The 2010 F-Series Super Duty continues to set a benchmark for commercial truck users. With a variety of cab styles and tow/payload capacities, Ford's industry-exclusive Work Solutions, and a host of standard safety features, this model gives truck operators a wide range of configurations to fit their specific business needs.

For the third consecutive year, fleet professionals voted the Ford F-Series Super Duty work truck the Medium-Duty Truck of the Year. The award, sponsored by Work Truck magazine, was presented at the recent National Truck Equipment Association's (NTEA) The Work Truck Show at America's Center in St. Louis.

"We are very proud to be recognized by our customers for our medium-duty truck," said Len Deluca, director of Ford commercial trucks, sales and marketing. "Three years in a row being voted as the best medium-duty truck is a very proud moment for us, and we really appreciate the vote of confidence our customers are giving us."

For the 2010 awards, professional fleet managers cast online ballots, choosing among 19 nominated work trucks representing 14 truck manufacturers.

"Work trucks are revenue-producing assets that have a direct influence on a company's bottom line," said Mike Antich, editor, Work Truck magazine. "The Medium-Duty Truck of the Year Award recognizes vehicles of superior quality that have the versatility to accomplish most any fleet application."

Ford's Work Horse Features Power, Safety & Durability

All Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks are built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. The 2010 F-Series Super Duty engine choices include a 300 hp 5.L V-8, 362 hp 6.8L V-10, and the 350 hp 6.4L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V-8.

Offered in four trim levels - XL, XLT, Cabela's, and Lariat - the work truck also boasts a host of standard and available features, from air conditioning and power-heated trailer tow mirrors to privacy glass and an integrated trailer brake controller.

The industry-exclusive PowerScope tow side mirrors, which power-fold and power-telescope to enhance the towing experience, are standard on some models, as is the rear view camera system and SYNC, Ford's voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.

Standard and available safety features include driver and front passenger air bags, air bag deactivation switch, traction control, four-wheel ABS brakes, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, and keyless entry keypad.

Ford's 2010 model also offers Tough Bed, a military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bedliner. The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision high-pressure automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat. The finer application ensures bedliner materials won't run or sag on the inside walls of the box and also minimizes truck weight. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering an exceptionally clean appearance, according to Ford.

The 2010 Ford F-Series Super Duty not only holds the title of the toughest work truck, but its resale value also has been deemed the best in its class. The model recently earned Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Best Resale Value Award for the full-size pickup category. The award recognizes vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of the original list price after five years of ownership.

Super Duty Users Remain Impressed with Performance

According to Claude Masters, CAFM, manager, acquisition and fuel for Florida Power & Light, the 2010 Super Duty has served his fleet well, primarily for its serviceability (the utility operates an in-house maintenance shop) and dependability.

"Most people don't realize being a utility means we're an emergency first-responder," he said. "When the electricity goes out in a fire station, not being able to respond due to an undependable truck is not an acceptable response. Ford's Super Duty trucks have provided the serviceability and dependability we need."

According to JJ Keig, CAFM, director of fleet maintenance for Brink's Inc., the medium-duty truck market is more dynamic at this time than any other car or truck segment, and the Super Duty has helped expand Ford's "healthy" footprint in this market.

"The amount of R&D Ford put into the Super Duty is substantial and impressive," he said. "Ford significantly reduced the noise, harshness, and vibration (NHV) factor. When this model is used in and around neighborhoods, it will be less intrusive from an environmental and sound perspective."

In 2009, Ford's F-Series pulled away further from the competition, posting a four-percentage-point gain in its segment (outselling its closest truck rival by more than 97,000 units). And 2010 looks to be another banner year for this model.

"Ford's share of commercial and government fleets is the highest of any vehicle manufacturer, and the F-Series trucks are top sellers in these segments," Deluca concluded. "We'll continue to listen to this important market and create innovative products to help their businesses succeed."

All-New 2011 Ford Super Duty Lowers Cost of Ownership

Ford Motor Company's reputation of providing fleets with the best work truck available is reinforced with the all-new 2011 Super Duty, delivering more productivity with best-in-class horsepower and torque, as well as class-leading fuel economy from the new gasoline and all-new diesel engines.

"The 2011 Super Duty is not only the most powerful, most capable, and fuel-efficient heavy-duty pickup truck on the road, it performs the tough jobs with even more efficiency than ever before," said Len Deluca, director of Ford commercial trucks, sales and marketing.

Customer Feedback Vital in 2011 Super Duty Development

Key fleet customer feedback was involved throughout its development. Customer input is reflected in the new truck's features, ranging from its B-20 capability to driver manual lumbar on the vinyl seat.

Claude Masters, CAFM, manager, acquisition and fuel for Florida Power & Light, has been testing the 2011 Super Duty since last fall. Masters, a member of the Ford Truck Advisory Board, said with the 2011 Super Duty's all-new engines and transmission - in light of new SCR and DEF systems for diesel emissions compliance - the vehicles have undergone challenging field tests (including marshy topsoil and high-water terrain), towing loads and pulling boats.

"They have held up surprisingly well, and the improvement in fuel economy, even in towing situations, was a good surprise," Masters said.

Another concern among his operators, before vehicle testing, was the DEF replacement. How often would they need to fill it up, and would they run out while in the field? Although the DEF was expected to run low at 7,500 miles - the normal maintenance cycle - at 9,000 miles, DEF levels were at 25 percent. The DEF issue was not a very intrusive process after all, Masters said.

Engine, Transmission & Technologies Deliver

The Super Duty's new diesel engine is compatible with biodiesel up to B-20, while the new gasoline engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E-85 ethanol, or any blend in between, providing a wide array of fueling options for operators of either engine.

The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty Torq-Shift 6-speed transmission manages the improved power and torque with its SelectShift Automatic feature and includes upgrades to reduce cost of ownership. The work truck boasts best-in-class towing and payload capability. The 2011 Super Duty enhances trim levels found in 2010 models with XL, XL Décor, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch configurations.

"The new Power Stroke diesel is the most tested Power Stroke ever, incorporating the most rigorous engine tests found in Ford globally," Deluca said.

The all-new diesel and gas engine powertrains are the backbone of the 2011 Super Duty's best-in-class towing (26,400 lbs. for F-550 Chassis Cab with fifth-wheel hitch) and payload capability (6,520 lbs. for F-350 dual rear-wheel pickup). The Ford-designed, Ford-engineered, and Ford-built 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine produces best-in-class 735 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm and best-in-class 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm.

The new 6.2L V-8 gasoline engine also boasts best-in-class numbers of 405 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.

With a full suite of technologies, including Ford Work Solutions and SYNC voice-activated communications, the new model makes it easier for fleet owners to manage their vehicles and businesses. According to Chris Brewer, the 2011 Super Duty chief engineer, "Super Duty customers are diverse and demanding. They absolutely depend on them for their livelihood - in many cases, it's literally their office. The 2011 Super Duty has more capability than ever before and is ready to exceed the expectations of our customers."