AutoWeek: Ford Atlas Pickup Is Most Significant Vehicle at NAIAS

And so it begins: Even with the start of retail production nowhere in sight, the all-new Ford F-150—in the form of the Ford Atlas Concept—already has won its first major industry award. The next iteration of the best-selling vehicle in America was named the Most Significant Vehicle of the North American International Auto Show by AutoWeek, with Bob Gritzinger—the publication’s executive editor—saying that: “The Atlas Concept is clearly Most Significant winner for the things you don’t see, like hidden aerodynamic improvements and weight savings from high-strength steel and interior parts, like thinner seats.

“Those things add up to significant fuel savings for pickup trucks down the road. A next-generation EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop technology also signals why Atlas is a real game changer.”

More specifically, the Atlas also shoulders new content like:

• Hidden cargo ramps
• Active aero shutters for both the grille and wheels
• The next advance in tailgate-step technology, with a new system that doubles as a bed extender for carrying longer cargo
• Trailer Backup Assist, which leverages a rearview camera system to simplify hooking up trailers
• Detailed design touches such as in-bed LED cargo lights
• The Blue Oval’s cutting-edge SYNC with MyFord Touch system

“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the Ford Atlas Concept,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “This award from Autoweek—plus overwhelming positive reaction from news media and across social channels alike—confirms Ford is the recognized thought leader in trucks, in addition to our position as truck sales leader for 36 years.”