Ford took top honors this year by winning the Fleet Car and Truck of the Year awards with the 2011 Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid and 2011 Ford F-150 pickup.

Sponsored by Automotive Fleet and Business Fleet magazines, the award is given annually and voted on by fleet professionals. Qualified fleet professionals cast their votes online for one car and truck out of 74 cars and 13 light-duty truck nominees, representing all of the major domestic and import-badged vehicles.

Fusion and Fusion Hybrid Combine Efficiency and Performance

The Ford Fusion's all six-speed transmission lineup is available with I-4 and V-6 engine choices and a Hybrid model and Sport version.

New features for 2011 include MyKey, available rain-sensing wipers and HD radio. Integrated blind-spot mirrors have been added to cars without the optional Blind Spot Information System. Ford SYNC communications and infotainment system can now be integrated with the available touchscreen voice-activated navigation system. 

The 2011 Fusion's fuel-efficient powertrain lineup includes a 2.5L I-4 engine that achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway with 175 hp and 172 ft.-lb. of torque. The I-4 engine is available with manual or automatic transmission.

The Duratec 30 3.0L V-6 engine produces 240 hp and 222 ft.-lb. of torque and is flex-fuel capable. The engine can produce up to 250 hp when using E-85 fuel.

The Fusion Sport features a 3.5L V-6 engine that offers 263 hp and 249 ft.-lb. of torque with regular unleaded fuel. New for 2011, I-4 automatic models are available with SelectShift manual gear control. Select-
Shift comes standard with both of the V-6 engines.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, with a city driving range of more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas. Its 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels and eco-friendly seat fabric made from postindustrial 100-percent recycled materials help differentiate it from its gas-powered sibling.[PAGEBREAK]

2011 F-150 offers Capacity and Durability

The 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 Ford. 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.

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. EPAS only draws power when needed, as opposed to hydraulic systems, which run continuously off the engine, decreasing fuel economy. 

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.