Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford’s Atlas Concept Pickup Truck Shows Future Direction of Automaker’s Products

The Atlas Concept features a mix of technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and the vehicle’s overall functionality.

by Staff
January 15, 2013
Ford’s Atlas Concept Pickup Truck Shows Future Direction of Automaker’s Products

The Ford Atlas Concept is designed to show new technologies the automaker is developing for use in its pickup truck products.

3 min to read


The Ford Atlas Concept is designed to show new technologies the automaker is developing for use in its pickup truck products.

Ford unveiled a new pickup truck concept, the Atlas, which the automaker says showcases design ideas and new technologies that “will define” Ford’s future pickups.

Ad Loading...
Ad Loading...

“The Ford Atlas Concept previews the innovations that will transform what people expect from their pickup,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “With 36 years as America’s best-selling pickup, we are absolutely committed to setting the agenda in the truck market.”

The Atlas Concept features a mix of technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and the vehicle’s overall functionality. Starting with fuel economy, the Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost powertrain that integrates auto-start-stop functionality designed to work in a pickup truck. The system in the Atlas Concept shuts off the engine when the truck is stopped on the road but can detect when the vehicle is towing so it can turn the feature off.

The next-generation EcoBoost engine uses gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to improve fuel efficiency by up to 20% and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% when compared with larger displacement engines, Ford said.

Beyond the next-gen EcoBoost engine, the Atlas features a number of other technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency. They include Active Grille Shutters, which open and close depending on the vehicle’s speed in order to improve aerodynamics but provide cooling when needed; Active Wheel Shutters, which close at highway speeds to further improve aerodynamics; a Drop-Down Front Air Dam, which is a spoiler that lowers at highway speeds to improve airflow under the vehicle but raises at low speeds to provide extra ground clearance; and Power Running Boards, which auto deploy to help passengers get into the vehicle but retract when the vehicle is in motion to further improve aerodynamics and ground clearance. Ford said that when combined, these features can save more than 2 mpg on the highway without affecting towing or hauling capabilities.

The truck’s interior features lightweight seating in leather that provide added legroom for rear-seat passengers and storage for small items.

Ad Loading...

The Atlas Concept shows other features designed to improve a pickup’s functionality as a work truck. Ford added multiple tie-down points to the cargo box and load floor, and installed 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box for charging power tools. The truck also features an integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable (and removable) ramps that stow below the cargo box.

For better visibility when working at night, the truck’s cargo box has integrated LED lights that don’t use as much energy as standard headlights or plug-in lights.

In the back of the truck, the tailgate can act as a cargo cradle by lifting and holding extra-long items above the truck, which frees up space in the bed. The truck also comes with what Ford calls a “Dynamic Hitch Assist,” which helps line up the truck’s hitch with a trailer coupling. For improved lighting, the truck comes with LED headlamps and taillamps.

To improve backing safety, Ford has created a new feature called Backup Assist, which allows a driver to back a trailer automatically. The truck also features a new 360-degree camera, which gives a driver a bird’s eye view of the truck in order to help him or her position the vehicle.

More Operations

A transparent blue background of a hand stamping a paper is the background of text that says "What about fleet policy exceptions?" with the Automotive Fleet logo in the bottom right corner.
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 20, 2026

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy

Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.

Read More →
A hand writing on an ipad with a transparent AI graphic over it
Operations•October 20, 2026

AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?

Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.

Read More →
Chevin 2026 Buyes Guide cover
Sponsored•October 14, 2026

A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027

Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead image of a freeway system with no vehicles
Sponsored•by Shelley Mika•October 13, 2026

What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?

EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.

Read More →
A Cox Fleet technician working on the left with the rear view of a military man saluting a flag on the right
Operations•October 8, 2026

How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles

Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.

Read More →
A transparent toll background with the Automotive Fleet logo and Neology logo on top.
Operations•October 5, 2026

Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands

Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
wedding album, car, and car keys
Operations•by Chris Brown•October 2, 2026

Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026

Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.

Read More →
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 2, 2026

The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap

Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.

Read More →
blue text over top of the top view of cars in a parking lot
Operations•by Faith Howell•October 1, 2026

How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding

What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Motorq Whitepaper Cover - Fleet Managers Ultimate Playbook
Sponsored•October 1, 2026

Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity

Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.

Read More →