Allison Worldwide Joins Forces as Official PR Partner for NACTOY Awards

Unveiling a New Era with Allison Worldwide and NACTOY

In a significant development for the automotive industry, Allison Worldwide has been announced as the official public relations partner for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards (NACTOY). This partnership was unveiled on February 1, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for both organizations.

Founded in 1994, NACTOY has established itself as a prestigious authority in automotive evaluation, judged rigorously by an independent panel of industry journalists. The awards celebrate the most remarkable new vehicles each year, spotlighting excellence in design, innovation, safety, performance, and value. With NACTOY's emphasis on credibility and transparency, it plays a crucial role in shaping public trust and dialogue in the automotive sector.

Allison Worldwide, a global communications agency recognized for its in-depth expertise in the automotive and industrial sectors, looks to enhance NACTOY's visibility and impact. Through this partnership, Allison aims to amplify NACTOY's messaging and thought leadership efforts, serving to educate both industry insiders and the general public on the value of these prestigious awards.

Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Allison, highlighting the agency's reputation for effective automotive storytelling and media engagement. He noted that this collaboration would broaden public recognition of the awards and underscore their significance within the industry. Indeed, the combination of NACTOY's esteemed jury process and Allison's strategic communications expertise is poised to create a powerful synergy.

Rebecca Lindland, managing director of Automotive at Allison Worldwide, emphasized the agency's commitment to supporting organizations that prioritize credibility and thoughtful evaluation. She remarked, "NACTOY is the gold standard in independent automotive evaluation. We're proud to support an organization that values credibility, transparency, and informed judgment."

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the partnership between Allison Worldwide and NACTOY couldn't be more timely. With the increasing complexity of vehicle assessments, driven by technological innovations and shifting consumer expectations, having a reliable communication strategy becomes paramount. Together, Allison and NACTOY will work hand in hand to elevate the dialogue surrounding automotive excellence and advocate for the industry’s best practices.

Allison's leadership, including Ray Day, an industry veteran and executive chair, will bring valuable insights to the table. As both a former chief communications officer for Ford and IBM, and as a current vice chair at Stagwell, Ray's extensive experience is sure to guide this partnership toward enhancing NACTOY's influence.

The partnership is expected to play a significant role in shaping industry conversations, driving engagement around the NACTOY process, and amplifying juror perspectives. This fusion of efforts aims not just to celebrate vehicle excellence, but also to build consumer trust and industry credibility.

In conclusion, this collaboration signifies a forward-thinking approach to automotive evaluation and communication. Factors such as innovation, safety, and performance will always remain central to the NACTOY awards, and with Allison Worldwide spearheading communications, the impact and reach of these vital conversations in the automotive space are set to expand remarkably. Keep an eye out for the outcomes of this exciting partnership at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, where the prestigious awards will be announced.

By engaging effectively within the media landscape and enhancing public awareness, Allison Worldwide and NACTOY are set to illuminate what excellence truly means in the automotive world. This partnership not only promises to elevate brand voices but also reassures consumers about the quality and reliability of the vehicles they consider in their purchase decisions.