All new for the 2015 model-year amid boasts that it is the toughest, smartest, and most capable F-150 ever, the iconic pickup truck was named the 2014 Fleet Truck of the Year.

Sponsored by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines, the purpose of the Fleet Truck of the Year award is to promote excellence in the fleet industry, particularly the tools and vehicles that allow fleet managers to fulfill their missions. Vehicles were voted on by qualified fleet professionals via an online ballot.

Frequently used in just about every fleet and service industry, from delivery to construction to service, the Ford F-150 garnered the most votes among a group of 35 trucks selected for this year’s competition.

“What do fleet customers want? They want to haul more, tow more, and go faster. But, they want to pay less for fuel. And that is just what this truck does,” according to Scott Fosgard, F-150 communications at Ford Motor Co. “The aluminum body on a lightweight high-strength steel frame allows us to use a 2.7L EcoBoost engine so customers can choose the best engine to best meet towing and payload requirements.”

Get to Know the New F-150
An all-aluminum body construction allows for lighter frame features, in addition to the use of high-strength steels.

The all-new F-150 delivers the industry’s best towing and payload capability among full-size pickups able to tow 12,200 pounds and haul 3,300 pounds, according to the manufacturer.

And, regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every truck features up to 700 pounds of weight savings and the 2015 model is projected to deliver approximately 5- to 20-percent better overall fuel economy.

Additionally, Ford said the all-new Ford F-150 is the most tested F-150 in history; it will have undergone more than 10 million miles of testing by the time it goes on sale.

“We put the truck through some of our testing longer and further than we have ever done before,” said Ford Development Manager Peter Frantzeskakis. “All of this extra testing proved we were on the right track with our designs and our materials.”

Additionally, standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, energy management system pretensioning for height-adjustable, front-row safety belts, and a safety-cage body construction.

New ‘Smart’ Technologies
Today’s fleet drivers are depending more and more on technology to do their jobs, and they expect the truck they drive to continue to add new, useful features to help them accomplish their responsibilities safely and efficiently.

“This is an amazing truck — its technology matches customer benefits and allows us to make a truck that goes faster, stops quicker, and uses less fuel in the process,” Fosgard said.

Several new technology features debut in the all-new F-150, including 11 available class-exclusives:

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

• Integrated loading ramps provide increased ease in loading larger equipment. 

• 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.

• The use of LED headlamps and tail lamps provide enhanced nighttime visibility.

• Trailer hitch assist adds a new rear-view camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help a driver line up a truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle.

• The remote tailgate allows for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked, and released with the key fob.

New Engine Options & Power
The all-new F-150 lineup includes four engine options to meet fleet needs, including an all-new engine option.

The 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 with standard Auto Start-Stop is an all-new engine design, which produces 325 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.7L EcoBoost 4x2 has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds. According to Ford, this is ideal for meeting mid-range capability requirements and the needs of more than 90 percent of light-duty truck customers.

The twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers a V-8-like 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 365 hp to enable towing of up to 12,200 pounds. It features a maximum payload rating of 3,180 pounds.

The 5.0L V-8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing delivers 385 hp and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. New enhancements, including a new long-runner intake manifold, revised intake cam duration, and new pulse-separated exhaust manifolds help raise towing capability by 1,100 pounds to a maximum 11,100 pounds, and payload to 3,300 pounds.

Finally, the fourth available engine is a 3.5L V-6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing, which produces 283 hp and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a maximum payload of 1,910 pounds and maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds.

Additionally, the F-150 features an electronic 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode or a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with progressive range select. The 2015 model is also available in five trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum.

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