Cars & Autos | Tuesday 13 January, 2015 1:21 pm |

The 2015 Ford F-150 took home the North American Truck of the Year award today.

The all-new F-150 was picked over Chevrolet Colorado and Lincoln MKC to win the awards presented at the start of the 2015 North American International Auto Show.

“Ford is honored to be named the best among such a strong field of competitors,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Ford employees and customers have a lot to be proud of with the innovative and award-winning F-150.”

North American Car of the Year and Truck/Utility of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. More than 50 veteran journalists vote for the vehicles, which must be all-new or substantially changed from the previous model to qualify for the awards.

The win by F-150 is the eighth time a Ford vehicle has won Truck/Utility of the Year. This is the 22nd year for the awards.

Toughest, smartest, most capable
The all-new F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – boasting a military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, and shedding up to 317.5 kilogram for a lighter, more efficient truck than any previous F-150.

These weight savings lead to customer benefits regardless of model configuration or engine choice. The innovative new truck can tow up to 500 more kilogram and haul up to 240 more kilogram than the 2014 model, and has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-size gasoline pickup on the market. When equipped with an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, the new F-150 4x2 has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 12.38 L/100km city, 9.05 L/100km highway and 10.69 L/100km combined. Actual kilometers may vary.

Numerous groundbreaking features debuted in the all-new F-150, including these class-exclusives:

360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck
to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails

Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

BoxLink™ combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers

Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle

Remote tailgate allows for tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob