The 2011 Ford F-150 was awarded Fleet Truck of the Year by qualified fleet professionals in an online poll sponsored by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines.

"Winning Fleet Truck of the Year is really exciting for the entire Ford team. The F-150 has been an important tool for truck fleets for a long time and worthy of this recognition. More importantly, the 2011 model gets even better with an all-new powertrain lineup offering best-in-class horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. Combined with industry leading quality, safety and technology, the value proposition for F-150 has never been stronger," said John Ruppert, general manager, commercial and government operations for Ford Motor Company.

Voters were asked to visit www.automotive-fleet.com and choose one vehicle in both the car and truck categories. The nominations included 74 car and 13 light-duty truck models, representing all major domestic and import-badged vehicles.

Fleet professionals selected their favorite vehicles based on how each fit their company's needs in regards to features, function, styling, maintenance, remarketing value, OEM service, and driver feedback. 

The Fleet Car and Truck of the Year awards began in 2003 as a way for AF to promote excellence in the fleet industry.

2011 F-150 Includes More Powertrain Options

The Ford F-Series has been America's best-selling truck for 33 years running, and the 2011 F-150 continues that tradition of reliability and durability, according to the manufacturer. The 2011 F-150 offers fleet professionals improved horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. For fleets, these improvements help increase productivity.  

Fleet managers can maximize their workload and vehicle fuel economy by choosing from four different powertrains available in 2011. Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving, six-speed automatic transmission with optional SelectShift functionality.

SelectShift allows drivers to select a desired gear, which provides better control when hauling heavy loads or towing. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver's need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.

Improved Fuel Economy & Technology

Projected to be up to 20-percent more fuel-efficient than the 2010 model, the 2011 F-150 comes equipped with electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) on the 3.7L V-6, 5.0L V-8, and 3.5L EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces the conventional hydraulic system. EPAS only draws power when needed while hydraulic systems run continuously off the engine, decreasing fuel economy. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks, according to the automaker.

Drivers can also monitor fuel economy on a 4.2-inch LCD message center screen, as well as information related to towing performance and off-roading. The menu for the message center can be operated through a five-way button on the steering wheel for easy driver access.

The 2011 F-150 has a larger rear view camera screen option (now 3.5 inches instead of 2.5 inches) and high resolution. Drivers can now zoom in or out, improving the ease of hooking up a trailer.  

Fleet professionals can also choose to have their F-150 equipped with SYNC and Ford Work Solutions. SYNC provides personalized traffic reports, turn-by-turn directions, and other information such as business listings, news, sports, and weather.

Ford Work Solutions features an in-dash computer with full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories such as a mouse and printer. Fleet managers can use Ford Work Solutions to maintain real-time inventory, secure large tools or equipment in the truck's cargo area, or access telematics and diagnostics.

The Best Capacity & Durability

"The 2011 Ford F-150 has all the best-in-class towing and payload capability and durability our tough truck customers demand and now takes a giant leap forward in fuel economy, performance, and technology," said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 Ford F-150.

The 2011 Ford F-150 can provide fleet managers with an array of beneficial options and standard features that set it apart from other potential fleet vehicles.