Automotive Design & Production magazine selected the 2007 Saturn Sky (exterior) and 2007 GMC Yukon (interior) as the winners of the 2007 Excellence in Automotive Design Awards. The winners were chosen from a new cars and light trucks available for retail delivery between January 1 and December 31, 2006.

"The ability to faithfully bring an idea to production is as important as the idea itself," says editor-in-chief Gary Vasilash, "which is why the Excellence in Automotive Design Awards also recognize the contributions of the supply community to creating breakthrough products."

These awards are unique not only for recognizing both interior and exterior design excellence, but for acknowledging the contributions of key suppliers. The reason: the excellence of the end products is predicated, in large part, by the ability of suppliers to provide the vehicles with elements ranging from sheet metal to seats.

2007 Saturn Sky

In recognizing the 2007 Saturn Sky for its exterior design leadership, the editorial team focused on the taut, crisp lines and attention to detail.

"There is not one piece of the exterior that doesn't contribute to the Sky's modern, yet sporting design theme, from the flowing headlamps to the double- hump fairings on the decklid. This truly is a breakthrough for GM and for Saturn," Vasilash said.

2007 GMC Yukon

The editors honored the GMC Yukon based on the exceptional attention to detail in terms of materials and quality execution, as well as overall harmonization throughout the vehicle. "The ability of the design team to assure the high consistency of colors and textures across a number of different materials deserves major accolades," Vasilash said.

"The visual clarity and simplicity of the cockpit projects a more upscale appeal than you'd expect to find in a full-size SUV."