion (Ford)

-           Lincoln MKZ (Ford)

-           Cadillac ATS (General Motors)

-           Chevrolet Malibu (General Motors)

-           3 Series (BMW)

The Hyundai Elantra and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque won last year (or this year, again, depending on how you look at these awards).

Are you planning on being a proud owner of any of these vehicles? Do you already own one of the esteemed models? If so, you should always make sure your tire pressure is healthy. Richard Petty demands it:

This is one of those advertisements when the execs sit back in their office chairs, put their hands behind their heads, and look toward the ceiling and smile, thinking how perfect it is when a car advertising campaign intersects perfectly with a NASCAR legend’s name.

(This ad was in the sidebar from the supporting article, and I had to comment.)